Food Labelling

Food Labelling

Food Labelling

The British nutrition foundation (2008) defines food labelling as information is provided on packaging of food products to help consumers choose between different foods, brands and flavours. Food Labels are a useful source of information, placed primarily to protect the consumer. According to the FSA website, consumers should be able to be confident with their choice of foods and be able to buy according to their particular requirements, be it for diet and health, personal taste and preferences, or cost. They want to be able to make comparisons with similar products, knowing the information on the label is correct. The FSA state that consumers have a right to expect that the food bought matches the description given on the label and that they get what they pay for and they are right. As the UK is part of the European Union (EU), the laws regarding food labelling are based on EU community legislation. In addition, there is a legal requirement for much of the information that must be provided. Some of this information includes the, name of the food, list of ingredients ,the quantity of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients, the appropriate durability indication, any special storage conditions or conditions of use, the name and address of the manufacturer or packer, or a seller established with the EC; and, where necessary, particulars of the place of origin if necessary to avoid misleading the purchaser to a material degree, additional requirements, instructions for use if necessary. This legislation is going to be streamlined with changes expected by 2010.

THE PROBLEM WITH FOOD LABELLING TODAY

According to a report by the BBC (FEB 2004), Pressure is growing for clearer labelling and greater honesty about the ingredients in food and drink. The head of the new European Food Safety Authority has called for a ban on claims that foods high in salt, sugar and fat are healthy.

Another problem was the fact that food makers were...

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