Looking Ahead: Health Impact Assessment of Front-Of-Pack Nutrition Labelling Schema as a Public Health Measure.

Rodrigo Feteira-Santos,Osvaldo Santos,Ana Virgolino,Pedro Graça,Carlota Pacheco Vieira,João Fernandes,Violeta Alarcão,Andreia Costa,Paulo Nogueira,Maria João Gregório

doi:10.3390/ijerph18041422

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the underlying process, used methods and major recommendations emerging from a comprehensive and prospective health impact assessment of the endorsement of a front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOP-NL) system by the Portuguese health authorities. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather information on the impact of four FOP-NL schemes on consumers’ selection of food products according to the perception of their nutritional quality, combining a systematic literature review, focus groups (FG), in-depth individual interviews, and an open-label crossover randomized controlled study. The relevance of FOP-NL as a public health promotion policy has emerged as a consensual idea among either FGs’ participants (i.e., consumers and experts), or interviewed stakeholders. Although all of the evaluated FOP-NLs result better than no system on promoting the choice of the healthiest product, the effectiveness of easy-to-interpret FOP-NL among vulnerable groups raised concerns related to the need of integrating specific nutritional information to promote a better self-management of chronic diseases, and related to the level of literacy of consumers, which could impair the usage of FOP-NL. Educational campaigns addressing skills to use FOP-NL is recommended. Furthermore, a monitoring strategy should be considered to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this policy in promoting healthier food choices, and in reducing diet-related non-communicable diseases burden.

Highlights

Introduction conditions of the Creative CommonsNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing worldwide, accounting for more than 70% of all deaths, globally, and representing a leading cause of years of life lost across countries [1]
A set of recommendations that emerged from the evaluation process and that should be consider in the definition and implementation of a front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOP-NL) system are shared as a relevant piece of information for policymakers
There was a consensus about the potential impact of the implementation of a FOP-NL system on social and economic conditions influencing health, namely education, childcare, and community interaction

Summary

Introduction

Introduction conditions of the Creative CommonsNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing worldwide, accounting for more than 70% of all deaths, globally, and representing a leading cause of years of life lost across countries [1].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion