Oxford, UK (January 08, 2024) – NSF, a global leader in food safety and quality, announced today the compelling research findings into the state of food labelling practices in the UK, revealing critical insights into consumer expectations and the effectiveness of food labelling practices.
"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 research highlights several challenges, including the complexity of nutritional information, the need for standardised sustainability metrics, and the varying comprehension levels across different age groups.
Key findings:
"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 both businesses and consumers. For consumers, it empowers them to make more informed choices about their diet and overall well-being. By knowing how food is produced, it empowers everyone to make more informed decisions. This is 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.
NSF remains committed to working with the food industry to develop innovative solutions that meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. The full whitepaper, offering detailed insights and recommendations, is available on the NSF website.
For more information about food labelling requirements and NSF's services, visit nsf.org.
