Proposed food-labelling rules could confuse consumers

Government / Non-Profit

Staff

September 30, 2009

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Proposed food-labelling rules could confuse consumers

LONDON - Consumers risk being fooled into thinking foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are healthier than they really are under proposed new European rules, according to scientists.

The changes, intended to regulate what health claims manufacturers can make for foods and supplements, could end up damaging public health, reports the Daily Telegraph.

The proposals will set out which products can be called ‘high in' or a ‘source of' omega-3. But the Telegraph claims this would allow manufacturers to use plant oils containing omega-3, for which there are fewer proven health benefits, instead of more expensive fish oils.

A petition signed by 20 scientists has called on the European Commission to halt the progress of the regulations and to set up a scientific committee to draft new proposals.

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