The Government remains committed to introducing front-of-package warning labelling as a policy tool to support healthier food choices, says Director, Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Simone Spence.

However, Dr. Spence informed that no final decision has yet been made regarding the specific format that will be adopted.

“We are continuing to examine the evidence and engage stakeholders to ensure that whatever solution is chosen will be practical, effective, and aligned with our national health goals,” she said.

Dr. Spence was speaking at the launch of ‘Fix My Food Jamaica: Youth-Led Advocacy for Healthier Food Environments’, held at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston on June 5.

Jamaica is the first country in Latin America to launch Fix My Food (FMF), a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-led global youth movement.

The organization Healthy Costa Rica continues its fight for the implementation of front-of-package warning labels on food products, despite the recent filing of Bill No. 23,861 in the Legislative Assembly. In an interview given this afternoon to CRprensa.com, Dr. Lydia Amador, representative of the organization, explained her position on the importance of this measure for the country’s public health.

According to Dr. Amador, front-of-package labeling is a fundamental tool to inform consumers about the sugar, sodium and fat content in processed products. “Our goal is for the population to have access to clear and simple information to make healthier decisions. Currently, nutritional labeling can be confusing for many people,” she said.