Blindness charity calls for all food labelling in Scotland to include Braille

Charities are calling for all food labels to be accessible to those with vision loss - as we mark national braille day.

Sight Scotland's leading the calls, saying it will help blind people gain more independence when it comes to shopping.

The charity is warning retailers that not including braille on food products can both jeopardize independence and have serious health risks for blind people.

Braille still missing from most food packaging

It allows people with sight problems to access information independently but braille is still missing from most food products which means blind and partially sighted people can have difficulty identifying the food they want to buy.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, along with Oban and District Access Panel, and Disability Equality Scotland, launched a petition with the Scottish Parliament last year demanding that new requirements are placed on retailers to provide braille labeling on food products.

So far, this petition has gathered 1,400 signatures.

Davina Shiell, Director of Marketing, Communications & Engagement at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, says: “Braille is essential for many blind and partially sighted people to live independently, but how can this be possible when they cannot identify the food they are buying or consuming.

Danger of people missing information on allergens or dietary needs

“Imagine if all the labels were taken off the food products in the supermarket, how would a person with sight feel.

“Or if you are gluten free, or dairy free, or allergic to peanuts, but could not identify what was in food products.

“Quite simply, this would not be accepted in society and would cause an uproar, so why should blind people have to put up with it?

“Having product information available in braille will help people identify potential allergens, nutritional information, expiration dates, and cooking instructions. This knowledge is vital for their safety and health.”

Shiell adds: “Including braille on food products would promote accessibility, independence, and inclusivity for individuals with visual impairments, contributing to a more equitable consumer experience for all.”

Marie Harrower, a member of Oban and District Access Panel and a braille reader, adds: “We need as many people as possible to sign this petition as braille simply must be added to food products for the inclusion of visually impaired people in our society.

"Braille labels enhance accessibility"

“Braille labels enhance accessibility and safety for people who are blind or visually impaired and allows them to independently identify and select products based on their needs and preferences while shopping and in their home.

“Braille also empowers individuals with visual impairments by providing them with the ability to make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume.”

Nicoletta Primo from Sight Scotland believes “Braille labels would help blind and partially sighted people in identifying and organising their items when they are at home as well.

“For example, putting their shopping away, identifying an item for cooking and checking to see if an item is safe to use.

“That's why in this campaign we really focus on not only the name of the item but also the use, sell by dates and any allergen information.”

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