They, like other international brands, had long fought against the system
The traffic light labelling system uses red, amber and green on a front of pack nutrition label to identify whether products are high medium or low in sugar, fat, and salt.
There are also figures to show how much one portion of the product contributes to the daily recommended maximum.
The company said its adoption of the new labels were consistent with a commitment to provide consumers with transparent nutrition information on the front of its packs.
Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola UK and Ireland, said: ‘We carefully considered the new scheme when it was announced last year but decided to continue with the single-colour GDA (guideline daily amounts) system that was tried and tested across Europe.
‘We have monitored the labelling scheme since it started to appear in-store and asked shoppers in Great Britain for their views.
'Our UK consumers have told us they want a single, consistent front-of-pack labelling scheme across all food and drink products to help them make the right choices for them and their families.
‘We have therefore decided to put the new scheme on our packs here.’
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said: ‘I am delighted that Coca-Cola Great Britain has adopted this Government’s voluntary front-of-pack labelling scheme.
‘It will help consumers make informed choices and lead a healthier lifestyle. We want all businesses to give people clear and consistent information about their food and drink.’
The adoption of the new labels is in line with a voluntary regime called the Responsibility Deal.
Chairman of this regime, Dr Susan Jebb, said: ‘I really welcome this announcement that Coca-Cola Great Britain are signing up to the Responsibility Deal pledge on front-of-pack labelling.
‘Together with their other work to decrease the sugar content of their products, introduce lower calorie options and reduce portion size, it represents a real step forward for the company in recognising their responsibilities for public health and supporting their customers to make healthier choices and control their calorie intake.’
The new labels will appear on packs in stores within the first half of next year.
Graham
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