Food labels: a critical assessment

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Consumer Behavior
• Food Labeling Policy

Background:

• Packaged foods utilize both front-of-package (FOP) and back-of-package (BOP) labels.
• Current labels aim to inform consumers about food composition for healthier dietary selections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of FOP and BOP labels in informing consumers about food composition.
• To identify effective strategies for improving food label clarity and consumer understanding.

Main Methods:

• A review of recent scientific literature was conducted.
• Findings were synthesized with author assessments of US and Canadian food labels.

Main Results:

• Consumers experience significant difficulty comprehending information on current US and Canadian FOP and BOP labels.
• Effective FOP labels require simple designs, clear nutrient information (fat, sugar, sodium, energy), and color-coded indicators (e.g., traffic light system).
• Improved BOP labels are also necessary, and the food industry may resist new labeling systems.

Conclusions:

• Both FOP and BOP food labels in the US and Canada require redesign.
• A traffic light system is recommended for improved food labeling clarity and consumer guidance.