Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to ensure that health warnings are given on the packaging of foodstuffs containing salt. [HL1447]
§ Lord WarnerCurrent European Union food labelling rules do not require pre-packaged foods containing salt to carry health warnings and there are no proposals to introduce such a requirement. Information on sodium (not salt) content is only required when certain nutrition claims are made.
The Food Standards Agency encourages voluntary provision of salt content information, and is pressing 123WA for European Union rules to require compulsory nutrition labelling, including the declaration of salt content, on all pre-packaged foods, in a format that is consumer friendly. This would enable consumers to make informed choices about the foods they buy. The agency is also considering the case for front of pack signposting to help consumers identify healthier options; any such scheme would be likely to take account of fat, sugar and salt content.