Response to the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report

Obesity is a complex issue, and therefore there is no simple solution to this debate. The focus should be on helping people balance their dietary intake with their energy expenditure. Singling out individual components of foods and drink is not helpful to knowledge or those trying to understanding what makes a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle.

EU regulations require that ‘total sugars’ must be stated on the label, rather than ‘added sugars’. This is because neither the body nor food analysis can differentiate between the source of identical molecules. It is a legal requirement for all food products prepared in the UK to have a list of ingredients printed on them. Therefore, if sugar is used in the manufacture of a product, it will be listed clearly on the label and is not hidden.

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Response to the official launch of the hybrid Front of Pack Labelling Scheme by the Department of Health

Sugar Nutrition UK believes people have a right to clear and consistent nutrition information, so that they can make informed choices about what they buy. Front of pack labels that provide at-a-glance information on energy and nutrient content can help consumers compare products and put items into the context of their overall diet.

However, we are concerned that the use of traffic light colours in the hybrid scheme could have a negative impact on dietary composition. For example, many fruit salads and snack packs would carry red traffic lights, which may result in an undermining of the healthy eating advice on fruit and vegetables, and poorer health choices being made.

The UK Government’s announcement of the scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website. Press Release: Final design of consistent nutritional labelling system given green light. Department of Health (19 June 2013)


For more information and media requests please email [email protected] and/or call 0203 701 7470 / 07738 198 935.

Sugar Nutrition UK is an evidence-based association principally funded by UK sugar manufacturers and is involved in promoting nutrition research and raising awareness among academics, health professionals, the media and the public about sugars and their role in health.