Limits on what claims food manufacturers can make on printed adhesive labels need to be put in place to stop consumers being misled, according to an MEP.
Arlene McCarthy, who represents north-west England, said people want to make good choices when it comes to the food they eat.
However, she said they are often very busy and do not have time to take a detailed look at food labels when they are out shopping.
As a result, Ms McCarthy believes food manufacturers should not be allowed to make lofty claims about how much they have reduced a product's fat or sugar content.
Indeed, she noted that an item could still be unhealthier than alternative options even if the company behind it has made it less fatty or sugary than it used to be.
"Consumers are naturally comparing similar products on the supermarket shelf and we can't allow those claims to be misleading," Ms McCarthy commented.
She added that food manufacturers who claim a product is healthier than it actually is are "ruthlessly targeting" people such as parents who want to feed their children good food.
Denny Bros Ltd, 03 February 2012
