Adherence
Implementing mandatory front-of-package warning labels on foods high in critical nutrients (sugar, saturated fat, sodium, energy) reduces consumer intention to buy unhealthy products.
For policymakers and public health advocates: Use simple, high-contrast warning labels (like a black octagon) on food packaging. Ensure the label is large (at least 10% of the front package) and clearly states 'Excess of [Nutrient]'. Pair this with public education to prevent misinterpretation, especially among low-SES groups and adolescents, as some may misread warnings as recommendations.
These quantitative analyses showed that a white and black octagon with the message ‘Excess of –’ had the best performance in terms of visibility, comprehension and change in intention-to-buy even after adjusting for educational level
Why this rating
Based on a controlled quantitative study (n=1,300) testing specific label designs, though it measures intention-to-buy rather than long-term health outcomes.
Source
Structural responses to the obesity and non‐communicable diseases epidemic: the <scp>C</scp>hilean <scp>L</scp>aw of <scp>F</scp>ood <scp>L</scp>abeling and <scp>A</scp>dvertising
Camila Corvalán et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2013
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