NEW FOOD LABELLING WILL HELP FIGHT OBESITY EPIDEMIC

12.00.00am GMT Tue 5th Feb 2008

Europe's growing obesity problem can be slowed with the help of the new stricter food labelling rules proposed by the European Commission, according to a local Euro-MP.

Liz Lynne MEP was however quick to stress that this would not mean telling consumers what to eat, but a proposed European label standard which would help people to make informed choices about their diet and compare products more directly and easily.

Liz Lynne, who is Liberal Democrat Agriculture Spokesperson in the European Parliament and has often campaigned on public health issues, said:

"Some nutritional information on food is already given but different firms use different systems and it makes it hard for consumers to make quick dietary choices while doing the weekly shop.

"A standard clear labelling system on the front of packaging would better inform people about which foods are healthy and which are best left as occasional treats.

"If these proposals become law, 500 million consumers from Birmingham to Bucharest will have better information at their fingertips on how to eat healthily and avoid the creeping obesity problem we all face."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The proposals will require the agreement of MEPs and the health ministers of the 27-nation bloc before coming into force.

Main points of the proposals include: compulsory information on sugar, salt, fat, saturates and energy content and recommended daily amount and a minimum letter size for this information.

Most alcoholic drinks would be given a general derogation but could be included after further consultation.

No obligatory 'made in EU' label would be introduced.