IFBA is committed to helping consumers make informed, dietary decisions and choices that will help them lead healthier lives by providing easy-to-understand and readily accessible nutrition information.

The provision of nutrition information to consumers forms the cornerstone of any policy framework to address improving dietary intakes. At a global level – or where there are no legislative requirements already in place – IFBA members will ensure that, as a minimum, our products provide nutrition information at the point of sale for the key nutrients of public health interest.

For packaged foods and beverages, point of sale means the package as it is the key communication vehicle. For restaurants that provide meals, point of sale includes tray liners, menu boards and other means of communication. Where the provision of nutrition information at the point of sale may not be practical (e.g. due to limited space or type of packaging) we will ensure that this information is provided to consumers in other forms (e.g. websites, social media apps, help lines, or other means).

In May 2008, IFBA member companies committed to provide nutrition information to consumers in support of WHO’s 2004 Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. Since that time, members have made significant progress on a global scale in implementing their commitment. In November 2010 members adopted a set of “Principles for a global approach to fact-based nutrition labeling”.

In September 2014, IFBA strengthened these principles to ensure a common commitment to transparency and the provision of nutrition information at point of sale. All members will meet the provisions of the global commitment and the minimum standards set forth in the revised principles below, but may go beyond these. In addition, IFBA member companies’ policies and initiatives on provision of nutrition information to consumers should follow these principles.

IFBA members will begin the transition to the revised principles immediately, with the goal that they are applied consistently at a global level by no later than 31 December 2016. Accordingly, all IFBA members’ products placed in the market after 31 December 2016 will display nutrition information in accordance with these principles.

Members are committed to continuing their efforts and promoting these principles for transparent, factbased nutrition information to members of the broad food and beverage industry wherever they operate.

IFBA will continue to stay apprised of best practices in delivery of fact-based, transparent consumer nutrition information to encourage food and beverage choices that are part of a balanced, healthful lifestyle combined with regular physical activity.