Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12765

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Watson R.
European Commission opts against traffic light system for food labelling
BMJ 2008 Feb 9; 336:(7639):296
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/336/7639/296-a?etoc

Abstract:

The European Commission has tabled EU-wide legislation that will require all prepacked food to display key health and nutritional information clearly on the front of the package. However, a “traffic light” system of red, amber, or green labelling will not be adopted.

The proposal, which must now be approved by European Union governments and the European parliament, is part of the commission’s antiobesity strategy. It is also designed to update rules on food labelling first introduced 30 years ago.

Presenting the initiative, Markos Kyprianou, the European commissioner for health, said that food labels could have a big influence on consumers’ purchasing decisions. The proposal, he said, “aims to ensure that food labels carry the essential information in a clear and legible way, so that EU citizens are empowered to make balanced dietary choices.”

Mr Kyprianou said he had rejected the traffic light method of labelling, used by some UK retailers . .