Front-of-package Labels Research Articles

South African consumers' perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on unhealthy foods and drinks.

Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) is a policy tool that helps consumers to make informed food choices. South Africa has not yet implemented this labeling system. The aim of this study was therefore to explore adult South African consumers' perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on foods and non-alcoholic beverages (referred to as drinks in this paper) and their insights into features that could influence the effectiveness of the warning label. Using a qualitative approach, the study purposively selected consumers diversified by urbanization, gender, socioeconomic status, and literacy. We collected data from a total of 113 participants through 12 focus group discussions. Data were systematically coded and divided into five themes namely, positive attitudes toward warning labels, perceived benefits of warning labels, perceived behavior modification, perceived beneficiaries of warning labels, and effective attributes of warning labels. Almost all participants from all socio-economic backgrounds were positive about warning labels, reporting that warning labels concisely and understandably educated them about the nutritional composition of foods. Other perceived advantages were that warning labels warn of health implications, are easily understandable and could benefit child health. Some participants anticipated that warning labels would reduce their purchases of unhealthy foods, while others thought the labels would have no effect on their purchasing habits. Participants found the warning labels attention grabbing and stated that they preferred a black triangle placed on a white background (referred to as a holding strap henceforth), the words "high in" and "warning" in bold and uppercase text, an exclamation mark, and an icon depicting the excessive nutrient. In South Africa warning labels may improve consumer understanding of nutrition information and assist consumers in determining the nutritional quality of packaged foods and drinks.

The impact of the nutri-score on food choice: A choice experiment in a Dutch supermarket

Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels are placed on products to help consumers make healthy food choices. A lab-in-field experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of two FOP labels in promoting healthy food choices among Dutch consumers, and to examine whether dieters and health conscious shoppers are more likely to use the FOP labels. In addition, it was examined whether the placement of relatively “good” FOP label scores on products might inadvertently lead to increases in serving sizes. Participants (N = 300) consisted of Dutch consumers shopping for groceries in a local supermarket. They were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (Nutri-score, Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) label, or no label control condition), presented with six different (labeled) cereals, and asked to make a choice. Next, participants were shown a product with a relatively good label score and selected their desired serving size. The results show that the Nutri-score promotes choice of the healthiest cereal. Dieting behaviour and health conscious shopping did not moderate this effect, and the labels did not affect serving size selection. Overall, the study provides evidence for the Nutri-score to promote healthy food choices among Dutch consumers.

Nutri-Score and Nutrition Facts Panel through the Eyes of the Consumer: Correct Healthfulness Estimations Depend on Transparent Labels, Fixation Duration, and Product Equivocality

Research on front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) demonstrated that Nutri-Score is one of the most promising FOPLs regarding healthfulness estimation accuracy. Nevertheless, as consumers are exposed to both the Nutri-Score and the mandatory Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) in the supermarket, it is key to understand if and how both labels interact. This study investigates the contribution of Nutri-Score and NFP regarding healthfulness estimation accuracy, whether this impact differs depending on the product, and what role visual attention plays. We set up an eye-tracking experiment in a controlled setting in which 398 participants rated the healthfulness of 20 products. The results confirmed the positive impact of the Nutri-Score on healthfulness estimation accuracy, though the impact was larger for equivocal (i.e., difficult to judge) products. Interestingly, NFP either had no effect (compared to a package without Nutri-Score or NFP) or a negative effect (compared to a package with Nutri-Score alone) on healthfulness estimation accuracy. Eye-tracking data corroborated that ‘cognitive overload’ issues could explain why consumers exposed to Nutri-Score alone outperformed those exposed to both Nutri-Score and NFP. This study offers food for thought for policymakers and the industry seeking to maximize the potential of the Nutri-Score.

The WHO South-East Asia Region Nutrient Profile Model Is Quite Appropriate for India: An Exploration of 31,516 Food Products.

The rapid rise in prevalence of overweight/obesity, as well as high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases, has led the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to propose a front-of-package labeling (FOPL) regulation. An effective FOPL system applies a nutrient profile model that identifies foods high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat that would receive a warning label for consumers to effectively discern between more and less healthy foods. Previous Nutrition Alchemy data collected by the food industry (n = 1306 products) estimated that approximately 96% of foods in India would have at least one warning label based on the FSSAI proposed FOPL. This near universal coverage of warning labels may be inaccurate and misleading. To address this, the current study compared two nutrient profile models, the WHO South-East Asia Region Organization (SEARO) and the Chilean Warning Octagon (CWO) Phase 3, applied to food products available in the Indian market from 2015–2020, collected through Mintel Global New Products Database (n = 10,501 products). Results suggest that 68% of foods and beverages would have at least one ‘ high-in’ level warning label. This study highlights the need to include a more comprehensive sample of food products for assessing the value of warning labels.

The impact of Israel\u2019s Front-of-Package labeling reform on consumers' behavior and intentions to change dietary habits

BackgroundIn January 2020, Israel launched a reform mandating Front-of-Package (FOP) labeling on food products. The current study examined the factors affecting consumers’ decision-making regarding the use of FOP labels a year after the reform was implemented.MethodsThe survey was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 and included a sample of 507 participants age 21 and over. The questionnaire included Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs related to food labeling, nutrition habits, media exposure and extent of support for the reform, frequency of using FOP labels, intention to change purchasing and consumption habits in the coming year, and personal details.ResultsThe study found that 58.5% reported using the FOP labels to some extent. In addition, 70% indicated willingness to change to healthier products in the coming year. The results of the analytical model confirm the validity of the HBM and the other behavioral constructs. In particular, the frequency of using FOP labels increases as the following factors increase: levels of perceived benefits and perceived importance of reading FOP labels, level of perceived importance of healthy nutrition, frequency of conforming to healthy nutrition, and support for the reform.ConclusionsThe study's findings are important for understanding the impact of the new reform and for guiding future complementary actions to increase people’s motivation to use FOP labels. More advertisement about the FOP labels in the media and also through the HMOs is needed to increase people’s awareness of the reform. In addition, information about the reform provided to the public should emphasize the benefits and health implications of using FOP labels.

Salt Reduction Initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Evaluation of Progress towards the 2025 Global Target: A Systematic Review.

This study aims at identifying national salt reduction initiatives in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region and describing their progress towards the global salt reduction target. A systematic review of published and grey literature was conducted. Key characteristics of strategies were extracted and classified according to a pre-defined framework: salt intake assessments; leadership and strategic approach; implementation strategies; monitoring and evaluation of program impact. Salt intake levels were estimated in 15 out of the 22 countries (68%), while national salt reduction initiatives were identified in 13 (59%). The majority of countries were found to implement multifaceted reduction interventions, characterized by a combination of two or more implementation strategies. The least common implementation strategy was taxation, while the most common was reformulation (100%), followed by consumer education (77%), initiatives in specific settings (54%), and front of pack labelling (46%). Monitoring activities were conducted by few countries (27%), while impact evaluations were lacking. Despite the ongoing salt reduction efforts in several countries of the region, more action is needed to initiate reduction programs in countries that are lagging behind, and to ensure rigorous implementation and evaluations of ongoing programs. Such efforts are vital for the achievement of the targeted 30% reduction in salt intake.

Current use of nutrition facts tables and attitudes towards new red and green front-of-package labels among Israeli consumers

Front-of-package labels (FOPL) are designed to simplify nutrition information and to help consumers make healthier food choices. The Israeli government has implemented new regulations requiring mandatory red warning FOPL for high levels of sodium, sugar, or saturated fats. A voluntary green positive FOPL for products fitting the national nutritional recommendations was concurrently encouraged. In order to characterise adult consumers' current use of Nutrition Facts Tables (NFT) and their attitudes towards the new FOPL, a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted. Most of the 1,042 survey respondents reported frequent NFT use (76.2%) and intentions to purchase fewer red-labelled (81.1%) and more green-labelled products (85.0%). Consumers with higher BMI and lower education expressed higher intentions to use the new FOPL, but not higher current use of NFT. This finding suggests that these high-risk groups, which the new labels are meant to target, may indeed benefit from the new policy.

Front of package labels and olive oil: a call for caution.

Front of package labels and olive oil: a call for caution.

Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Introducing a Front-of-Package Labelling Scheme on Package Foods in China: A Qualitative Study

Background: Front-of-pack (FoP) labelling on foods is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing global burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases, but this policy has not yet been implemented in China. The aim of this study was to ascertain key stakeholders’ views on the need for a FoP labelling scheme and understand barriers and facilitators to developing a feasible and acceptable FoP labelling policy in the Chinese context. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to elicit opinions about introducing FoP labelling in China from diverse representatives in roles of FoP labelling policy influence. Participants were identified by purposive and snowball sampling. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was adopted to facilitate data collection and analysis. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo 12. Themes and subthemes were generated using deductive and inductive approaches. Findings: Thirty participants were interviewed, representing government agencies (n=5), technical support agencies (n=8), professional associations (n=3), the food industry (n=7), the mass media (n=3), and consumer groups (n=4). Barriers and facilitators were identified across CFIR domains. The major barriers to FoP labelling development were the absence of national contextual analysis, perceived complexity of the process of policy development, disagreement on a preferred FoP labelling format, cost for the food industry, low priority compared to food safety policies, lack of existing regulatory framework or authorized nutrient profiling system, limited knowledge of FOP labelling, and the lack of planning and engagement with stakeholders. Facilitators included existing mandatory nutrient declarations on the back of food packages as a prerequisite for FoP labelling, experiences and lessons learned from piloting the “Healthier Choice” and “Smart Choice” logos, policy coherence with Healthy China 2030, and support from external agents (e.g., WHO). Interpretation: Although there is growing interest in FoP labelling in China, further efforts are required to develop and collate evidence to demonstrate the scientific, legal, and political feasibility of introducing effective FoP labelling. Facilitators and barriers identified in the study can potentially inform key considerations and steps to build support among stakeholders and contribute to the development of a FoP labelling scheme in China. Funding: The study was financed in part by WHO China Representative Office. The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of WHO. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Ethical approval was received from the Chinese Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Approval No.: 202024).

What Is the Nutritional Composition of Ultra-Processed Food Marketed in Italy?

The present study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of the nutrient profile of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) marketed in Italy according to three front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) schemes implemented by France, i.e., the Nutriscore; by the United Kingdom, i.e., Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL); and by Italy, i.e., the NutrInform battery. The analysis was made in fourteen food product categories, corresponding to 124 foods. The application of the Nutriscore scheme showed that a significant proportion of foods (23%) were awarded an A or B. Furthermore, the analysis according to the MTL showed that food products that were above the threshold (“red”) for fat, saturated fats, sugars, and salt ranged from 13% to 31%. Interestingly, even though all foods considered in the analysis were UPF, they were heterogeneous in nutritional composition, as demonstrated by the FOPL schemes applied, showing that UPF represent a heterogeneous group of foods with different characteristics. Such a finding may have relevant implications for epidemiological studies that analyze the association between UPF consumption and health outcomes, suggesting the need for better characterization of the effects of UPF intake on human health.

Nutritional marketing of plant-based meat-analogue products: an exploratory study of front-of-pack and website claims in the USA.

To explore how some of the largest food companies involved in producing alternative proteins (AP) use health and nutrition claims to market their products. We identified the largest food manufacturers, meat processors and AP companies selling plant-based AP products in the USA. Using publicly available data, we analysed the voluntary health and nutrition claims made on front-of-pack labels (FOPL) and company webpages. We also analysed company websites for further nutrition and health-related statements about their products or AP more generally. Claim classification was guided by the INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring, and Action Support) taxonomy for health-related food labelling. USA. Not applicable. 1394 health and nutrition-related FOPL claims were identified on 216 products, including 685 nutrition claims and 709 'other health-related' claims. No FOPL health claims were identified. Most nutrient claims were for nutrients associated with meat, with 94 % of products carrying a protein claim and 30 % carrying a cholesterol claim. 74 % of products carried a GMO-free claim, and 63 % carried a plant-based claim. On their websites, some companies expanded on these claims or discussed the health benefits of specific ingredients. Companies involved in this category appear to be using nutritional marketing primarily to position their products in relation to meat. There is a focus on nutrient and ingredient claims, with discussion of processing largely avoided. The findings highlight the challenges companies face in positioning AP products as healthy against the backdrop of debates about ultra-processed foods.

Arguments used by trade associations during the early development of a new front-of-pack nutrition labelling system in Brazil - CORRIGENDUM.

Objective: To analyse the arguments used by the food industry during the early development of the new nutrition front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) in Brazil. Design: A thematic qualitative analysis was performed using an inductive approach. All data were collected and analysed between December 2018 and April 2019. Data included documents published by the Brazilian government, including industry’s contributions to a technical public consultation, as well as industry material and newspaper articles. Setting: Brazil. Participants: Seven trade associations and one industry group. Results: During the early stages of the FOPL policy development, food industry actors presented themselves as legitimate actors, by highlighting their economic contribution to the country, their role in safeguarding consumers’ right to choose and their range of solutions in addressing the non-communicable disease epidemic. They also questioned the policy process by criticising the role of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency and the science that informed the policy. Finally, food industry actors highlighted the supposedly lack of coherence between national, regional and international policies, as well as other socio-economic risks. A small set of evidence published in non-academic, non-peer-reviewed reports was used by industry actors to support these arguments. Conclusions: Collectively, these arguments reinforced the position of the food industry as a necessary part of the discussion on FOPL and shifted the blame away from unhealthy products to individual behaviours. It is crucial that public health initiatives, such as the introduction of a new FOPL, are no co-opted and negatively influenced by economic actors who may try to delay the policy process.

Dietary Intake Assessment of Pre-Packed Graviera Cheese in Greece and Nutritional Characterization Using the Nutri-Score Front of Pack Label Scheme.

Gravieras are ‘gruyere’ type hard cheeses with a variety of different products and the second highest consumption in Greece. In this study, we present a dietary intake assessment and a nutritional characterization of pre-packed graviera products sold in the Greek market using Nutri-Score Front of Pack Label (FoPL). The nutrient contents of 92 pre-packed graviera products were combined with daily individual consumption data extracted from the Hellenic National Nutrition Health Survey (n = 93), attempting to evaluate the contribution of graviera’s consumption to the Greek diet. The analysis of nutrients’ intake as a Reference Intake (RI) percentage ranked saturated fat first on the nutrients’ intake list, with RI percentage ranging from 36.1 to 109.2% for the 95th percentile of consumption. The respective % RI for energy, total fat, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt ranged from 12.7–20.7%, 21.6–50.4%, 0–3.1%, 0–6.1%, 37–57.1% and 6.3–42%. Nutri-Score classified 1% of the products to C—light orange class, 62% to D—orange and 37% to E—dark orange, while no products were classified to A—dark green or B—green classes. The comparison between the Nutri-Score classification and the nutrients’ intake assessment, also separately conducted within the classes, showed a higher salt intake after the consumption of products classified as D—orange and E—dark orange.

Readable Labels and Moderating Effect of Individual Personality Traits Effect on Consumer Healthy Packaged Food Selection Intention

It is a common notion that front of pack label guide individual for the selection of healthy and right amount of packaged food. The inconsistent results found in past studies. In continuation with current study proposed a model which is underpinned with theory of planned behavior. The proposed model comprised of factors affecting individual attitude to read food label at point of purchase like traffic lights efficacy, health claim efficacy and user friendly label efficacy, whereas direct impact of subjective norm and self-efficacy was also investigated. Moreover, the personality traits were investigated as moderator. The data collected from three renowned retail outlet of Pakistan named; Al-Fatah, Hyperstar and Metro Cash and Carry. For the in depth study mixed method was used. Therefore, for quantitative date the cross-sectional data was collected with convenience sampling technique using adapted questionnaire whereas for qualitative analysis unstructured questions used for detail interview. The sample size for quantitative analysis was 1146 and for qualitative data 32 interviews were conducted. The results revealed that user friendly label efficacy and health statement efficacy insignificant effect in direct relation whereas full mediation observed with label reading attitude. In contrary to that traffic lights label efficacy has insignificant effect in both direct and indirect relation. Subjective norm and self-efficacy have significant impact on individual intention for healthy food selection. In addition to only two personality traits like; agreeableness and conscientiousness moderated between label reading attitude and intention. The current study implies that consumer education regarding nutrients is necessary.

The effect of front-of-package labels or point-of-sale signage on consumer knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding sugar-sweetened beverages: a systematic review.

Globally, the use of labels or signage targeting SSBs remains in its infancy and there is limited evidence available regarding its ability to decrease purchase and consumption of SSBs. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effect of sugar- or health-related sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) warning labels or signage on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, and SSB purchase and consumption. Nine databases - Ovid Medline, Emerald Insight, Scopus, Informit, Business Source Complete, CINAHL, Global Health, PsychINFO, and SocIndex - were searched along withgrey literature from inception to December 2019. The PRISMA guidelines were applied for reporting this systematic review. Studies examining the impact of front of pack (FOP) labels and/or point of sale (POS) signage highlighting added sugar content or its health risks were included. Two authors independently extracted data on items, including study details, study design, population characteristics, intervention label details (type, duration, and settings), and outcomes measures. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool was used to assess the study quality. Findings were synthesized narratively. Twenty-one studies published between 1992 and 2019 were included. Of these, 16 studies examined the impact of FOP labels and 5 studies examined the impact of POS signage. Both FOP labels and POS signage were associated with improved health knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding SSBs and reduced SSB purchases. Warning labels with diet-related health consequences were found to be particularly effective. Overall quality of studies was assessed as mixed. Health- or sugar-related FOP labels and POS signage for SSBs are promising public health measures and may improve consumers' health behaviors toward reduced SSB purchase and consumption.

Are food and drink available in online and physical supermarkets the same? A comparison of product availability, price, price promotions and nutritional information.

Online supermarkets are increasingly used both by consumers and as a source of data on the food environment. We compared product availability, nutritional information, front-of-pack (FOP) labelling, price and price promotions for food and drink products between physical and online supermarkets. For physical stores, we collected data on price, price promotions, FOP nutrition labels and nutrition information from a random sample of food and drinks from six UK supermarkets. For online stores, we used foodDB, a research-ready dataset of over 14 million observations of food and drink products available in online supermarkets. Six large supermarket stores located near Oxford, UK. General sample with 295 food and drink products, plus boost samples for both fruit and vegetables, and alcohol. In the general sample, 85 % (95 % CI 80, 90 %) of products found in physical stores could be matched with an online product. Nutritional information found in the two settings was almost identical, for example, concordance correlation coefficient for energy = 0·995 (95 % CI 0·993, 0·996). The presence of FOP labelling and price promotions differed between the two settings (Cohen's kappa = 0·56 (95 % CI 0·45, 0·66) and 0·40 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·55), respectively). Prices were similar between online and physical supermarkets (concordance correlation coefficient > 0·9 for all samples). Product availability, nutritional information and prices sourced online for these six retailers are good proxies of those found in physical stores. Price promotions and FOP labelling vary between the two settings. Further research should investigate whether this could impact on health inequalities.

Reformulation of Packaged Foods and Beverages in the Colombian Food Supply.

Public discussion, advocacy, and legislative consideration of policies aimed at reducing consumption of processed foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes and mandatory front-of-package (FOP) warning labels, may stimulate product reformulation as a strategy to prevent regulation. In Colombia, there have been major legislative pushes for SSB taxes and FOP labels, although neither has passed to date. In light of the ongoing policy debate and successful implementation of similar policies in Peru and Chile, we explored manufacturer reformulation in the Colombian food supply. We compared the quantities of nutrients of concern (including sugar, sodium, and saturated fat) from the nutrition facts panels of the same 102 packaged foods and 36 beverages from the top-selling brands in Colombia between 2016 and 2018. Our analyses showed a substantial decrease in median sugar content of beverages, from 9.2 g per 100 mL to 5.2 g per 100 mL, and an increase in the percentage of beverages containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), from 33% to 64% (p = 0.003). No meaningful changes in the quantities of nutrients of concern among foods were observed. Our findings suggest little reformulation has occurred in Colombia in the absence of mandatory policies, except for the substitution of sugar with NNS among beverages.

Efficacy of "High in" Nutrient Specific Front of Package Labels-A Retail Experiment with Canadians of Varying Health Literacy Levels.

Background: In 2018, Health Canada, the Federal department responsible for public health, put forward a regulatory proposal to introduce regulations requiring a “High in” front-of-package label (FOPL) on foods that exceed predetermined thresholds for sodium, sugars, or saturated fat. This study evaluated the efficacy of the proposed FOPL as a quick and easy tool for making food choices that support reduction in the intakes of these nutrients. Methods: Consumers (n = 625) of varying health literacy levels (HL) were assigned to control (current labeling with no FOPL) or one of four FOPL designs. They completed six shopping tasks, designed to control for internal motivations. Efficacy was measured with correct product selection and response time (seconds) to make food choices using repeated measures statistical modeling, adjusting for HL, task type, and task order. Eye-tracking and structured interviews were used to gather additional insights about participants’ choices. Results: Overall, FOPL was significantly more effective than current labeling at helping consumers of varying HL levels to identify foods high in nutrients of concern and make healthier food choices. All FOPL were equally effective. Conclusions: “High in” FOPL can be effective at helping Canadians of varying HL levels make more informed food choices in relation to sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.

World Heart Federation Policy Brief: Front-Of-Pack Labelling: Unhealthy Changes in the Global Food System.

On World Food Day, the World Heart Federation calls on governments to implement mandatory front-of-pack food labels. The World Heart Federation (WHF) has developed a new policy brief on front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) aimed at improving global standards on nutrition and creating healthy food environments. Poor diet is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other risk factor, and is a leading cause of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Global estimates suggest that almost 2.3 billion children and adults are overweight. The growing availability of ultra-processed foods, which contain high levels of sugars, sodium, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, is a key contributor to the current obesity epidemic, which is increasingly impacting low- and middle-income countries. The WHF Front-of-Pack Labelling Policy Brief highlights front-of-pack labelling as a way to create environments where consumers are able to make better informed, healthier food choices for themselves and their families. Currently, a wide variety of front-of-pack labelling systems have been implemented by governments and food manufacturers around the world, with varying levels of success. The new WHF Policy Brief provides evidence-based, practical guidance that can be adapted to local contexts. It highlights that in order the be implemented successfully, FOPL systems must take into account consumer literacy and prevailing cultural norms around food and nutrition. FOPL must be mandatory, government-led, and accompanied by broad public nutrition education initiatives. The WHF Policy Brief includes a set of policy recommendations to give governments the tools they need to select the FOPL system that will best meet the needs of their populations, including recommendations on how to develop an effective FOPL programme, how to implement it successfully, and how to monitor and evaluate outcomes.

Arguments used by trade associations during the early development of a new front-of-pack nutrition labelling system in Brazil.

To analyse the arguments used by the food industry during the early development of the new nutrition front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) in Brazil. A thematic qualitative analysis was performed using an inductive approach. All data were collected and analysed between December 2018 and April 2019. Data included documents published by the Brazilian government, including industry's contributions to a technical public consultation, as well as industry material and newspaper articles. Brazil. Seven trade associations and one industry group. During the early stages of the FOPL policy development, food industry actors presented themselves as legitimate actors, by highlighting their economic contribution to the country, their role in safeguarding consumers' right to choose and their range of solutions in addressing the non-communicable disease epidemic. They also questioned the policy process by criticising the role of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency and the science that informed the policy. Finally, food industry actors highlighted the supposedly lack of coherence between national, regional and international policies, as well as other socio-economic risks. A small set of evidence published in non-academic, non-peer-reviewed reports was used by industry actors to support these arguments. Collectively, these arguments reinforced the position of the food industry as a necessary part of the discussion on FOPL and shifted the blame away from unhealthy products to individual behaviours. It is crucial that public health initiatives, such as the introduction of a new FOPL, are no co-opted and negatively influenced by economic actors who may try to delay the policy process.