Summary Poor nutrition is one of the main causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in the WHO Americas Region (AMRO). In response, international organizations recommend front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL) systems that present nutritional information clearly to help consumers make healthier choices. In AMRO 35 countries have considered the FOPNL, 30 countries have formally introduced a FOPNL, eleven have adopted a FOPNL and seven countries (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela) have implemented a FOPNL. FOPNL has expanded and evolved by adopting systems with larger warning stamps, using contrasting backgrounds, and using "excess" instead of "high in" to improve their effectiveness. Additionally, they adopted the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model to better define nutrient thresholds. Initial evidence indicates that the implementation has been successful , as well as a decrease in purchases of products with seals, and greater reformulation of products. Governments still discussing implementing a FOPNL should follow best practices to help reduce NCDs related to poor nutrition. |
AMRO countries that had adopted a FOPNL system (until August 2022).
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Adopting front-of-package nutritional warnings can help reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers in the Americas
Adopting best practices in front-of-pack nutrition labeling in more countries in the Americas can help reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) related to poor nutrition, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure high and some types of cancer in the environment. region, suggests a recent study led by researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The study, published today in The Lancet Regional Health Americas , examined the evolution of these policies within the PAHO/World Health Organization Americas Region (AMRO).
Improvements to front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) included larger warning labels, contrasting background for better visibility, use of "excess" instead of "high in" to improve understanding and adoption of the PAHO nutrient profile to better define nutrient thresholds. FOPNL systems aim to help the population understand the nutritional content of a product, reduce the consumption of ultra-processed and processed food products with high fat, sugar and/or salt content and, ultimately, help consumers make healthier decisions.
“The progress of front-of-pack nutrition warning labels in the Americas illustrates that the dissemination of best practices in the region has been shown to improve the nutritional quality of purchases and has been associated with improved diet quality, which in turn is associated with reduced risk of NCDs,” said Dr. Eric Crosbie, co-author of the study and associate professor in the University’s School of Public Health.
In the Americas region, all 35 PAHO member states have discussed FOPNL, 30 countries have formally introduced FOPNL, 11 have adopted FOPNL, and seven (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela) have implemented FOPNL.
“Front-of-pack nutrition labels have evolved in the Americas to provide the best options to populations,” said Dr. Fabio Da Silva Gomes, study co-author and PAHO nutrition and physical activity advisor. “The accumulated lessons and evidence have led countries to achieve regulatory excellence by adopting octagonal warning labels together with the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model to protect and promote healthy eating and public health.”
The study found that enhanced FOPNL gradually expanded its presence in the region, gaining momentum in recent years and evolving to align with PAHO best practice evidence and policies. The researchers recommended that governments still discussing and hoping to implement FOPNL should follow such practices to improve the uptake and impact of the policy to help reduce NCDs related to poor nutrition in the Americas.
* You can download the full version of the study in Spanish here.
