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Update on Front-of-Pack Labeling

Update on Front-of-Pack Labeling. United States United Kingdom. ICBA Fall Meeting 14 th 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

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Update on Front-of-Pack Labeling

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  1. Update on Front-of-Pack Labeling United States United Kingdom ICBA Fall Meeting 14th September 2009

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. UK research findings and conclusions • Level of comprehension among consumers is generally high 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.

  5. Consultations questions of relevance to beverage industry • What is the range of foods to which an integrated system should be 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

  6. 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

  7. 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)

  8. 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?

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