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*A voluntary food labelling system developed by the EU food and drink industry is being taken up by companies of all sizes across the EU. *

The Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labelling system, developed by the industry under the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, is already being rolled out by large companies for a majority of products this year.

Ferrero has recently decided to implement GDAs for its best-known products. By the end of 2009, Kinder and Nutella products in Europe will clearly display their energy, sugars, fat, saturated fat and sodium/salt content.

Emerging results from the largest independent research yet carried out into commitments made under the obesity platform suggests that small companies are now following their example*.

The new research includes SMEs for the first time, as well as large food companies. 2,025 companies have been questioned for the survey so far, of which more than half were SMEs.

The food sectors covered include bakery products, breakfast cereals, confectionery, meat-based products, dairy products, ice cream, oils & fats, sauces & seasonings, and soft drinks.

“I'm pleased to see a growing number of small- and medium-sized businesses now choosing to adopt GDA labelling,” said Jean Martin, President of the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA). “It's becoming ever clearer that GDAs are the best option for everyone: from the small local producer to the large multinational, and for all Europeans looking for clear, consistently presented and nonjudgemental information about their diet.”

1. ‘Survey of European Food and Beverage Manufacturers: Meeting the Changing Needs of European Consumers through reformulation, innovation and labelling (ongoing). APCO Insight & Dr. Brian Young, University of Exeter.