Food labels to help fight flab

NEW labelling guidelines to help consumers work out the fat and calorie content of food were being published yesterday.

The Institute of Grocery Distribution, which issued the guidelines, said fat and calories were shoppers' biggest concerns and manufacturers were being urged to print "guideline daily amounts" on packets to make it simpler for people to work out whether they are eating too much.

Manufacturers and retailers are also being urged to break down the fat and calorie content per serving. The institute wants labels to include the information that on average women eat 2,000 calories and 70g of fat while for men the values are 2,500 calories and 95g of fat. The guidelines are based on recommendations from health professionals and government advisers.

Joanne Denney, chief executive of the institute, said the advice was intended to be both beneficial and practical..