Shoppers misled by packaging
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Packaging which advertises the potential health benefits of particular foods is unhelpful to consumers and should be banned, research by the National Consumer Council claims today. The distinction between such unregulated claims and nutritional information - which is subject to statutory guidelines - is irrelevant to shoppers, the NCC says.
The NCC chairman David Hatch said: "Far from helping people choose a healthier diet, our research shows that food claims may actually get in the way of consumers' understanding of what they eat." The NCC stressed the need for a rethink of food pack claims such as "helps maintain a healthy heart" or "can actively improve your digestion".
Consumers are often confused or misled by technical jargon. And the more information crammed on to a food pack, the more likely shoppers are to switch off. Lists and tables are particularly impenetrable, says the report, Messages on Food.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments