Front-of-pack labelling systems
In order to make nutrition information even more accessible to consumers, IFBA members, that are packaged food companies, began implementing FOP labelling systems in 2006. These systems make it easy for a consumer to see, at a glance, what is in a serving and how much it contributes to the average daily diet. Today, a combination of voluntary industry-led initiatives and government-endorsed voluntary schemes exist in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the U.K. and the U.S.A.
World wide initiatives
Australia
DIG (the Daily Intake Guide) – the industry’s front-ofpack food labelling system launched.
United Kingdom
Industry voluntary implementation of front-of-pack
labelling for five key nutrients – calories, sugars, fat,
saturated fat and salt.
Canada
Clear on Calories”, a front-of-pack calorie labelling initiative launched by the Canadian Beverage Association.
Thailand
Front-of-pack nutrition labels displaying GDAs for
energy, sugar, fat and sodium introduced.
USA
“Clear on Calories,” a front-of-pack calorie labelling initiative launched by the American Beverage Association.
“Facts Up Front” launched by industry – displaying key nutrient information, including calories per serving and information on three nutrients – saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Labels may also include information on one or more nutrients that Americans need to have more of as part of a healthy diet – fibre, protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and iron. Implementation began in 2012.
“Facts Up Front” launched by industry – displaying key nutrient information, including calories per serving and information on three nutrients – saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Labels may also include information on one or more nutrients that Americans need to have more of as part of a healthy diet – fibre, protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and iron. Implementation began in 2012.
EU
A voluntary initiative by industry committing to use a
consistent, harmonized GDA labelling system in all
27 EU Member States (in addition to displaying
calorie information front-of-pack) which came into
force 31 December 2014.
Malaysia
A voluntary single fact-based front-of-pack nutrition
label for energy (based on 2000 kcal) supported by
the Malaysian Minister of Health ; to be followed by
icons for protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Mexico
“Checa y Elige,”a voluntary industry initiative
providing a simple guide to the amount of key
nutrients (per pack, item or portion), including
energy, saturated fats, sugars and sodium and
percentage of the recommended daily intake.
Philippines
Voluntary declarations for energy or calorie content.
Initiative supported by the Philippines Food & Drug
Administration under the Ministry of Health.