Food Label Regulations Progress In The EU Parliament But Results Are Disappointing To Consumer Groups

In 2008, the European Commission suggested new regulations designed to provide consumers with better nutritional information. These regulations have now reached the EU Parliament for review and approval. Interviews with consumer groups show disappointment that the political process has changed or neglected certain areas. Several major issues include having regulations for national label schemes, mandating a traffic light system for key nutritional information, nutritional presentation on packages, origin labels, and providing information on the use of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are of special concern as little is known about the impact they have on consumer health. Consumer groups would like all nutritional information regulated but feel instead that the food industry will be given too much say in how to present the information. The EU Parliament is set to have a second reading in early 2011 followed by a possible ruling.