Home Institution

University of South Carolina

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Abstract

Suboptimal diets contribute significantly to poor health and chronic diseases, with excessive sodium intake and low consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables being major risk factors. To address this global nutrition burden, various countries have implemented front-of-package labeling (FOPL) systems such as the Nutri-Score, Warning Signs, and Facts Up Front.

This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of these systems – which vary in development, design, content, and implementation – in both theory and practice. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of three FOPL systems, assessing their theoretical effectiveness with international guidelines and practical effectiveness through expert interviews and secondary data.

Findings show that while both the Nutri-Score and Warning Signs generally adhere to international guidelines, the Nutri-Score faces more divisive consensus, while the Facts Up Front label lacks in several crucial areas. The three systems have varying degrees of academic, industry, and government support, with the voluntary, non-interpretive Facts Up Front label being most preferred by the industry and less supported by research, whereas the vice versa applies for the government-mandated, interpretive Warning Signs label, and the voluntary, interpretive Nutri-Score garners both support and dissent from all stakeholders.

Disciplines

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition | Food Studies | Health Policy | International and Community Nutrition | International Relations

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