UK-Government consults on nutrition labelling

October 5th, 2012

Approximately eighty percent of products within the British food industry carry a form of front-of-pack nutrition labelling. However, as many different systems are being applied, this is very confusing for consumers looking for truly healthier products. The British Government has therefore decided that this needs to change.

In this light, the UK Government recently consulted stakeholders on the pros and cons associated with different methods, with the aim of moving towards a single, front-of-pack labelling system. The Choices Programme had the opportunity to fill in a consultation form, in which it highlighted the benefits of a voluntary, positive front-of-pack logo. The aim of Choices was to show that a simple front of pack logo can be a positive, effective and feasible solution to encourage the development of healthy products, and to help consumers to more easily select healthier products. 

Mintel links Dutch salt reduction success to Choices

October 5th, 2012

In The Netherlands, 9% of all new food products introduced in 2011 carried a low sodium, no sodium or reduced sodium claim, representing a substantially higher percentage than in other key European markets such as the UK (3%) and France (2%). This information was put forward by Mintel – a market research agency, based on data from its Global New Products Database (GNPD).

“The Netherlands has a higher percentage mainly as a result of the Choices Programme which features on-pack logos to indicate new or reformulated products that are low in sugar, sodium and saturated fat” explained Chris Brockman, Global Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel.

According to Mintel’s data , products bearing sodium claims have decreased in recent years. Indeed, product launches of foods with low/no/reduced sodium claims declined 5% over the 2010/2011 period, appearing on just 2% of all food launches in 2011.

Cooperation with accredited laboratory

October 5th, 2012

All companies that seek to obtain the Choices logo on their products in the Czech Republic must go through an analysis of their nutritional composition. They can do so through the accredited laboratory Bureau VERITAS CZECH REPUBLIC. It is part of the international Bureau Veritas Group, which is a leader in market certification and comprehensive services in the areas of quality, hygiene, health and safety at work, and environmental and social responsibility. The Czech branch, with its accredited laboratory, has been active in the Czech Republic for more than 100 years. Its main services include inspection of food and agricultural commodities, testing and laboratory analysis and product certification. Bureau Veritas operates in 140 countries worldwide, with a network of 900 offices and laboratories.