The Department of Health's White Paper on Public Health was published on 16 November, outlining proposals to tackle obesity, smoking and sexual health.
UB already clearly labels the fat, calories and sodium content of its products and will be including guideline daily amounts (GDAs) for calories, fat and sodium on many more packs during 2005.
Whilst the White Paper's recommendations are a long way from becoming legislation, several proposals are of interest to food manufacturers. The Government proposes to work with the food industry to introduce a food labelling system by early 2006.
The idea is to highlight those foods making a positive contribution to a healthy diet and those recommended to be eaten in moderation or sparingly by highlighting the fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar levels in food.