Supermarket giant Tesco has abandoned a government-backed scheme of labelling

Traffic light labels show consumers the levels of sugar, salt and fat contained in products. Green products can be eaten plentifully, while red should be consumed sparingly.

But Tesco felt that the system was too simplistic and that an amber light confused shoppers.

Instead the supermarket is adopting signpost labels that display foods’ salt, sugar, fat and calorie contents in grams. The label will also indicate how this relates to a recommended daily intake.

Tesco marketing director Tim Mason said: “It will now be easier than ever for customers to make healthy choices at a glance as they shop and without the need for a mathematics degree.”

But action group the Food Commission is adamant that a single clear system should be adopted industry-wide. The traffic light system is by far the best option proposed so far, it says. As Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket, its rejection of the scheme will be a blow to consumer groups.