Calls for clearer labelling for the consumer
indicates how food labels could be made clearer, more informative
and more user-friendly.
A new independent report published by the UK Food Standards Agency indicates how food labels could be made clearer, more informative and more user-friendly.
The report from the Taskforce on Clear Labelling recommends that more of the label should be given over to the information required by law to be there.
The taskforce was made up of independent experts, including representatives from the Plain English Campaign, consumer groups, the Basic Skills Agency and the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
The group identified three areas of difficulty - finding information, reading it and understanding how to use it - and recommended steps to tackle each of these issues.
The taskforce advised that information that consumers need to make informed purchase decisions and use food safely together should be on any single face of the pack and in a recognisable border, or in the same field of vision on the pack. The report stressed that 'signposting' (directing consumers to look elsewhere on the label for information) should only be used where absolutely necessary.
Other recommendations for manufacturers include not giving health marks or lot marks unnecessary prominence or emphasis, as this may tend to mislead, for example as to the origin of the food. Essential information must not be hidden, obscured or interrupted.
Recommendations for nutrition stressed that the law only requires nutrition information when a nutrition claim is made, and that this of increasing interest to consumers. According to the group, some consumers find the format prescribed in law for both voluntary and compulsory labelling difficult to use and the taskforce has discussed ideas for improved formats and recommended that they be consumer tested. In the meantime, it recommended that manufacturers follow the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) advice on ways of improving the presentation of this information within the current rules.
More information on the report can be found on the FSA website.
