EU food labels "are too big to fit on to packaging"

DEMANDS by the EU to fit nutritional information on to food packaging will not work because the labels are too big, food companies have complained.

Some of the world's biggest brands, including Nestle and Coca-Cola, claim the information panels are so large they will swamp packs, bottles and tins, and obscure logos and brands.

The problem stems from the fact that Brussels says nutrition information should be printed in large clear font at least 3mm tall so shoppers can see clearly the amount of calories, salt, saturated fat and sugar in what they are buying.

EU experts insist only large print will help shoppers choose healthy products and so prevent the rising tide of obesity and associated ill health.

But food and drink manufacturers are concerned that smaller portions - which do the most to combat obesity - will be covered in huge labels and so become unrecognisable to consumers.

Susanne Doring, of the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU, said the proposals were 'impractical and a burden for manufacturers'.

She added: 'What the commission is proposing is disproportionate - in more ways than one.' Steve Leroy, of Coca-Cola, said: 'We don't believe that this is helpful when a successful voluntary labelling system is already in place and working well.'/Daily Mail (London)