Abstract
Many different front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels have been introduced worldwide. To continue the debate on the most effective FOP labels for increased consumer health, full comprehension of their visual and functional features is relevant. This paper compares and provides an overview of all FOP labels currently in practice or in preparation in Europe, by means of the visually oriented Funnel Model. The Funnel Models were completed in collaboration with the respective FOP labelling initiatives. In total, six positive FOP labels, two mixed FOP labels and one negative FOP label were compared. There are multiple similarities and differences between the FOP labels, with each FOP label being characterised by a unique set of criteria and methodological approach. This Funnel Model comparison provides the knowledge to ultimately find more common ground for all stakeholders involved in the FOP labelling debate. Importantly, implementation and evaluation activities carried out by FOP labelling organisations are crucial success factors for FOP labels in practice. We conclude that more attention should be paid to methodological differences between FOP labels and recommend that the current comparison is expanded to a global level and periodically updated, as the variety of FOP labels in the global marketplace is changing constantly.
Highlights
Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels are designed to simplify nutritional information presented on-pack to help consumers make healthier food choices, and stimulate healthy product reformulation.The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends FOP labelling as a policy tool to tackle the global epidemic of obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases [1,2]
There is an ongoing debate on what system is most effective in translating complex nutritional information for the consumer and many studies have been conducted on this topic [4,5,6]
There is no agreement on mandatory FOP labelling, or on the specific formats or methodologies to be used in FOP labelling systems [1]
Summary
Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels are designed to simplify nutritional information presented on-pack to help consumers make healthier food choices, and stimulate healthy product reformulation.The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends FOP labelling as a policy tool to tackle the global epidemic of obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases [1,2]. Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels are designed to simplify nutritional information presented on-pack to help consumers make healthier food choices, and stimulate healthy product reformulation. Across Europe, many food manufacturers and retailers have started to use these different FOP labels on their products, as many countries have introduced or started to introduce their own FOP labelling scheme [3,4,5]. There is no agreement on mandatory FOP labelling, or on the specific formats or methodologies to be used in FOP labelling systems [1]. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has recently agreed to develop guiding principles for the provision of simplified nutrition information to consumers, enabling them to choose healthier food options through front-of-pack nutrition labelling [7]
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