An increasing number of countries have adopted front-of-package labelling (FOPL). FOPL systems are designed to provide easy-to-understand information to consumers in a highly visible location. A range of different FOPL systems have been developed, including ‘traffic light’ systems (e.g., the UK), Health Star ratings (Australia/New Zealand), Nutri-Score grading systems (e.g., France), and ‘High in’ warnings (e.g., Chile, Mexico, and Canada).
We have conducted a range of experiments to compare different FOPL systems and to understanding how design components interact with industry labelling practices. We have also conducted natural experiments or ‘quasi-experimental studies’ to evaluate the impact of FOPL policies that have been implemented in a range of countries.
Recent papers on nutrition labels
Assessing transnational spillover effects of Mexico’s front-of-package nutritional labeling system among Mexican Americans in the US.
Thrasher JF, Fang D, Nieto C, White CM, Armendariz G, Jáuregui A, Hammond D, David RE. Preventive Medicine 2024; Jan 10:107855. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107855. Epub ahead
Effects of front-of-package caffeine and sweetener disclaimers in Mexico: Cross-sectional results from the 2020 International Food Policy Study.
Arellano Gómez P, Jáuregui A, Nieto C, Contreras-Manzano A, Quevedo KL, White CM, Thrasher JF, Davis RE, Hammond D, Barquera S. Public Health Nutrition 2023;
Awareness, use and understanding of nutrition labels among children and youth from six countries: findings from the 2019 – 2020 International Food Policy Study.
Hammond D, Acton RB, Rynard VL, White CM, Vanderlee L, Bhawra J, Reyes M, Jáuregui A, Adams J, Roberto CA, Sacks G, Thrasher JF. International
Effects of sugary beverage text & pictorial warnings: A randomized trial.
Musicus AA, Gibson LA, Bellamy SL, Orr JA, Hammond D, Glanz K, Volpp KG, Schwartz MB, Bleakley A, Strasser AA, Roberto CA. American Journal of
Awareness, use and understanding of nutrition labels among adults from five countries: findings from the 2018 – 2020 International Food Policy Study.
Acton RB, Rynard VL, Adams J, Bhawra J, Cameron AJ, Contreras-Manzano A, Davis RE, Jáuregui A, Sacks G, Thrasher JF, Vanderlee L, White CM, Hammond
A five-country study of front- and back-of-package nutrition label awareness and use: patterns and correlates from the 2018 International Food Policy Study.
Bhawra J, Kirkpatrick SI, Hall MG, Vanderlee L, Thrasher JF, Jáuregui de la Mota A, Hammond D. Public Health Nutrition 2023; 26(1):275-286.
Impact of front-of-pack labels on the perceived healthfulness of a sweetened fruit drink: a randomized experiment.
Jauregui de la Mota J, Hammond D, Vanderlee L, Thrasher J, White CM, Hall MG, Nieto Orozco CL, Contreras Manzano AG, Barquera S. Public Health
The Influence of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling on Consumer Behavior and Product Reformulation.
Roberto CA, Ng SW, Ganderats-Fuentes M, Hammond D, Barquera S, Jauregui A, Taillie LS. Annual Review of Nutrition 2021; 41: 529-550.
Exploring the main and moderating effects of individual-level characteristics on consumer responses to sugar taxes and front-of-pack nutrition labels in an experimental marketplace.
Acton RB, Kirkpatrick S, Hammond D. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2021; 112(4): 647-662.
Experimental study of front-of-package nutrition labels’ efficacy on perceived healthfulness of sugar-sweetened beverages among youth in six countries.
Hock K, Acton RB, Jáuregui A, Vanderlee L, White CM, Hammond D. Preventive Medicine Reports 2021; 24: 101577.
