What the action involves and where implemented
The Choices logo, a voluntary, industry-initiated scheme, is widely used in Belgium, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Poland. The logo identifies healthier options in each food group. Products must meet nutritional criteria set by an independent scientific committee. In the Netherlands, the Choices logo was introduced in 2006, and is now actively supported by the Dutch government. It received EU approval for use in 2013. In Belgium, the logo was introduced in 2007, in the Czech Republic in 2011, and in Poland in 2008.
Evaluations
Vyth, EL et al. (2009) A front-of-pack nutrition logo: a quantitative and qualitative process evaluation in the Netherlands. Journal of health communication, 14(7), 631-645
Vyth, EL et al. (2010) Actual use of a front-of-pack nutrition logo in the supermarket: consumers’ motives in food choice. Public health nutrition, 13(11), 1882-1889
EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, passed in 2011, permits EU Member States to develop voluntary guidelines for front of pack nutrition information, to be used in addition to the mandatory nutrition information on the back of pack. Information on energy value, fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt content is permitted. Different styles of presentation (eg % Guideline Daily Allowances or traffic lights) are permitted. This Regulation is also applicable in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein as members of the European Economic Area and Switzerland based on its bilateral agreements with the EU.