Nutrition Labelling: Putting the Consumer First

Abstract

The EC Nutrition Labelling Rules Directive has lost sight of the primary consumer need, which is to provide information in a way that the consumer can understand and act on. Recent research shows that the official format is confusing, and can be positively misleading. As a minimum improvement, some form of “verbal banding” is required to help consumers choose between foods on the basis of their contribution to a healthy diet. Suggests, however, that the EC Labelling Rules really are too complicated, and should be replaced with a simple system giving calories and fat per serving, supported by an education programme which informs consumers what their minimum fat intake should be, related to their target energy intake.

Citation

Shannon, B. (1994), "Nutrition Labelling: Putting the Consumer First", British Food Journal, Vol. 96 No. 4, pp. 40-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070709410061087