Mandatory reporting of calorie and nutrient data is an important step towards building a healthier nation and supports the NHS 10-Year Plan’s ambition to shift focus from treatment to prevention.
Businesses and government must now work together to deliver on this vision. The Food Data Transparency Partnership was a strong start, but progress is being held back by fragmented systems and inconsistent data. Without common standards, accountability is weakened, and action is slowed.
Global standards such as those from GS1 provide a proven solution. They create a common language across the supply chain, enabling trusted, interoperable and comparable data. This reduces the reporting burden for businesses and ensures regulators, retailers and consumers all have access to clear and reliable information.
Keeping consumers informed and protected is essential. Reliable information, underpinned by better data, empowers people to make healthier and more sustainable choices.
Mandatory reporting creates a level playing field for business and incentivises investment into healthier, more sustainable products. It helps policymakers and retailers identify areas for improvement, exactly the sort of insight required to support systemic change.
QR codes powered by GS1 are already unlocking a future where consumers can access detailed nutrition, provenance and sustainability information instantly with a smartphone scan. As our A New Era of Transparency report shows, 96 percent of retail leaders recognise the need for richer product data to meet growing consumer and regulatory expectations.
By building on proven standards and digital tools, we can break down barriers, reduce pressure on the health service and drive healthier outcomes for people and communities.
GS1 UK stands ready to collaborate with government, the NHS and industry to deliver robust, future-proof reporting systems and power a healthy revolution.
