'Traffic signals' food warning move

Oct 24 2012

Pre-packaged food sold in Scotland should carry traffic signal warnings indicating its health impacts, a minister has suggested.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson wants the red-amber-green guide to be displayed alongside information about guideline daily amounts, to illustrate levels of sugar, fat, saturated fat, salt and energy.

A consultation on the initiative ran from May to August this year led by the Food Standards Agency and it could be implemented across the UK next year.

Mr Matheson said: "This new format will make it easier for us all to keep track of what we eat and choose healthier products. We have fought long and hard in the interests of our consumers, and consistent labelling is the best outcome possible.

"I commend the major retailers who have come on board, moving towards consistency on our supermarket shelves.

"We have already introduced a range of measures to improve diet, including spending over £2.5 million this year and next on projects to encourage healthy eating, from community initiatives in deprived areas to the HealthyLiving Award, designed to promote healthy eating choices in catering settings."

The minister said he is in discussion with manufacturers, retailers and caterers about further action that can be taken to encourage more healthy eating.

He added: "Consistent nutritional labelling across the UK is a vital step forwards to improving the health of the nation."