Brazil's food and beverage industry has proposed a new nutritional labelling model, which will seek to provide clear information about what is contained per portion.
The new labelling system reflects the changes in the eating habits of Brazilians, and also the demand for clarity about ingredients and nutritional benefits, according to Associação Brasileira das Indústrias da Alimentação (ABIA).
The proposal consists of a colour-coded nutrition labelling system, similar to the one in the UK, where the amount of salt, sugars and saturated fat are highlighted in green, yellow or red.
It also proposes that all nutritional information be given with respect to a base of 100g, allowing consumers to easily compare different food products.
ABIA says that having this information on the front panel of food packaging will provide more complete data for consumers.
Empowering Consumers
"The industry's proposal is based on two main assumptions: providing more complete information about food and empowering the consumer," said Edmund Klotz, president of ABIA.
"We believe that the colour model is the one that best informs about the nutrients contained in the products, and empowers the consumer in their purchase decision. We trust in people's ability to make their food choices when informed."
Meanwhile, the chairman of Brazil's association of soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, Alexandre K. Jobim, agreed that the colour-based nutrition labelling model directly addresses the demands of society for information and transparency.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
