Mars Food is going to launch an unexpected initiative that will change food labeling in the industry. The food manufacturer of popular pasta sauces, candy bars, and prepared rice is planning to put warning labels of the possible dangers of consuming too much of their products.
"As these products are not intended to be eaten daily, Mars Food will provide guidance to consumers on-pack and on its website regarding how often these meal offerings should be consumed within a balanced diet," Fiona Dawson, Mars president said in a statement according to The Atlantic.
Mars Food says some pasta sauces will soon carry labeling suggesting they should only be an 'occasional treat:' https://t.co/CTetWbsAKd
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 15, 2016
Food Products Labeled as "Occasional"
Mars Food plans on putting "occasional" labels on food items that should only be eaten once a week. These food items are mostly pasta sauces that may contain high levels of sugar, salt, and fat. The brands that will be labeled first are Masterfoods, Dolmio and Uncle Ben's.
Meanwhile, 95 percent of their remaining products will be labeled as "everyday" food. The ultimate goal of the company is to let consumers choose between "everyday" food and less healthy "occasional" food.
UPI reports that Mars Food has also endorsed government efforts in Britain and United States to reduce sodium content in foods. The company will start its five-year initiative plan by updating their website to include the new labeling depending on the result of their research to find out the most effective messages.
Mars Made The Right Move
The Atlantic notes that Mars Food made the right move just before the government implements strict rules on food regulations. New York City has already adopted sodium labeling in restaurants. Restaurants are required to put a warning label on foods that contain more than the required sodium daily intake. More so, they are also asking restaurants to post calorie counts.
In Vermont, a bill that will require food items containing GMOs to be labeled will take effect this July. The United Kingdom, France, and Mexico have agreed to impose taxes on sugary drinks. These are samples of the on-going initiatives enacted by the government in the different parts of the world.
As of now, there are no reports of other companies following Mars' unusual labeling. Dawson said Mars is positioning itself ahead in the industry by making its products healthier and even admitting that some of its products may not make it to the "healthy" list.
Meanwhile, there were no mentions on how it would label its chocolate products such as Starbursts, M&Ms, and Snickers. Earlier this year, there was a worldwide recall of Mars and Snicker bars. Check out the video below:
