The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) has issued a white paper studying British opinions on food labelling.
Its research highlights several challenges, including the complexity of nutritional information, a need for standardised sustainability information and the varying comprehension levels across different age groups.
Put simply, packaging can be confusing and not everyone understands it.
“The NSF’s research underscores the critical role of food labelling in shaping consumer choices and promoting public health in the UK,” said Katie Glover, EMEA manager, regulatory affairs and trading law at NSF. “As consumer demands evolve, there’s a clear need for the food industry to adapt and provide more transparent, accessible and reliable labelling practices.”
The key findings from the report showed that consumer engagement with labels is growing, with over three quarters of shoppers saying they read them. However, their priorities are evolving, with many deeming processing and allergen information as the most important elements.
In addition, only 36% of shoppers say they understand the labels on food, and only 29% of UK adults believe current labels address issues of sustainability.
“By prioritising clarity, standardisation, and transparency in food labelling, we can empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their food choices,” added Glover. “This not only contributes to better public health outcomes but also fosters a more sustainable food system and builds greater trust between food manufacturers and the British public.”
Clearer labelling also presents a win-win situation for businesses and consumers. Consumers can make more informed choices about their diet and overall well-being - particularly important given the current health challenges we face, with diet-related risks being the second-largest contributor to years of life lost in the UK.
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