Nutrition labelling of sugar-containing foods in 1996 compared with 1989.

OBJECTIVE

To record the prevalence of nutrition labelling of foodstuffs with respect to sugar content in selected supermarkets in the UK in 1996 and to compare the prevalence with results reported for 1989.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Examination of the labelling of foodstuffs to see whether the labelling of the nutrition content conformed to Government guidelines. Foodstuffs were grouped into 12 types of sugar-containing foods.

RESEARCH SETTING

Three large food supermarkets in Newcastle upon Tyne.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Conformity with government guidelines on nutrition labelling of foodstuffs.

RESULTS

Most labelling conformed to guidelines. Prevalence had increased considerably between 1989 and 1996. Foods with high sugars content, particularly confectionery, were the least likely to be labelled for sugars content.

CONCLUSIONS

Although substantial progress in nutrition labelling for sugars content has occurred, voluntary compliance appears to allow inadequate labelling of high sugar foods.