Tesco has rejected the government’s traffic light labeling system to show the salt, sugar and fat content in food products.

The Food Standards Agency said the labels would make it easier for consumers to understand labels, and claimed research had shown shoppers would welcome the system.

However, the food industry has so far resisted the scheme, describing it as too simplistic.

Tesco has now announced it will using an alternative "signposting" system.

It said its own pilot scheme with a traffic light system had revealed consumer confusion over how to treat an amber light.

Instead, Tesco will now put the content of salt, sugar, saturated fat and calories in grams and how this relates to the recommended daily intake on its own label products.

The FSA said its system is aimed at clearing up confusion with green meaning eat plenty, amber, in moderation and red, eat sparingly.

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