The UK faces a pressing obesity crisis, prompting consumer advocacy group Which? to call on the Government to make front-of-pack nutrition labelling mandatory. The group argues that the current voluntary traffic light system, introduced in 2013, needs improvement and consistent application to better assist shoppers in making healthier decisions.
The traffic light scheme uses green, amber, and red colours to indicate low, medium, or high levels of fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt, and calories in food products. While widely adopted by major manufacturers and retailers, its use remains inconsistent. Some retailers omit the labelling entirely or display it without colour coding, diluting its effectiveness.
Which? conducted research involving over 500 shoppers via mobile data to evaluate the label’s impact. Findings revealed that one-third of consumers identify the nutrition label as the first item they check on packaging. The labels are most influential in snack selection (56%), followed by dairy products (33%) and breakfast cereals (27%). Nearly half of respondents found the labels easy to understand.
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Focus group discussions showed a clear preference for the traffic light system over other labelling formats. Participants recommended enhancements such as enlarging the labels, positioning them more prominently, and ensuring serving sizes are realistic and standardized for greater clarity.
Sue Davies, Head of Food Policy at Which?, emphasized the urgency: “The UK is in the midst of an obesity crisis, and a better approach to front-of-pack labelling is essential to support healthier consumer choices. Making these labels mandatory, clearer, and simpler will empower shoppers and build trust.”
Obesity statistics underscore the need for action. In 2022, approximately 64% of adults in England were overweight or living with obesity. Similarly, one in ten children in their first year of primary school is now obese—a record high excluding pandemic years. The NHS faces costs exceeding £11 billion annually due to obesity-related issues.
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize nutrient scoring and implement measures including junk food advertising restrictions, limits on price promotions for less healthy options, and mandatory reporting on healthy food sales, all part of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan focused on prevention.
Retailers also play a key role. Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, Assistant Director of Food at the British Retail Consortium, stated: “Retailers have led the way in nutrition labelling, providing consistent guidance on healthy living. Whether through traffic light labels or other methods, the industry remains dedicated to improving customer health and continuously seeks the most effective approaches.”
With calls for mandatory, improved front-of-pack nutrition labels growing louder, a unified and enforced labelling scheme could prove a vital tool in combating the UK’s obesity crisis.