In April, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business released a study on front-of-pack labeling and its impact on obesity. The study supports many of Consumer Brands’ principles and priorities regarding how front-of-pack labeling could help the industry in its ongoing efforts to put more information at consumers’ fingertips, including the benefits of the industry-backed Facts up Front initiative.
The white paper can be found here and the author’s companion article in Forbes is here.
The study looked at short term and long-term obesity rate data in dozens of countries where interpretive food warning labels are in place and found and upward trend. In their conclusion the authors wrote that there is no demonstrated proof that FOP labels are linked to improved health.
Some highlights from the companion article include:
“The sobering conclusion: Yes, people may buy less of the packaged food items with warning labels. But often the effect is temporary or doesn’t look at their total diet – and sadly, people are not getting any healthier. Obesity rates have continued their upward march around the world, even in countries that use the strictest warning labels and in parts of the world where other citizens suffer from malnutrition.”
“Some of the key findings can help explain why interpretive food warning labels have not been quite so effective:
- There is no demonstrated proof that FOP labels are linked to improved health or reduction in obesity rates
- FOP labels do not effectively reach or motivate consumers most affected by overweight and obesity. Only one-quarter to one-third of the consumer segments with the highest rates of overweight and obesity look for nutrition information on food packaging.
- We do not have a handle on what consumers’ total diet is beyond the labeled products. Away-from-home meals are not incorporated into the equation, so we do not have a handle on the net quality of the diet or how many calories are being consumed.
- Portion management offers a more cost-efficient and effective strategy in addressing obesity than FOP labels.”
More on Facts up Front:
Facts up Front is an industry-backed initiative led by Consumer Brands that puts information on the front of product packaging that consumers are likely to consider when searching for more information about the food and beverage items they purchase, like caloric content, serving size and nutritional daily totals. The Facts Up Front Style Guide was updated to reflect calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugars content per serving together, in that order. This way, consumers can quickly assess if an item aligns with their nutritional needs and goals before even turning over the package.
The industry has researched, invested in and implemented Facts Up Front because it’s a common sense, easy to understand system that effectively communicates the key nutrients and nutritional facts that consumers seek. It replicates existing information from the FDA-mandated Nutrition Facts panel, increasing transparency and aiding nutritional literacy without compromising consumer choice.