Structural responses to the obesity and non-communicable diseases epidemic: the Chilean Law of Food Labeling and Advertising

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Authors: C. Corvalán; M. Reyes; M. L. Garmendia; R. Uauy

2013 – Chilean Senate approved the Law of Food Labeling and Advertising, resulting from the joint efforts of a group of health professionals, researchers and legislators who proposed a regulatory framework in support of healthy diets and active living. Its goal was to curb the ongoing epidemic increase of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Two actions included: (i) improving point of food purchase consumer information by incorporating easy-to-understand front-of-packages labeling and specific messages addressing critical nutrients, and (ii) decreasing children’s exposure to unhealthy foods by restricting marketing, advertising and sales.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/obr.12099

Superior Efficacy of Front-of-Package Warning Labels in Jamaica

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Author: PanAmerican Health Organization ( PAHO ) / World Health Organization ( WHO )

March 2021 – This fact-sheet presents the results of the first study to take place in the Caribbean to examine the best performing front-of-package labeling (FOPL). It was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and the Pan American Health Organization, and contributes to the evidence that has been accumulated in the Region of the Americas on the topic. Consumers showed the octagonal warning labels had the highest chances of correctly identifying when products were excessive in sugars, sodium, or saturated fats, of correctly identifying the least harmful option, and of choosing the least harmful or none of the products more often.

https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/53328

Review of current labelling regulations and practices for food and beverage targeting children and adolescents in Latin America countries (Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and Argentina) and recommendations for facilitating consumer information

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Author: Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública de México / UNICEF

November 2016 – In response to the rising rates of obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), policies have emerged that focus on improving the diets of populations using strategies such as food labelling. The aim of food labels is to influence consumers to make healthier decisions regarding their food choices. The present study include: A review current food labelling regulations and voluntary practices on products targeted to children and adolescents in Latin America (LA); Identify key labelling models in packaged food targeted to children and adolescents in four Latin countries: Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and Argentina; To test the usage, perception and preference of such systems with a sample of parents; and 4) To provide specific recommendations.

https://www.unicef.org/lac/media/1876/file/PDF%20An%C3%A1lisis%20de%20regulaciones%20y%20pr%C3%A1cticas%20para%20el%20etiquetado%20de%20alimentos%20y%20bebidas%20ING.pdf