THE EU: Food and drink makers in the European Union using phrases such as "low fat", "high energy" or "low alcohol" on products will have to use stricter definitions following a vote by EU lawmakers yesterday.
The European Parliament approved the new laws, which come into force before the end of this year, as part of the EU's fight against obesity and ill-health.
MEPs say the new laws will provide clear definitions for the consumer on products claiming to be low energy, low fat, high fibre or even cholesterol reducing.
"The new laws will ensure that consumers will be able to rely on the truth and accuracy of information on food labels," EU health chief Markos Kyprianou said.
"It will create a level playing field for food manufacturers wishing to use health or nutrition claims." EU consumers group BEUC welcomed the move, saying labels had a huge influence over consumers' choices and the claims on them should not be false or misleading.
"We are pleased that health claims will be phased out for sugary, fatty and salty foods," director Jim Murray said. "Under the new rules, a producer can make a claim concerning fat, sugar, salt or energy only if it meets certain standards.
"If it is making a claim about a positive aspect of a product, it must also clearly detail any negative points if there are any. For example, if a product has a low amount of sugar, but a lot more salt, then the label will have to say 'low in sugar, but high salt content'."
Up until now, the food and drinks industry has been subject to the individual laws of the 25 member states.
Under the new EU laws, those claims already made and those in the future will be subject to the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA must give its opinion within five months. If the agency demands further information, a further two months is allowed.
Fresh food such as fruit, vegetables and bread are excluded from the new rules, while products with trademarks can continue to be marketed in their current form for another 15 years.
Yesterday's decision came a day after EU and US health chiefs ruled out imposing new laws on the food industry such as those used to stop smoking. Industry was told it would be pushed hard to regulate itself.