EU companies take up voluntary labelling system

A voluntary labelling system developed by the food and drink industry is being taken up by companies of all sizes across the EU, it has emerged.

The guideline daily amount (GDA) labelling system has been adopted by large companies for a majority of their products.

Now, results from a new survey of 2025 firms suggest that SMEs are doing the same.

The food sectors covered include bakery products, breakfast cereals,confectionery, meat-based products, dairy products, ice cream, oils& fats, sauces & seasonings, and soft drinks.

GDAs are a guide to how much energy and key nutrients are required for a healthy diet.

The GDA label makes it easier for consumers to see what proportion oftheir daily nutritional needs is being met by any particular food ordrink product.

The news comes on the third anniversary of the EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health

Ferrero has recently decided to implement GDAs for its best-known products and by the end of 2009, Kinder and Nutella products will clearly display their energy, sugars and fat content.

“I am pleased to see a growing number of SMEs are now choosing to adopt GDA labelling,” said Jean Martin, president of the confederation of the food and drink industries of the EU (CIAA).

“It is becoming ever clearer that GDAs are the best option for everyone: from the small local producer to the large multi-national, and for all Europeans looking for clear, consistently presented and non-judgmental information about their diet.”

Separate consumer research published in the UK – where GDA labelling is used on more than 50 per cent of all retail packs – shows high levels of public awareness of the scheme.

CIAA says UK shoppers are using GDAs to check what is inside the packs they are buying and choosing produce with the lowest amount of specific nutrients.

Speaking at a debate in Brussels on Wednesday, Robert Madelin, the commission's DG for health and consumer protection, welcomed GDAs as a "consolidated, learnable information system for consumers".

• Previous article
• Next article