Sustainable food labelling: considerations for policy-makers

Abstract

Improving the sustainability of the global food system is a policy priority. There are multiple types of sustainability labels in the food market, and policy-makers need to know what constitutes an effective label. We discuss the use of labels to inform consumers about the economic, social and environmental sustainability implications of their food purchasing choices. We categorise these sustainability labels and explain the opportunities they offer and the challenges they pose to be effective. Improved consumer information on the sustainability of food products can serve as an incentive for operators in the food supply chain to increase their sustainability. Specific choices made on the type of food label used are likely to affect their. A comprehensive mandatory labelling and certification scheme is a promising course of action from a policy perspective, if it covers the multiple dimensions of sustainability, and uses scoring and evidence-based criteria.