In Central America, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to rise, contributing to the double burden of malnutrition, which encompasses both micronutrient deficiency and excess weight. This phenomenon is attributed to changes in dietary patterns, driven by the growth of consumption of ultra processed foods, regardless of economic income. Nutritional labeling emerges as a useful element for consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions about their diet and prevent diseases related to it. However, understanding nutritional labeling remains a challenge, especially in Central America, where education levels are low. The information on labels can be complex and difficult to interpret for many. This article advocates for mandatory nutritional labeling on packaged products and beverages in Central American countries, supported by available scientific evidence on the nutritional situation and consumption of ultra-processed foods. Recommendations are proposed for its implementation, monitoring and evaluation, mainly highlighting the transition to front labeling to facilitate consumer decision-making, promoting the right to health and the choice of healthy foods, in a society that is more aware and informed about its health, food and nutrition.

Nutritional labeling refers to the practice of providing information on food products. Since antiquity, these labels have evolved in tandem with industry, consumers, and government regulations. In Roman and Phoenician times, amphorae were labeled with details such as the date, place of manufacture, and the name of the responsible party. During the Renaissance, the first printed labels emerged, with their development accelerating in the 18th century due to technological advancements and regulatory requirements aimed at health standards. Food labeling is a transdisciplinary field that encompasses nutrition, food engineering, marketing, and law, among other disciplines. The objective of this reflective article was to establish a timeline describing the most significant milestones in food labeling in Colombia and globally, in order to understand the dynamics of this complex system, wherein various stakeholders engage in multiple components that interact simultaneously to comply with current regulations. The methodology employed for this reflective article involved a review of nutritional labeling through specialized databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Scielo, as well as public institutional repositories from the ministries responsible for regulations, and other academic search engines. The research focused on identifying and analyzing relevant publications using specific keywords related to the origins, background, and history of food labeling worldwide. This reflection has thus highlighted the need for a transdisciplinary approach to responsibly develop procedures under regulations for the food industry. Such an approach aims to provide the end consumer with clear and comprehensible nutritional information about the food, thereby facilitating informed choices. Additionally, it seeks to prevent misleading or erroneous practices within food production companies, in alignment with Resolutions 810 of 2021 and 2492 of 2022 from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection; these actions are consistent with FAO guidelines on sustainable and resilient food systems, contributing to the achievement of the global 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Based on historical facts and recognizing that the issues described are not yet fully resolved, ongoing needs over the years become evident. Therefore, there is a call to rethink, abstract, and redefine the Nutritional Labeling system, involving the state, industry, society, and academia.