Food Labelling For Sugar

EDM number 878 in 2003-04, proposed by Adrian Sanders on 22/03/2004.

That this House welcomes the recent call by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for Government and industry to tackle obesity; notes that a high level of sugar consumption is a major contributing factor to the rise of obesity; requests that the Government works to increase public awareness of the importance of the reduction of sugar consumption as part of a healthy balanced diet, by creating clear sugar intake guidelines; agrees with the FSA that labelling to signpost sugar content in foods is a priority; further notes the availability of tested and safe low-calorie sweeteners on the UK market which can provide alternatives to sugar; calls on the low-calorie sweetener industry to be clear and transparent with consumers, in particular in the use of labelling so that consumers can make an informed choice; is concerned at the labelling of one product, Splenda, which claims on its label 'made from sugar, tastes like sugar'; and believes that such claims are unhelpful and misleading, and that, furthermore, for consumers with diabetes, could have a potential negative effect on their wellbeing and health.

This motion has been signed by a total of 43 MPs.