Food packaging labels have little impact on consumer health – Georgetown study finds

USA – A new study by Georgetown University has found no significant evidence that front-of-package (FOP) nutritional labeling leads to healthier food choices, improved diet quality, or lower obesity rates.

Instead, the researchers argue that portion control and better dietary management are more effective tools for combating obesity.

The findings come in the wake of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (2022), which recommended that the FDA develop a standardized FOP labeling system for pre-packaged foods.

The study reviews the effectiveness of global FOP labeling initiatives and includes data from a 2023 consumer survey conducted by Georgetown University’s Portion Balance Coalition in collaboration with the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI).

It aims to guide U.S. policymakers, public health advocates, and the food packaging industry in making evidence-based decisions.

Labels reach the wrong audience

One of the study’s key conclusions is that nutritional labels are most often read by the consumers who need them the least — those already maintaining healthy lifestyles. In contrast, individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) tend to ignore them.

NMI’s research categorized consumers into five groups based on their health attitudes and label usage.

Among the healthiest consumers (the “Well Beings”), 71% regularly read nutrition labels. However, only 31% of “Magic Bullets” and 23% of “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” consumers — the two groups with the highest average BMIs — reported doing the same.

The study also links higher obesity rates to lower income and educational levels. For many low-income consumers, purchasing decisions are primarily driven by price, limiting the impact of nutritional labeling, especially when healthier foods tend to cost more.

Fading effect and sector bias

The researchers also point to other limitations of FOP labels, including low consumer comprehension and diminishing attention over time.

Drawing on data from Chile’s labeling system, the study notes that consumers may become desensitized to such labels, eventually ignoring them.

Further, the labeling systems can inadvertently penalize certain food sectors, such as dairy and confectionery.

According to NMI data, health-conscious consumers actually purchased candy more often than less healthy groups, suggesting that occasional treats don’t necessarily indicate poor diets — especially when consumed in moderation.

The study echoes concerns raised by the Italian government, which in 2023 criticized the EU’s Nutri-Score system for unfairly labeling traditional Italian foods and undermining national identity.

Portion control over packaging reform

Rather than relying on labels, the researchers recommend prioritizing portion control policies.

Citing a 2014 report by the McKinsey Global Institute, they highlight that labeling ranks far below other interventions such as product reformulation, weight loss programs, and bariatric surgery in terms of effectiveness.

Despite the existence of multiple nutritional score systems worldwide, obesity levels remain alarmingly high. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2023, every U.S. state and territory reported adult obesity rates above 20% — at least one in five adults.

While FOP labels may not significantly influence dietary behavior, the researchers acknowledge their role in promoting transparency.

Consumers still value having access to clear information about ingredients and nutritional content, even if it doesn’t always change their eating habits.

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