'Label must state whether a product is healthy'

The majority of consumers believe that labels should indicate more clearly whether a product is healthy or not, according to research by the Consumers' Association. In addition, more than half of the Dutch believe that the supply in the supermarket should be a lot healthier.

The new year has started and that means that many Dutch people are busy with 'healthier living' again, according to a new survey by the Consumers' Association. It is no less than 91%. We mainly focus on eating healthier (66%), losing weight (45%) or getting fitter (73%). Still, it remains a challenge for most to maintain a healthy diet. The research shows that many Dutch people attribute this to the unhealthy supply in the supermarket: 56% therefore indicate that this supply should be healthier.

According to the consumer, a second reason for the relapse to an 'unhealthier diet' is the fact that the labels on many products are perceived as unclear. More than 69% of the Dutch would therefore appreciate it if from now on it would be stated on the label whether products are healthy or not. Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers' Association, states that a lack of clarity on the label is a 'no go'. This is because more than 50% of consumers believe everything on the label and therefore unconsciously make an 'unhealthy choice'.

Too many commercials
We are also fully influenced by all the commercials for the 'unhealthy food' range. That is why 61% of the respondents believe that there should be less advertising for unhealthy food. About 60% indicate that they often cannot resist the temptation. In the group in which the focus is on losing weight, this percentage is even 67%.

Finally, the higher price also plays a role for many Dutch people: 58% believe that 'healthy food' is more expensive than 'unhealthy food'. For 3 out of 10 consumers this is a major barrier to maintaining a healthy diet. According to Molenaar, this idea is not always correct. "Buy seasonal vegetables or fruit, for example." Molenaar also states that supermarkets should make it easier for consumers to continue to make healthy choices. “There is still a lot of ground to be gained here.”

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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