Effect of different front-of-package food labels on identification of unhealthy products and intention to purchase the products–A randomised controlled trial in South Africa

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different labels on participants in terms of their identification of products high in nutrients of concern; identification of unhealthy products, and intention to purchase unhealthy products. This blinded randomised controlled trial included a representative sample of 1951 South African households. One type of label, known as a “Warning Label,” showed a higher potential to enable South African consumers to identify products high in nutrients of concern, identify unhealthy products and discourage purchasing of unhealthy products. Requiring mandatory Warning Labels for products as defined by a nutrient profile modeling system suitable for South Africa is a feasible and equitable policy that should be considered urgently as the country develops and updates its food labeling regulations.

Published August 24, 2022

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