Ready, steady, go for traffic light labels by 2006
Food and drink companies will be expected to display 'traffic light' labelling on products by 2006 under plans by the government.
In its long-awaited White Paper on public health, the government said it would work with the industry to develop a labelling system which made it easier for consumers to see the part played by products in a healthy balanced diet. It wanted the labelling to be in common use by early 2006.
The Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have begun developing the criteria. In one of the options, products will be labelled red, amber or green, with foods which are nutritious but also high in fat, such as cheese, likely to be labelled amber. The aim is to establish a standard by mid-2005. The FSA has also begun consulting on related nutrient profiling.
However, traffic light labelling may not be the answer to the rising problem of obesity, according to grocery think tank the IGD. Only a third of consumers already take notice of food labels which show recommended daily intake allowances for calories and fat.
"Labels cannot change the nation's eating habits," said IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch who supported a standard. "To be successful, labels must be consistent across the industry, they must be clear and simple and most of all they must not mislead."
The White Paper prompted Howard McEvoy, president of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), to accuse the government of "political posturing" on diet and nutrition issues.
At the BFFF's annual lunch, McEvoy encouraged his members "to be proactive in the development of healthier frozen food choices", but said the BFFF would "not be bullied into making promises" by politicians.
