Red and Yellow and.... - Traffic Light Labelling
So, what’s it all about?
In 2007, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that nutritional information on food items be made clearer and easier to understand. An “at a glance” guide on the front of the packet would make it easier for consumers to differentiate between too similar products and it was hoped this would lead to healthier choices being made.
Ok, that sounds good - how does it work?
After much research and consultation the FSA launched the “Traffic Light” labelling as their preferred system. The label would list how much of a key nutrient is in a particular food item and then give it an identifying colour to indicate how high the level was of each nutrient as well as indicating portion size.
Is it a popular move?
Backed by the British Medical Association, independent consumer watchdog Which?, a number of UK charities and online parent networking site Netmums, the new labelling system was hailed as being the a positive step forward after many years of campaigning for clearer labelling. Initial trials with the British public also seemed to show that it was easy to use.
But what exactly are they on?
The FSA has recommended that the labeling appear on processed convenience food such as ready meals, pizzas, pre-packed sandwiches, breakfast cereals, sausages and burgers.
Ah, I get you - so who’s using them?
Several of the big UK supermarkets and food manufacturers have already began using the scheme on their product range.
Although the design varies slightly from packet to packet the basic principle of Red Amber Green remains consistent.
In 2007, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that nutritional information on food items be made clearer and easier to understand. An “at a glance” guide on the front of the packet would make it easier for consumers to differentiate between too similar products and it was hoped this would lead to healthier choices being made.
Ok, that sounds good - how does it work?
After much research and consultation the FSA launched the “Traffic Light” labelling as their preferred system. The label would list how much of a key nutrient is in a particular food item and then give it an identifying colour to indicate how high the level was of each nutrient as well as indicating portion size.
Is it a popular move?
Backed by the British Medical Association, independent consumer watchdog Which?, a number of UK charities and online parent networking site Netmums, the new labelling system was hailed as being the a positive step forward after many years of campaigning for clearer labelling. Initial trials with the British public also seemed to show that it was easy to use.
But what exactly are they on?
The FSA has recommended that the labeling appear on processed convenience food such as ready meals, pizzas, pre-packed sandwiches, breakfast cereals, sausages and burgers.
Ah, I get you - so who’s using them?
Several of the big UK supermarkets and food manufacturers have already began using the scheme on their product range.
Although the design varies slightly from packet to packet the basic principle of Red Amber Green remains consistent.
Hang on, what about the other big chains?
Not all the big supermarkets and manufacturers have chosen to adopt this apparently simple scheme. A coalition of around twenty one food manufacturers and supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrison and Somerfield, have chosen to adopt a front of packet scheme based on Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA).
Ok, but why?
They argue that their research shows that customers find the GDA system, which shows the calories and key nutrients as a percentage of your daily intake, is easy to use and are already starting to make healthier choices.
Well, I would think twice about buying something that was labelled “red”
This is the crux of the argument. The GDA coalition asserts that labelling products red would lead to customers shunning them. They have been criticised for caring more about sales than consumer health.
Surely the whole purpose is to make consumers more aware of nutrition and therefore lead to them making more informed and, hopefully, healthier choices. If consumers stop buying certain products due to their unhealthy attributes then it is up to the manufacturers to start making healthier options available. This, along with the drive for more local and organic produce, less packaging waste and more ethically sourced and fair trade imports, could lead to a total consumer revolution!
Now you’re just getting carried away…
Sorry. Where were we?
So are they breaking any rules not sticking to the Traffic Lights?
Which format is used is currently up to the manufacturer and the traffic light system is only a voluntary scheme. Due to the obvious benefits of each design many supermarkets and retailers have gone so far as to use both systems. Despite the lack of consistency, labelling has definitely improved and is a lot clearer and easier to understand than before. However, if the FSA feels so strongly about the benefits of it’s system then it may need to get tough and introduce an industry-wide standard to truly see the benefits.
Will this happen?
No one can be sure. Anything which leads to consumers having a greater choice, being better informed about their food and taking more personal responsibility for their and their family’s well-being can only be a positive thing.
What can I do to be healthier?
Cooking a simple, balanced meal from scratch is the easiest way to know exactly what is in going into your food. If you do buy convenience food, take time to read the front of packet labelling and try to avoid eating “red” items too often. If there is a choice then try and choose the healthier item. It’s ok to treat yourself every so often but only if you are eating a balanced diet in the main.
First published in "Eat Derby" Magazine (Issue 1), 2008
Photograph: Lee Pullen
For more information on food labelling visit http://www.food.gov.uk/foodlabelling/
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