Responding to the Department of Health’s announcement today of a consistent front of pack traffic light labelling scheme, Charlie Powell, Director of the Children’s Food Campaign said:
“It’s taken many years of hard campaigning, but the Children’s Food Campaign is delighted at long last to be able to welcome the launch of a consistent and authoritative traffic light labelling scheme.”
“We are pleased that some food manufacturers have signed up to the scheme and we urge them to implement it for all their products as soon as possible. There are now no excuses – all food companies should follow suit and the Government should name and shame any which drag their feet.”
“Although this is a good step in the right direction, there is much more to do to reduce the food industry’s contribution to our obesity epidemic. Government should also protect children from junk food marketing so that the today’s youngsters grow up eating and living healthier.”
“Meanwhile, Government needs to launch a public awareness campaign to help shoppers use traffic light labelling to make healthier dietary choices for themselves and their families”.
Ends
For further information and interviews, please contact Charlie Powell on 0203 5596 777 or 07817 746786 or charlie@sustainweb.org
Notes
1. The Department of Health published details of the final design of its recommended consistent nutritional labelling system on Wednesday 19th June 2013. See the Department of Health website for details.
2. In August 2012, the Children’s Food Campaign joined the British Heart Foundation and over 30 professional bodies, major charities and health campaigns, to submit a joint response to a Department of Health front-of-pack labelling consultation. Read our joint response and find more information about clear labelling here: www.sustainweb.org/childrensfoodcampaign/clear_food_labelling/
3. The Children’s Food Campaign aims to improve young people’s health and well-being through better food – and food teaching – in schools and by protecting children from junk food marketing. We are supported by over 150 national organisations and co-ordinated by Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming. For more information see: www.childrensfood.org.uk
Children's Food Campaign: Campaigning for policy changes so that all children can easily eat sustainable and healthy food.
