Persistence of Health Labeling Information Asymmetry in the United States

Abstract

Food labeling in the United States has been a topic of public debate and conflict for almost two centuries. Legislative activity has involved consumer–industry–government battles over both mandated requirements for food labeling, industry’s freedom of speech in messaging, and consumers’ struggle to make informed choices in a complex food environment. Information asymmetries have been attributed to the failure of government in terms of enough legislation, industry’s noncompliance with existing regulations, lack of consumer attention to the information available, and industry marketing practices. This overview of food labeling legislation combined with a discussion of contemporary labeling issues makes the case that information asymmetry is likely to persist. The food environment is changing quickly, regulatory authorities are not nimble, regulators often clash with themselves and industry, business has been unable to look far beyond its bottom line, and consumers are unwilling or unable to comprehend and use label information to make choices that maintain and/or improve their health.