The UK’s Food Standards Agency today (5 March) put forward plans for a “flexible” front-of-pack labelling scheme that would include text, traffic lights and Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs).
Nutritional labelling has long been a topic of fierce debate in the UK, with manufacturers, and the country’s largest retailer, Tesco, backing a GDA system, while other retailers favour “traffic lights” or a combination approach.
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However, amid concern that different labels cause confusion for shoppers, in May the FSA put forward a proposal for a hybrid scheme that would combine the words ‘high, medium, and low’ with traffic light colours and GDA amounts in percentage terms.
Today, the FSA, after consulting with industry and consumers, formalised its proposals, with a 177-page document outlining recommendations that include keeping the hybrid system – and presenting portion size “in an easily identifiable way”.
The FSA proposals, which only pave the way for voluntary action by the industry and do not bind manufacturers or retailers, would recommend that traffic lights would be the only colours used on packaging.
Some current schemes use colours as a “design feature” simply to highlight the different nutrients: for example, green for fat and yellow for salt, the FSA explained.
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By GlobalDataChief executive Tim Smith said: “This approach is all about what consumers have told us they want. Independent research and citizens’ forums told us that people were confused and wanted a single approach developed by government.”
However, he added: “We also appreciate and understand that food businesses are starting from different positions. Our proposals respond to what consumers want but also provide some flexibility for business.”
The FSA’s board is set to discuss these proposals at a meeting next week. Following the board’s decision, the FSA will then formally submit its recommendations to Health Ministers.
