Transcript Update on Front-of

Update on Front-of-Pack Labeling
United States
United Kingdom
ICBA Fall Meeting
14th September 2009
United States
 US FDA is launching quantitative research to determine
consumers use and understanding of various FOP labeling
schemes
 GDAs, Smart Choices Program, NuVal, Guiding Stars
 Interest expressed at various points in “Traffic Light” type systems
 Smart Choices Program launched in US
 Voluntary FOP program
 Uses “checkmark” to indicate foods/beverages that meet category-
based criteria in line with US Dietary Guidelines; all labels with
check also include calories per serving and servings per container on
FOP
 Website provides comprehensive information, including products
carrying the check/calorie indicator (SmartChoicesProgram.com)
 Coca-Cola: Introducing calories per serving/servings per
container on FOP of all products sold in US
 NuVal (1-100) and Guiding Stars (***) in use by some retailers
United Kingdom
 UK Food Standards Agency has carried out comprehensive
research on FOP labeling and has launched a consultation
seeking stakeholder opinions
 Three systems tested
 Monochrome GDA schemes (% GDA)
 Traffic Lights (red, yellow, green)
 Text (High, Medium, Low)
 Information sought
 Effectiveness of FOP schemes in helping consumers select
healthier options
 How consumers use FOP labeling at retail and at home
 Impact of a range of FOP label formats on accurate
interpretation of FOP labels
UK research findings and conclusions
 Level of comprehension among consumers is generally high
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for all FOP label schemes
The co-existence of a range of FOP label formats in the
marketplace causes difficulties for shoppers
Shoppers who use FOP labels value them, but other factors
will always compete with purchase decisions
Standardizing to one format would enhance use and
comprehension of FOP
Balance of evidence supports combination of text (high,
medium, low), traffic light colors and % GDA information.
Consultations questions of relevance to
beverage industry
 What is the range of foods to which an integrated system should be
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applied?
How should calories be integrated into the FOP scheme?
Should there be criteria for portion size?
What is the appropriate GDA for sugars?
What should be done to maximize the visibility and legibility of an
integrated FOP label?
How can consumers who do not use FOP labeling to influence purchase
decisions best be reached?
What wasn’t asked _______
 No questions on whether the integrated scheme is a viable approach
 No questions about overall impact on the food/beverage industry
………………..Presumption is that the combination system is a given
FSA research – potential implications
 EU
 Potential to impact on-going work to implement legislation on nutrition
labeling
 Global
 National level: Potential for national governments to propose similar
schemes as they look for ways to address health impact of overweight and
obesity
 Codex: Potential to impact direction of work on revision of Codex nutrition
labeling guidelines, as part of Codex response to WHO Global Strategy on
Diet, Physical Activity and Health
 Consumers
 Encourages “Good Food/Bad Food” mindset
 Stresses food based approach to eating, rather than focus on all
foods/beverages fitting in overall sensible, balanced diet combined with
physical activity
 Risks entire food groups being avoided
 Industry
 Would stigmatize entire food categories (e.g., sugar-sweetened beverages)
 Would use significant FOP label space
FOP labeling and the beverage industry
 Calories and sugars are major targets for our products
 Caloric beverages will be denigrated under scheme envisioned by
the FSA
 Industry initiatives on Daily Guidance Indicators (DGIs) are
already in place in many countries
 DGIs place quantities of energy and select nutrients within context of
population-based dietary guidance
 FOP: calories + % DGI
 BOP: % DGIs for select nutrients: e.g., total fat, saturated fat, total sugars,
sodium
 DGI labeling is already in place in many parts of the world
 Europe Guideline Daily Amounts (% GDAs)
 Australia Daily Intake Guides (% DI)
 Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Korea: Industry initiatives in development
 US and Canadian Daily Values (back-of-pack only)
ICBA and FOP labeling
 Should the ICBA consider actions around FOP
labeling?
 If so, what?
 What are the positives, negatives of taking/not
taking action?
 What should our position be at Codex?
 Next steps?