Policy Resources

Comment on “Nutrition Labelling Policies: WHO Guideline”

October 11, 2024

AUTHORS

Barry Popkin, Shu Wen Ng, Lindsey Smith-Tallie, Julia Wolfson, Jennifer Falbe, Marissa Hall, Jennie Davis, Aline D’Angelo Campos, Ana Paula Richter, Brittany Lemmon, Carolyn Chelius, Ethan Wolf, Andrea Gil

Key Takeaways

Voluntary or numeric-only systems are ineffective; real-world evidence shows that mandatory nutrient warning labels are the most effective at improving diets and prompting industry reformulation.

Compared to endorsement labels, traffic-light labels, or summary scores, nutrient warning labels are clearer, easier to understand, and better at reducing intake of unhealthy foods.

FOPLs should be integrated with nutrient declarations and restrictions on misleading claims (especially on products for infants and toddlers) to maximize public health impact and prevent consumer confusion.

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