Retail Body Responds To Food Agency's Label Ideas

Responding to the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) consultation on pack labelling schemes, British Retail Consotrium (BRC) said that the BRC is committed to work with consumers and the industry.

Responding to the UK's Food Standards Authority (FSA) consultation on pack labelling schemes, British Retail Consotrium (BRC) said that the BRC is committed to work with consumers and the industry.

BRC director general, Dr Kevin Hawkins commented: "Retailers recognise their responsibilities when it comes to food labelling and the sector has been working with industry stakeholders for some time to determine what information impacts buying decisions.

Many retailers have also taken the initiative to trial or introduce new labelling schemes based on extensive consumer research.

We are committed to finding the most effective ways to communicate with customers and all retailers will consider the FSA consultation carefully within the context of their existing work." And Hawkins continued: "We want to help consumers make informed choices on enjoying a healthy and balanced diet and have used GDA's on the back of packs for some time to put nutritional information in a simple format for customers and in to a context that is relevant to them.

However, the BRC still feels that information for consumers is only one part of the equation.

"Government needs to also ensure all consumers are educated about healthy lifestyles - including clear advice about the contribution that all foods make to a healthy diet as well as the importance of physical activity.".

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