Parents Prefer Warning Labels for Food Information, Research Finds

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Nationwide focus group discussions (FGDs) show that Filipino parents and household decision-makers favor front-of-pack warning labels, as it helps them better understand nutritional information and make informed food purchases. 

ImagineLaw, a public interest law organization, conducted a series of FGDs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which revealed that parent-consumers prefer food warning labels as the easiest way to identify food that they should avoid. 

“The FGDs show that consumers need accessible and straightforward information when it comes to food,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of ImagineLaw. 

Participants were presented with pre-packaged food products that only have the current back-of-pack nutrition labeling, and products that have front-of-pack labeling (FOPL). 

When asked about the readability of current nutrition labels, many admitted they only understand them when making a conscious effort to do so. They typically focus on the price and expiration date when choosing food products. Further discussions revealed that even when they attempt to read the back labels, they struggle to determine whether nutrient levels exceed the recommended daily intake.

“This proves that the current nutrition labeling does not work. We need FOPL as an intervention to provide clear and accessible food information for all,” added San Luis. 

Food warning signs preferred by parents 

Nationwide, front-of-pack warning labels emerged as the preferred FOPL scheme due to its direct messaging and ease of understanding. Respondents believe that by warning them of potential health harms of food products, the labels will help them quickly decide whether to buy them or not.  

These findings match the previous findings from a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which revealed that 66% of Filipinos favor the Warning Label model. 

Meanwhile, mothers affirmed the positive effect of food warning labels in pursuing better health outcomes for their families. Additionally, several male participants also shared that warning labels would allow them to compare brands of similar food items to determine which are healthier. 

The participants also said that they will support a national policy requiring warning labels on food. 

"Filipinos are calling for food labels to protect their families’ health," San Luis added. "There is a demand from actual consumers for the passage of the Front-of-Pack Warning Label Bill (FOPWL Bill) to help them make informed decisions for their loved ones."

The proposed FOPWL Bill aims to curb the growing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by empowering Filipinos to choose healthier diets.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high intake of unhealthy food high in fats, sugar, and sodium, significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. 

ChatGPT said:

Recent focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao by ImagineLaw, a public interest law organization, have unveiled a significant preference among Filipino parents and household decision-makers for front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) on food products. This preference stems from the desire for accessible and straightforward nutritional information to facilitate informed food purchases.

The Need for Clearer Nutritional Information

Participants in the FGDs expressed challenges in interpreting existing back-of-pack nutrition labels. Many admitted that understanding these labels required conscious effort, leading them to primarily focus on price and expiration dates during purchases. Even when attempting to read the nutritional information, they struggled to assess whether nutrient levels exceeded recommended daily intakes. This feedback indicates that current labeling practices may not effectively communicate essential health information to consumers.

Preference for Warning Labels

The discussions highlighted a strong inclination towards front-of-pack warning labels due to their direct messaging and ease of understanding. Parents believe that such labels would enable them to quickly identify and avoid products with potentially harmful health effects, thereby aiding in making healthier choices for their families. This sentiment aligns with a previous Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, where 66% of Filipinos favored the Warning Label model.

Global Perspectives on Front-of-Pack Labeling

The preference for FOPWL in the Philippines mirrors global trends advocating for clearer nutritional information on food packaging. In October 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed draft guidelines recommending that packaged foods and beverages display clear, front-of-package nutritional information. This initiative aims to combat the global obesity crisis driven by high consumption of processed foods rich in salt, sugar, and fat, contributing to health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Notably, only 43 WHO member countries have implemented either mandatory or voluntary front-of-package labeling. Effective labeling systems, like Chile's warning labels indicating high levels of unhealthy ingredients, have been cited as examples. 

Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new regulations requiring food manufacturers to display warning labels on the front of food packages. These labels would highlight key nutritional information on salt, added sugar, and saturated fat, aiming to help consumers make healthier choices and address rising diet-related health problems such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The proposal has sparked discussions about its potential impact on consumer behavior and the food industry's response. 

The Call for Policy Implementation

The findings from ImagineLaw's FGDs have bolstered support for a national policy mandating warning labels on food products in the Philippines. Parents and household decision-makers are advocating for the passage of the Front-of-Pack Warning Label Bill (FOPWL Bill), aiming to empower consumers to make healthier dietary choices and curb the growing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the WHO, high intake of unhealthy foods high in fats, sugar, and sodium significantly increases the risk of NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Conclusion

The preference for front-of-pack warning labels among Filipino parents reflects a broader global movement towards enhancing nutritional transparency on food packaging. Implementing such labels could play a pivotal role in guiding consumers towards healthier choices, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

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