Date Published: 29 September 2008
Update on independent evaluation of nutritional labelling
The Agency welcomes the publication today by an independent expert panel (Project Management Panel) of a paper on front-of-pack nutritional labelling. The paper details the work carried out to-date and the scientific basis for the next stage of the evaluation of this labelling in the UK.
From the research so far it’s clear that consumers welcome, and want, front-of-pack labelling and are frequently using them to inform their choices.
The early qualitative research has helped to inform the methodology for the main quantitative stage of the evaluation, which is about to begin – with the fieldwork due to be completed by the end of the year.
The final independent study, due in spring next year, will provide robust new evidence on how the three types of labelling schemes used in the marketplace are working. It will highlight the elements that are most effective in helping shoppers to make healthier choices. The Agency looks forward to receiving the report once it has been peer reviewed. This will help inform future Government policy decisions on front-of-pack signpost labelling.
The Agency continues to be committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that nutritional labelling is as effective as it can be in terms of helping consumers make healthier choices. A stakeholder meeting will be held on 13 October to begin looking at how the research findings will be translated into policy advice to Government. A 12-week public consultation will follow in spring 2009.
Source: Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK.
