Government to force grocers to simplify food labelling

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has commissioned a review of food labelling, which is a controversial issue for the big grocers that have adopted different versions.

Today in Parliament, Health Secretary Alan Johnson was expected to say: "We know that clear, simple front of pack labelling helps consumers make healthier choices and makes a positive contribution to a healthy diet, which is essential if we are to turn the tide on rising levels of obesity.

“That is why I am determined that we must see the adoption of a single labelling system based on the best available evidence. This year, the Food Standards Agency, with the co-operation of the major retailers and producers, has commissioned an independent evaluation of existing food-labelling schemes. It will look carefully at the evidence, at customer preferences and effectiveness in changing behaviour and it will make recommendations about the best system to support us in making healthy choices.”

Tesco has refused to support the FSA-backed traffic light system, fearing that consumers will shun food with red labels for salt, sugar or fat. The UK’s largest grocer claims its guideline daily amounts labelling is more informative for customers.

Sainsbury’s uses a traffic light system, while Asda and Waitrose back a hybrid system.