Ed Bedington
Any firm intending to use the government's 5-a-Day logo on its products will have to pay an unspecified administration fee, health bosses have confirmed.
The Department of Health has also announced the criteria for use of the logo, due for launch in the spring, restricting its use to fruit and vegetable products without added fat, salt or sugars.
It will apply to fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables, as well as 100% fruit and vegetable juice.
The announcement included clarification on what constitutes a portion 80g, or equivalent to a medium apple or banana.
Public health minister Hazel Blears said: "It is essential that consumers get clear, consistent information, which is why we are developing the 5-a-Day logo and putting in place strict criteria."
The project has been developed by the government in consultation with retailers and trade organisations.
However retailers, many of which have already launched their own 5-a-Day logos, are sceptical and many question the wisdom in charging a fee. Despite this, the publication of the 5-a-Day criteria has been broadly hailed by the industry.
Douglas Henderson, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: "We are delighted the DoH is giving guidance and clarification on portion sizes and what products will be covered by the logo."
He said the FPC was pleased the logo was not being applied to composite and processed products as the consortium felt this might devalue it.
However, the DoH has established a technical group to look into the possibility of applying the logo to processed products, such as ready meals, in the future.
{{MARKET EDGE }}
Any firm intending to use the government's 5-a-Day logo on its products will have to pay an unspecified administration fee, health bosses have confirmed.
The Department of Health has also announced the criteria for use of the logo, due for launch in the spring, restricting its use to fruit and vegetable products without added fat, salt or sugars.
It will apply to fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables, as well as 100% fruit and vegetable juice.
The announcement included clarification on what constitutes a portion 80g, or equivalent to a medium apple or banana.
Public health minister Hazel Blears said: "It is essential that consumers get clear, consistent information, which is why we are developing the 5-a-Day logo and putting in place strict criteria."
The project has been developed by the government in consultation with retailers and trade organisations.
However retailers, many of which have already launched their own 5-a-Day logos, are sceptical and many question the wisdom in charging a fee. Despite this, the publication of the 5-a-Day criteria has been broadly hailed by the industry.
Douglas Henderson, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: "We are delighted the DoH is giving guidance and clarification on portion sizes and what products will be covered by the logo."
He said the FPC was pleased the logo was not being applied to composite and processed products as the consortium felt this might devalue it.
However, the DoH has established a technical group to look into the possibility of applying the logo to processed products, such as ready meals, in the future.
{{MARKET EDGE }}
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