Global Governance of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling: A Qualitative Analysis.

Anne Marie Thow,Ronald Labonté,Carmen Huckel Schneider,Alexandra Jones

doi:10.3390/nu11020268

Anne Marie Thow, Ronald Labonté + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020268

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Abstract

The Codex Alimentarius has approved ongoing work for international guidance on front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition labelling, which is a core intervention for prevention of diet-related noncommunicable disease. This guidance will have implications for national policy decision-making regarding this important public health issue. However, FoP nutrition labelling is also a trade and commerce policy issue. In this study, we analyze the global governance of FoP nutrition labelling and current policy processes, to inform public health policy and advocacy. We present findings from a qualitative governance and institutional analysis, based on key informant interviews with 28 global actors. The study found that Codex guidance was perceived as likely to have a high impact on FoP nutrition labelling globally. However, a small and highly interconnected “regime complex” of international institutions surrounds FoP nutrition labelling at the global level, and influence on Codex discussions is being exerted differentially by actors at the national and global level, particularly by government and industry actors. There are thus risks associated with conflicts of interests in the development of global guidance on FoP nutrition labelling. There are also opportunities for more strategic and coordinated public health engagement.

Highlights

Front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition labelling is a core component of the emerging “essential” package of policy recommendations to address the growing global burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) [1]
We found that Codex guidance was perceived as likely to have a high impact on FoP nutrition labelling globally, either positive or negative depending on the nature of the guidance developed
Almost all respondents referred to the fact that the standards and guidelines of Codex are referenced by the Agreements of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and observed that without a Codex standard, national governments were likely to be vulnerable to challenges at the WTO

Summary

Introduction

Front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition labelling is a core component of the emerging “essential” package of policy recommendations to address the growing global burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. Diet-related ill-health contributes substantially to the global burden of disease, excess consumption of harmful fat, salt and sugar, and inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and other minimally processed foods [2]. There is some evidence that such labels can stimulate companies to reformulate products towards healthier nutrient compositions [5,6]. As interest in—and implementation of—FoP nutrition labelling for NCD prevention has increased at a country-level, challenges have become apparent. Diverse approaches have been taken to FoP nutrition labelling, which partly reflect an emerging evidence base and partly contextual differences

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