The Local Government Association, which represents more than 370 councils, says the Government should make a single, standard, universal food labelling system mandatory.
In 2013 the Department for Health introduced a voluntary traffic light scheme, which is currently displayed on two thirds of products sold in the UK. Councils, which have responsibility for public health, say steps should now be taken to ensure the traffic light system becomes UK law. It would give consumers at-a-glance information enabling them to make healthy choices.
Shoppers on average take 15 seconds to choose an item in a supermarket. The LGA said that better labelling would help people to take more responsibility for their health, and tackle conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
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Find out more about Sustain's work for a healthy food system here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
