Mars to label some pasta sauces as an occasional treat

LONDON – Mars Food, the maker of Dolmio and Uncle Ben's, says some of its pasta sauces will soon carry labeling suggesting they should only be an occasional treat due to high content of sugar, salt or fat.

The company says it's helping consumers to shift taste preferences to lower sodium foods and supporting efforts by Britain's Department of Health and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Mars says some products, like pesto, contain higher levels of sugar, salt and fat to ensure authentic taste. As such, they are not meant for use every day.

Fiona Dawson, the global president of Mars Food, Drinks and Multisales, says it wants to help "consumers understand the difference between 'everyday' and 'occasional' products within a balanced diet."