Mars Food has today announced a new global scheme named Health and Wellbeing Ambition, and is to introduce new labels on products highlighting high levels of salt, sugar and fat.
The new scheme will roll-out over the next five years and will focus on five main areas:
• improving nutritional content
• providing consumers with more nutrition information to help them make more balanced choices
• inspiring consumers to cook and eat healthy meals with friends and family
• exploring new formats and opportunities to offer products in more places at affordable prices
• providing Mars Food Associates opportunities to improve wellbeing through nutrition education, cooking facilities, and healthier food options.
Through the scheme, Mars Food will help consumers differentiate and choose between 'everyday' and 'occasional' options when they choose from the group's brands like Dolmio, Seeds of Change and Uncle Ben's.
To maintain the authentic nature of the recipe, some Mars Food products are higher in salt, added sugar or fat. As these products are not intended to be eaten daily, Mars Food will provide guidance to consumers on-pack and on its website regarding how often these meal offerings should be consumed within a balanced diet.
The Mars Food website will be updated within the next few months with a list of “occasional” products – those to be enjoyed once per week – and a list of “everyday” products – including those to be reformulated over the next five years to reduce sodium, sugar, or fat.
Through these initiatives, Mars Food will encourage families to share one billion more healthy meals at dinner tables around the world.