EU Rejects Traffic-Light Labeling

BRUSSELSThe European Parliaments environment, public health and food safety committee voted March 16 against the introduction of a mandatory traffic-light labeling system similar to the one enacted in the United Kingdom. The new proposal would have combined existing EU rules on food labeling and nutritional information into one new regulation requiring  labels to be clearer and more relevant to consumers and include specific requirements for displaying information on the front of packaging.

As reported by EurActiv, MEPs agreed that key nutritional information such as energy content, fat, carbohydrates, sugar and salt must be displayed on front-of-pack labels. They also added proteins, fiber and trans fats to the mandatory list. MEPs also added specific rules on the displaying of energy content, judging this to be the most important information for consumers.

The committee report, drafted by Renate Sommer, was approved with 52 votes in favor, 2 against and 5 abstentions, after MEPs had voted on almost 800 amendments. The committee had debated the issue for 18 months. The committee said the regulation should only lay down general rules on the displaying of nutritional information and not prescribe any specific system, allowing member states to use or adopt their own labeling rules.

"Color symbols have not got any scientific background and the limits and thresholds would be purely arbitrary. Sugar-free coke, for example, would get the 'green light' as it has no sugar. Natural apple juice, however, would get 'the red light' as it contains glucose. A nutrition facts box, however, conveys all necessary information for the consumer," Sommer said.