Welsh want more accurate labelling
and more than a quarter find labels difficult to understand,
according to a survey by the UK Food Standards Agency.
A third of Welsh consumers question the accuracy of food labels, and more than a quarter find labels difficult to understand, according to a survey by the UK Food Standards Agency.
The FSA's research showed that 54 per cent of Welsh consumers regularly referred to the labels on food products, while 27 per cent of them often found them difficult to understand.
Furthermore, 35 per cent of those surveyed said they were concerned about the accuracy of the labelling, while only 30 per cent of participants were able to correctly identify the primary ingredient in a food product.
Of particular cause for concern was the revelation that while 71 per cent of those questioned checked the 'best before' or 'use by' dates on the label, some 57 per cent did not know that the food should be thrown away after these dates.
These areas of concern highlighted by the survey will be among the topics for discussion at a public forum to be held on 29 May in Cardiff. The forum is part of the FSA's programme designed to give the Welsh public the chance to voice their concerns and to be involved in the development of its policy on labelling.
The Food Standards Agency has agreed a wide-ranging Labelling Action Plan, which includes a number of commitments, such as pressing the EU for clearer rules on country of origin labelling, and working with consumer groups, enforcement authorities and the food industry to look at how the Agency might promote and share best practice on the promotion of foods to children.
Joy Whinney, director of the FSA in Wales, said: "Promoting honest and informative labelling to help consumers is one of the FSA's key priorities for the next five years. The Food Labelling Forum is an integral part of involving as many stakeholders as possible in the process.
"The Forum provides an update on the progress of the Food Labelling Action Plan but of equal importance is the opportunity it provides for the public to put forward ideas and ask questions about the labelling issues which matter to them. I hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this opportunity."
The forum will take place at the Thistle Hotel, Park Place, Cardiff from 10.30am on Wednesday, 29 May. Further details can be found on the FSA's website or via email: fpbheg@fgnsspbyyrtrjnyrf.bet.hx
