EU Consumer Protection Chief Calls For Simpler Food Labels

European Consumers Organisation Director-General Monique Goyens, in a speech at the CIAA Congress in Brussels, Belgium, assailed the increasing complexity of the European Union’s mandatory food labeling rules. Goyens claimed she finds it difficult to read and process the information included on food labels. EU Health Commissioner John Dalli, speaking at the same event, admitted there is a problem with “information overload” affecting food labels, but pointed out that the European Parliament continues to require the European Commission to include yet more packaging information. For his part, Unilever CEO Paul Polman said that manufacturers have a key role to play in making sure that their products include healthy ingredients. Polman cited his company’s “Sustainable Living Plan” campaign to improve its products’ nutrition levels as an example for the food industry.