Summary report on better labelling initiative

Ms Hutt said:

"I welcome the steps which the Food Standards Agency is taking to ensure that food labelling supports consumer choice."

The Better Food Labelling Initiative was launched in England to ascertain what consumers think about food labelling and, in particular, what improvements they would like to see. In April, the Initiative was inherited by the newly established Food Standards Agency.

People were invited to give their opinions and ideas by a leaflet which was distributed through consumer interest groups, public libraries and supermarkets, and, on March 2nd, an Open Forum on the subject was held.

The responses received can be distilled into seven categories which have been identified for action:

Ingredient listing
Country of origin labelling
Production methods
Standardisation of food labels
Date making
Nutrition labelling
Misleading claims and/or information
Now the Food Standards Agency will consider how best to react to these concerns. In Wales, the views of the Food Standards Agency's Advisory Committee will also be sought. Ms Hutt: "I welcome the work that has been done to date, and look forward to what is to come. The Initiative is shaping up to be a major advance in consumer welfare."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Better Food Labelling Initiative was launched by Baroness Hayman on January 21st 2000. The deadline for responses was 20th March. 1278 responses were received; 93% from individuals.

2. A copy of the Executive Summary of the findings is available from the Food Standards Agency Wales at Southgate House, Wood Street, Cardiff, CF10 1EW. Alternatively, you'll be able to find it on this website.

3. For further information, contact Julian Moruzzi at the above address; alternatively, telephone 029 2067 8906 or e-mail julian.moruzzi@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk .

ENDS

1st Floor, Southgate House,
Wood Street,
Cardiff CF10 1EW

Telephone: 029 20 678915
Fax: 029 20 678918/9
Email: kathryn.corcoran@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk