Endorsement of the traffic-light system of food
labelling
- Statement from RCPCH (January 2008)
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health endorses the
use of the traffic light system of food labelling that has been
introduced by the Food Standards Agency.
Inappropriate diets in early life can establish preferences for
unhealthy diets, and lay the foundations for ill health such as
obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus, in
later life. It is important that those who care for, and provide
food for children have a clear and unambiguous means of
distinguishing healthy and unhealthy foods.
The traffic light system is based on recommendations for the
nutrition of adults, thus it does not apply to foods designed for
infants and children under three. However, it applies to household
foods and its profiling of these is a simple and effective way to
inform the choice of foods generally for children of all ages.
A labelling system that is clear and consistent is welcome. The
system is valuable in that it
enables health professionals to have a single uncomplicated message
when they advise on healthy eating at all ages. Furthermore, once
children have learnt the traffic light system they will be able to
use it into adult life. The College therefore sees the traffic
light system of food labelling as an important strategic measure to
enable carers to select healthy foods and to encourage healthy
eating in children thereby increasing their chances of a long and
healthy life.
Obesity
Childhood obesity is a major challenge for health
services and society in general.
The RCPCH
Visions and Values Document emphasises the College's desire to
play a significant role in the reduction and prevention of
childhood obesity.
RCPCH Publications
- Storing up problems - the medical case for a slimmer
nation,
2004
"Storing up problems - the medical case for a
slimmer nation", by the Royal College of Physicians, the
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Faculty
of Public Health, provides a comprehensive overview of the
health burdens associated with obesity in childhood.
- An Approach to weight management in Children and
Adolescents (2 - 18 years) in Primary Care, 2002
This
guidance was produced with the National Obesity Forum and
contributed to the development of
NICE guidance on obesity in which was
published in December 2006.
College Projects
-
Research
Projects - In response to concerns about the
impact of rising levels of childhood obesity, the Research
Department initiated a programme of activity in this
area.
-
HENRY (Health, Exercise,
Nutrition in the Really Young) - this project aims to
tackle obesity by offering training and education materials to
community and health practitioners. The project has been funded by
the Department of Health, and the Department for Children, Schools
and Families.
-
Other Publications, Resources and Links
Related RCPCH links
- Diploma in Paediatric
Nutrition - education course run by RCPCH with University of
Southampton.
- Clinical
Effectiveness - undertake a range of appraisals and
consultations, including a forthcoming NICE consultation on
maternal and child nutrition.
-
Vitamins for babies and young children
- statement in "Archives of Disease in Childhood" on
behalf of the RCPCH Standing Committee on Nutrition, on the need
to increase awareness of the need for vitamin supplements,
particularly vitamin D, for babies and young children at risk of
deficiency.
External links