6mo ago

Front-of-package food labels: A path to healthier choices

theconversation.com

6 comments

The way you see nutrition labels on food packaging is about to change. By 2025, new front-of-package labels will start appearing on grocery store shelves, and by January 2026, they’ll be mandatory.
Over the past two decades, nutrition labelling has evolved into a cornerstone of public health strategies worldwide. Traditional back-of-package labels, which provide comprehensive nutritional details, are often overlooked due to their complexity and placement, making them less effective in guiding consumer choices.
Front-of-package labels address this issue by simplifying key nutritional information and positioning it in a more prominent, visible space. This streamlined approach has proven successful in leading consumers toward healthier choices, as research indicates that simplified, visible labels can influence purchasing decisions
Calories should be mandatory on menus when restaurants already meet the requirements to have nutritional info too
- Restaurants ~~are~~ (EDIT: are not) places that most people go to on a regular basis, so calories on the menu would make no real difference to someone's life. I'd still support that move, though, because it might help someone who is intentionally watching their calorie intake.
  Sodium, cholesterol, saturated fats... now those could have an immediate impact on someone's health and should be noted on menus.
  
  Americans do it, all that other stuff is good too but having at least one thing helps you think about it and doesn't take a ton of extra space. Plus people really underestimate some items, like alcohol or the ol Bloomin onion.
Country of origin should also be on the front of the package so you can identify it quickly. 😘 🇨🇦
Cool. I hope this completely displaces the specious marketing claims that usually appear in front.

6 comments