The implementation of front-of-package labeling in Argentina encourages product reformulation, promoting healthier food environments. The objective was to analyze the changes in the content of energy, added sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium in ultra-processed products during the first stage and upon completion of the implementation period of the law regulating front- of-package labeling in the country. METHODS: A longitudinal study with non-probabilistic sampling was conducted. Data were collected in two stages: T1 (June-August 2022) and T2 (December 2023-March 2024). Changes were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The sample comprised 682 products in T1 and 527 in T2. Energy content decreased in dairy and sweet biscuits (p<0.05). There was a notable reduction in total fat (40 %) and saturated fat (38.73 %) content in dairy products (p<0.05), followed by decreases in saturated fat (11.76 %) and sodium (9.69 %) in savory snacks (p<0.05). Added sugar content increased in dairy and sweet spreads (p<0.05), while it decreased in ice cream, chocolates, sweet biscuits, and “alfajores” (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: There was no evidence of a general pattern of product reformulation; this phenomenon was observed in certain groups and specific nutrients such as total fat, saturated fat, and sodium.
Front-of-Pack Labeling
Panama – Draft Bill Presented to Establish Front-of-Pack Labeling and Nutritional Warnings
The draft law presented by the deputy of the Movimiento Otro Camino (MOCA in Spanish), José Pérez Barboni, which seeks to establish “front labeling and nutritional warning” on ultra-processed products so that consumers are aware of the excess sugars, sodium, fats and calories is questioned by consumers and businessmen who indicate that this will increase the cost of the products.
Ángel Pérez, former president of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), Azuero Chapter, said that “front labeling does not harm the seller, it affects the entire industry. The products that have to be replaced increase in price, they no longer produce it, they change it for a more expensive one, it affects the pocket of the final consumer. The solution is food education.”
Articles – Mexico: Effect of stakeholders’ perspectives on the Front-of-Pack Labeling regulation in Mexico
In Mexico, the inclusion of a Front-of-Pack Label in the Official Mexican Standard-051 (NOM-051 for its Spanish acronym) has been widely discussed for years by different stakeholder groups. In 2019, the NOM-051 modification project was proposed, which included front-of-pack warning labels. To be modified, it went through a public consultation period where stakeholders sent their comments to be reviewed and considered. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perspectives of key stakeholders during the public consultation of the NOM-051 modification project in order to understand their positions and their effect on the final public policy.
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