Food labelling should be more simple

August 15th, 2014

In a recent article in the International Journal on Obesity (2014) Roberto and Khandpur discuss how accurate and easy-to-understand nutrition labelling can contribute to  preventing obesity and changing poor diets. Its relevance lies in the fact that even small changes in energy or nutrient intake can lead to meaningful changes on a population level.  

While numerical nutrition labelling (nutrition panel, GDA) often appears to be too difficult, front-of-pack labelling systems seem to be especially promising because it can ‘nudge’ consumers towards more healthy choices while at the same time ‘nudge’ the food industry to reformulate their products into more healthier options. According to the researchers, data about the Choices logo in the Netherlands underpin this theory, showing that the introduction of the symbol encouraged reformulation of food products and the introduction of healthier foods and beverages.

The article concludes with a recommendation for the future of front-of-pack labelling. This future should entail uniform labelling symbols, which can offer important opportunities to educate people about the nutritional content of their food and which motivates consumers to make healthier choices. Improvement in food labels should be focused on three aspects: to better capture consumer attention, to reduce complexity and to convey numerical nutrition information in more simple and meaningful ways. It has been Choices’ main goal from the beginning to develop such an improved labeling system and put it in practice. 

Source: Roberto CA and Khandpur N (2014) Improving the design of nutrition labels to promote healthier food choices and reasonable portion sizes. International Journal of Obesity 38, S25–S33.

‘Growth through change’ at the CGF Global Summit 2014

June 26th, 2014

From 18-20 June the Consumer Goods Forum Global Summit 2014 was held in Paris. As a member of the CGF, Choices attended the summit. The 58th edition of this event, that attracts CEOs and top level executives from all big companies in the consumer goods business, was themed ‘Growth through change’. The key issue of the summit was confidence, from public opinion and stakeholders, as well as from consumers. Targeted action is needed to regain trust in the industry. Furthermore, as we live in a time with fast disruptive changes, especially with the explosion of the internet, it is very challenging to find answers.

The CGF strategy focuses on four pillars: Sustainability, Product Safety, End-to-End Value Chain & Standards and Health & Wellness. In the opening ceremony, Dick Boer (Ahold) and Paul Bulcke (Nestlé) shared the specific commitments that were decided on by the board: among others, they are committed to make policies on nutrition and product reformulation public; lead industry-wide implementation of consistent product labelling and stop marketing to children (with exception from healthy products). 

Second European logo round table

June 18th, 2014

On the 22nd of May 2014, eight European organisations working with positive front of pack logos met informally in Copenhagen at the premises of the WHO Europe. Keyhole Norway, Keyhole Denmark, Keyhole Sweden, Choices Poland, Choices Czech Republic, Choices Netherlands, The Finnish Heart Foundation and the Choices International Foundation updated each other about developments since the previous round table in 2012. They exchanged information on criteria revision, discussed the studies and scientific evidence about the impact of their systems and talked about attracting new participating companies. The exchange of communication plans and materials showed the importance of ongoing consumer education for healthy eating habits and logo awareness.