May 11, 2009 – More and more experts in public health believe that it is necessary to unify and make compulsory a system of simplified labeling of foods, according to their nutritional value. Australian researchers have recently revived the idea of color labeling, inspired by traffic lights: green for products that are good for health, yellow for those to be consumed in moderation, red for products to be avoided.
The researchers, attached to the Cancer Council of New South Wales, Australia, conducted a study of 790 consumers who were presented with four types of nutrition labeling: two variations of the classic labeling based on the percentage of recommended intake. and two others employing a color system comparable to traffic lights.
Each participant was presented with a single type of label and the researchers assessed the subjects’ ability to interpret the meaning of the nutritional indications.
The results indicate that consumers more easily identified healthy foods using packaging employing the “traffic light” type system, rather than the traditional percentage of recommended nutrient intake. According to the study data, the first system is five times more efficient than the second in this regard.
A universal and uniform system
At present, manufacturers employ various labeling systems according to their preferences and the varying requirements of different countries, the study’s authors note. “This way of doing things contributes to confusing the minds of consumers and prevents them from quickly and clearly finding the healthiest food products,” says dietitian Bridget Kelly, who presented the results of the study. during the 17e European Congress on Obesity held in May in Amsterdam.
Australian researchers therefore recommend the adoption of a universal system of nutritional labeling of the type “traffic lights”. This system, they believe, should be imposed on the agri-food industry through government regulation to ensure rigor and consistency. The products targeted by such a measure would mainly include processed foods and, possibly, standardized menus offered in large restaurant chains.
In the UK, 50% of large grocery chains have adopted labels with color codes inspired by traffic lights for their in-house products (the program is voluntary). To learn more, read our news: Colors and numbers to make your life easier at the grocery store.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health.
1. Kelly B, et al. A color-coded “traffic light” system is superior to percentage daily intake systems in helping consumers identify healthy foods. Presentation at the 17the European Congress on Obesity, held in May in Amsterdam (Holland). For more details: www.easo.org/eco2009. [Consulté le 12 mai 2009].