Tesco Unveils Diet-friendly Labeling Systems
LONDON - UK supermarket chain Tesco has announced two new food-labeling systems to help customers make informed choices over the products they buy.
Beginning in September, Tesco will trial a traffic light labeling system, featuring nutrition information on total fat, sugar and salt displayed on the front of packaging, with a corresponding green, amber or red color code.
Tesco director Tim Mason said the system was developed in response to customer feedback that existing food labels were too confusing.
Hundreds of the supermarket's products will also soon sport new labels telling shoppers how high the food rates on the glycemic index.
This index runs from zero to 100 and rates food in terms of how quickly it is digested and converted into energy.
The new systems were announced in the wake of a critical report from the Commons' health committee on obesity, which urged the UK food industry to do more to encourage people to eat healthier.
Beginning in September, Tesco will trial a traffic light labeling system, featuring nutrition information on total fat, sugar and salt displayed on the front of packaging, with a corresponding green, amber or red color code.
Tesco director Tim Mason said the system was developed in response to customer feedback that existing food labels were too confusing.
Hundreds of the supermarket's products will also soon sport new labels telling shoppers how high the food rates on the glycemic index.
This index runs from zero to 100 and rates food in terms of how quickly it is digested and converted into energy.
The new systems were announced in the wake of a critical report from the Commons' health committee on obesity, which urged the UK food industry to do more to encourage people to eat healthier.