Food products labelled as “suitable for diabetics” are overpriced and of no benefit to people with diabetes, according to the UK food watchdog Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Diabetes UK.
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In a joint statement, the two organisations have called for an end to the use of such terms on food labels.
FSA chairman Sir John Krebs commented: “Labelling confectionery and biscuits as ‘suitable for diabetics’ undermines advice to people with diabetes to eat a healthy diet, high in carbohydrates like cereals, pasta, rice and bread, including fruit and vegetables, but low in fat.
“We are joining forces to promote this message and discourage industry from labelling foods as ‘diabetic’.”
Suzanne Lucas, director of care at Diabetes UK, added: “Many people with diabetes and their families believe that ‘diabetic’ foods are beneficial or even essential. This is simply not the case.
“People with diabetes should eat a normal healthy balanced diet, the same as anybody else. This can include a biscuit or some normal chocolate as long as it is done in moderation.”
In the UK, there are currently 1.4 million people diagnosed with diabetes. A further million are believed to have the condition but are not yet aware of it.
