// Supermarkets could soon be adding eco-labels to their foods
// Shoppers could soon be checking the environmental impact of food before buying
New research suggests that supermarkets across the UK could soon stamp their foods with eco-labels.
Shoppers could soon be checking the environmental impact of food before putting it in their trolleys.
That’s because UK manufacturers only have to list their main ingredients, and that’s by percentage, not amount.
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Scientists have dealt with the problem by using public databases to estimate the composition of thousands of food products and their impact.
Many consumers want to know how their weekly food shop affects the environment.
Oxford University Prof Peter Scarborough said the research should lead to an eco-labelling system for customers, BBC News reported.
But he believes that the bigger impact would come if the food industry uses it to cut its environmental footprint.
He said the food industry has also been “crying out” for the new tool and that the algorithm is already being used by some manufacturers and caterers to make their meals more sustainable.
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