Healthy Choices Labelling in Scandinavia Lisa Maria Garnweidner,
Akershus/NorwayThe “keyhole” label has existed in Sweden since
1989. Its purpose is to make it easier to choose healthy food
choices – as well as to stimulate the food industry to make
healthy choices more available. Foods eligible to carry the
keyhole symbol must fulfil certain conditions. These conditions
cover criteria for fat quality, the maximum amounts of fat, salt
and sugars, together with the minimum amount of dietary fibre
and whole grain – in 25 different food groups. Now that this
system has been in operation for 20 years in Sweden, the health
authorities in Denmark and Norway have agreed to use the keyhole
label as a joint healthy choices label. The scientific
nutritional background for the establishment of the conditions
is provided by the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. The
criteria and food groups are under further regular development.
Consumer research indicates that the popularity and recognition
of the label is increasing in