The global fast food giant is to display nutritional information on the majority of its product packaging, using an icon and bar chart format.

A spokeswoman for McDonald's in the UK said the new packaging would be released in the second quarter of next year.

She added it was too early to say who would be responsible for the printing, but she anticipated that existing suppliers would be used.

Perseco acts as packaging and supply chain coordinator for McDonald's on a global scale. It currently deals with UK packaging companies such as Bibby & Baron, Georgia Pacific, Delta Print and Packaging, and Smith Anderson.

McDonald's said the new look will also lead to additional background information such as PoS and other "in-restaurant materials" being produced to allow customers to familiarise themselves with the new format.

McDonald's said the move to print the nutritional information comes as part of its global commitment to promote balanced, active lifestyles.