The new EU Food Information Regulation 1169/2011 allows for the
continuation of voluntary front of pack ("FoP")
labelling. The UK's Department of Health ("DoH")
acknowledges that this information is currently provided by
companies on a voluntary basis but states that differences in
nutrients, the basis for colour coding and presentation can
undermine consistency and recognition for consumers.
The latest DoH consultation aims to achieve a high level of
agreement across industry and has the twin objectives of:
- maintaining and extending the use of FOP labelling across the
widest possible range of food and drink products;
- achieving the greatest possible consistency in the content and presentation of FOP nutrition labelling, in a form which is clear and most useful to consumers.
A clear consistent approach to voluntary FoP
labelling and recognised health logos etc would clearly be of
benefit to both consumers and industry alike. However, the main
difference of opinion remains between producers who either prefer
information to be presented as Guideline Daily Amounts (%GDA) or
using 'traffic light' (i.e. colour) coding of different
levels of fat, salt and sugar. It is uncertain how this fundamental
difference might be addressed within the UK consultation.
The consultation will run until 6 August 2012 and may be accessed
here.
This article was written for Law-Now, CMS Cameron McKenna's free online information service. To register for Law-Now, please go to www.law-now.com/law-now/mondaq
Law-Now information is for general purposes and guidance only. The information and opinions expressed in all Law-Now articles are not necessarily comprehensive and do not purport to give professional or legal advice. All Law-Now information relates to circumstances prevailing at the date of its original publication and may not have been updated to reflect subsequent developments.
The original publication date for this article was 18/05/2012.
