Agency publishes proposals for better labels

The Agency has today published a paper, which will be discussed at an open Board meeting next week, setting out proposals for front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling. The Agency is proposing a flexible approach to implementing a single front-of-pack label to help consumers make healthier choices when they buy food.

In March 2006 the Agency recommended a set of principles for FOP labelling that would help consumers easily understand the levels of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars in food products. Currently, the majority of UK food manufacturers and retailers are voluntarily using FOP schemes.

The various FOP labels being used meet some or all of the Agency’s existing recommendations in how the amount of each nutrient (fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars) is displayed. Some schemes also use colours other than the Agency’s recommended 'traffic lights' or use colours as a design feature simply to highlight the different nutrients: for example, green for fat and yellow for salt.

An independent evaluation of the effectiveness of these schemes was published in May 2009. This robust study found that the co-existence of different FOP labels confused consumers. It concluded that the words ‘high, medium and low’ were understood best, and combining this text with traffic light colours and percentage Guideline Daily Amounts (% GDAs) would enable more people to make healthier choices easily. However, consumers in 'citizens’ forums' subsequently run by the Agency, particularly liked traffic light colours as an 'at a glance' cue. In the light of this evidence, together with feedback from a public consultation, the Agency has developed proposals to implement a single approach to FOP labelling.

The Board paper proposes that the way information about the amount of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars in a product is presented should use three elements: traffic light colours, text and % GDAs. Some companies are already using this approach whereas others are using FOP schemes that provide some of these elements. To assist the transition to this single approach, some flexibility has been included within the proposals, which allow a minimum of two elements be used initially.

Tim Smith, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive, 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. 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 Board will discuss these proposals at its open meeting on 10 March in Cardiff. Following the Board’s decision, the Agency will then formally submit its recommendations on FOP to Health Ministers.