Food labels should be clear and easy to understand (Enfield Liberal Democrats)

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

Food labels should be clear and easy to understand

June 16, 2010 5:00 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The European Parliament today voted for stricter pan-EU food labelling including a "country of provenance" label for meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables. But MEPs rejected a proposal for a 'traffic light' nutritional labelling system and voted to exclude alcohol from labelling requirements.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford commented:

"These new labels will ensure transparency in our food supply and allow people to make an informed choice about the food they buy."

"Whether you are concerned about quality, ethics, or food miles, the right to know and choose should be yours."

"I strongly support the tightening of origin labelling rules. It's ludicrous that producers can get away with just packing Danish sausages in Britain and calling them 'British'."

"But the failure of MEPs to support a red-amber-green 'traffic lights' label for processed food is a missed opportunity for busy shoppers. London consumers deserve an at-glance guide on a pack so they can take a closer look at the fine print for salt, sugar, fat etc if they want."

"It's a shame that MEPs exempted alcohol from labelling requirements, not only because West Country cider and Scotch whisky are a matter of regional and national pride, but also because diabetics and dieters need to know calories and carbohydrates."

ENDS

Note to Editors

The Food Information to Consumers report was today passed by a majority of MEPs. It will now go to the Council of Ministers for their approval.