MEPs oppose traffic light food labelling scheme

The Children’s Food Campaign today reacted with disappointment that sufficient MEPs had failed to vote in favour of a traffic light nutrition labelling scheme for food products across Europe, and expressed anger that the vote prevents such schemes at a national level.

Independent research has found that a single front-of-pack labelling scheme incorporating traffic-light colours is the most effective way to enable consumers to see at a glance whether products are high in fat, salt or sugar.

Dr Mike Rayner, Chair of the Children’s Food Campaign said:

"With over half of Europeans and more than 60% of people in the UK now overweight, this outcome is a massive blow for consumers. Traffic light labels have been found to help parents make healthier food choices for their children, so their rejection is yet another set back in the fight against childhood obesity."

Christine Haigh, Children’s Food Campaign Coordinator said:

"Given that the food industry has invested more than €1 billion in a campaign to block traffic light labelling, included television adverts, lunchtime debates with MEPs, and a stand with a "prize draw" inside the European Parliament it is not surprising that profits have triumphed over the continent’s health."