Warning over food labeling system

A NEW labelling system for food is in danger of telling consumers a product is good for them when in fact it has too much salt, or sugar or fat, BEUC, the European consumers’ body, warns.

They say that because of pressure from the powerful food industry, unhealthy items could end up being labelled with messages telling consumers it is good for their heart, or a good source of calcium.

The new regulation being finalised by the EU was supposed to ensure that food and drink producers could not make claims that were not true.

But thanks to lobbying from German bakers for example, their traditional black rye bread, which is high in salt, can be labelled as being “high in fibre” — and ignore high salt content.

Similar claims could be made for certain cheeses saying they are “a good source of calcium” for instance and omitting to warn that they are high in sodium and saturated fat.

“It is essential that health and nutrition claims are made only when there is strong, clear and scientifically sound evidence in their support. We are not asking for any food products to be banned, but for claims to be removed from products where they mislead consumers as to the overall healthiness of the food,” said Monique Goyens, director general of BEUC.

She said it was a shame there was a danger that the proposed new system would promote unhealthy food by allowing descriptions that did not take into account the full facts.

The European Commission is defining the nutrient profiles for food and it is essential that these are meaningful and honest, Ms Goyens said.

Already, she said, the commission has watered down the draft proposal on nutrient profiles to the point where they are almost meaningless.

A whole list of single ingredient foods will be exempt from such profiles, including meat, fish, milk and eggs.

“To make matters worse a whole list of what are considered traditional foods may be allowed higher thresholds of saturated fat, sodium and sugar and still be labelled as being good for you,” Ms Goyens said.

Member state experts are due to vote on the proposals later this month. BEUC says that consumers’ health must be uppermost in their minds when they are considering the issue.