Beyond Food Safety: Pioneering Front-of-Pack Labelling for Healthier Choices
At the heart of the 47th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47), an impactful side event titled “Beyond Food Safety—Effective Labelling for Healthier Food in the Context of Codex Guidance” unfolded on November 29, 2024. Global health experts and policymakers converged to discuss the transformative potential of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The event spotlighted the urgent need for harmonised, evidence-based labelling policies to empower consumers and promote healthier food choices.
A Call to Action for Food Labelling Policies
The session opened with an impassioned address by Luis Maria Dil, Unit Head at WHO Headquarters, emphasising the pivotal role of food labelling in public health. Luis revealed alarming statistics: in 2021, high sodium intake caused two million deaths globally, while trans fatty acids claimed 300,000 lives. Acknowledging the challenges, she announced the impending release of WHO’s new guidelines on FOPL, slated for early 2025. She stressed the need for government-led, transparent, and conflict-free implementation of labelling systems.
Dr. Katherine Engel Hart, a scientist from WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, expanded on this vision. She traced the evolution of global dietary policies, from the 2004 Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health to recent advancements like nutrient profiling and ingredient labelling. However, Dr Hart noted that while 135 countries have adopted ingredient labelling, FOPL remains underutilised, with widespread implementation mostly in the Americas.
Dr. Hart outlined WHO’s systematic approach to developing guidelines. This included rigorous reviews of FOPL’s impact on consumer behaviour, contextual analyses addressing health equity and human rights, and a push for consistent global food classifications. She highlighted FOPL’s potential to mitigate regulatory confusion and reduce the demand for ultra-processed foods.
Lessons from the Americas: Leading the FOPL Revolution
Fabio Gomez, Regional Advisor for Nutrition in the Americas, offered a glimpse into the region’s pioneering efforts. With 11 countries already mandating FOPL, the Americas leads the global charge, driven by cross-country collaboration and WHO’s nutrient profiling recommendations. Fabio underscored the importance of harmonising health-driven policies with Codex guidance to balance public health goals with international trade demands.
While success stories abound, Fabio acknowledged the lengthy adaptation processes and emphasised the value of robust evidence and clear communication. “Policy change takes time,” he remarked, “but the impact on public health is worth the effort.”
Bridging the Gap Between Trade and Public Health
Eric Winstrom, Head of the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Section, addressed the delicate balance between health measures and trade regulations. He assured participants that governments retain the right to implement public health measures, even if these impact trade, provided they adhere to international standards and avoid unnecessary barriers. Using Chile\u2019s FOPL experience as an example, he illustrated how regulatory cooperation can resolve trade tensions without compromising health objectives.
During the Q&A segment, South Africa’s representative raised concerns about trademark conflicts in FOPL implementation. Eric highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policymaking, reiterating that public health must take precedence over trade considerations when supported by robust data.
Paving the Way for Global Standardization
As discussions progressed, panellists and delegates explored the broader implications of FOPL. Dr. Hart emphasised the effectiveness of interpretive labels in influencing consumer behaviour, while Fabio Gomez shared strategies from Argentina to restrict misleading health claims on ultra-processed foods. An IBFAN representative spotlighted regulatory gaps in baby food marketing, calling for stricter measures to curb deceptive advertising and digital marketing abuses.
Looking forward, Louise Maria Dil outlined WHO’s next steps, which include supporting FOPL implementation as part of obesity reduction strategies, enhancing collaboration with WTO to align trade and health policies, and exploring the role of labelling in digital spaces.
A Shared Commitment to Healthier Futures
The event concluded with a resounding call for action. Mr. Ben, the panel chair, thanked participants for their insights and urged continued collaboration to advance FOPL policies worldwide. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to bridging the gap between food safety, health promotion, and international trade.
As WHO’s guidelines prepare to launch in 2025, the outcomes of this meeting serve as a beacon for policymakers and advocates striving to create healthier food environments. The road ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort, FOPL can pave the way for a healthier, more informed global community.