New proposals to regulate food labels in the EU before European Parliament

"Traffic light" coding is already used by some supermarkets and the idea is backed by the European Consumers' Organisation BEUC.

The new legislation would include on the front-of-pack label the energy, fat, saturated fat and carbohydrates, with specific reference to sugars and salt content - all expressed as per 100ml, per 100g or per portion.

Mandatory allergen labelling would be extended to food that was not pre-packed, including restaurant food.

Euro MPs will hold a first reading vote on the draft legislation on Wednesday, but it still has a long way to go, with more amendments expected.

Once it is agreed, food producers will have three years to update their labels, and small firms with fewer than 100 employees will have five years to do so.