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Written question asked by Will Forster (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Supermarkets: Labelling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring supermarkets to include labelling in braille on newly designed packaging.

Answer

Defra maintains regular engagement with food retailers on a range of issues, including labelling and improving accessibility requirements for all consumers.

The availability and accessibility of essential food information to all consumers is vitally important. It is already a requirement that food information must be easily visible, clearly legible and where appropriate indelible, in addition to there being a required minimum font size for mandatory information.

We are aware of moves by some retailers to provide information on food in braille format, and the government is interested in seeing how this works.

We know there are other exciting possibilities, including the use of mobile phone apps and QR codes via which consumers with visual impairments may be able to access not only the basics, but the full range of information available on the label.

Braille labelling has not been a specific focus to date. We continue to explore how food information can be made more accessible, including through wider conversations with industry and stakeholders representing consumers with disabilities, such as the Royal National Institute for Blind (RNIB).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
60384
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Braille Labelling Supermarkets
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk