Asda has backed the Government’s call to introduce a single nutritional labelling system as part of the drive to tackle obesity.

Since July 2007 Asda has displayed its own nutritional labels, which combine the “green light” system and Guideline Daily Allowance (GDA).

The grocer has also become the first in the UK to beat the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) target of reducing salt content in its food ahead of the 2010 deadline. It has cut 396 tonnes of salt from its 12,000 own-brand products.

ASDA has launched various initiatives to improve the nutritional quality of its food. It claimed to be the first to have removed all artificial colours, flavours, hydrogenated vegetable oil and aspartame from all of its own-brand products.

The retailer has called on its competitors to follow suit and back the Government’s appeal for a consistent nutritional labelling system.

ASDA head nutritionist Vanessa Hattersley said: “Retailers have made great strides in the fight against obesity. However, it's time for the entire food industry to follow our lead and introduce a consistent labelling system that combines both GDAs and traffic lights.”

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