European positive logos presented at Obesity Summit

June 2th, 2016

The European Obesity summit takes place this week in Gothenburg (Sweden). At the first day of the conference the three European positive front-of-pack logo organisations – Keyhole, Heart logo and Choices – presented themselves during a joint side session. This session was attended by more than 50 people, who responded positively on the fact that the positive labelling organisations had already such a strong position in Europe, with 12 countries implementing a positive FOP scheme. A great opportunity to join forces and stress the importance of consumer friendly labelling. Joao Breda, European WHO director Food and Nutrition, acknowledged the importance of our efforts during his presentation. Consumer-friendly front-of-pack labelling is one of the priority policy actions in the new WHO Euoropean Food and Nutrition Action Plan. Mr. Breda made a strong plea for interpretive front-of-pack labelling to help consumers, and not in the least those with low income / low education, to make healthier choices. “Front-of-pack labelling is a must for public health. Those who dispute this, do that for other than health reasons”.

Dr. Ellen van Kleef from Wageningen UR and member of the CLYMBOL consortium showed the audience that more and more studies are available that show some positive effects of FOP labelling on consumer knowledge or behaviour. All in all a positive session about positive logos!