Food packaging front label | Just one glance and you can easily know the salt, oil and sugar content

The happiness of a full shopping cart is self-evident, but if you are not careful, you may bring unbearable salt, oil, sugar to your body...

Have you ever tried to figure out what's in your food, but couldn't figure it out? You're not alone.

In fact, the information you want to know can be found on the nutrition label of packaged food (such as the nutrition facts table)👇🏻

However, this is easier said than done.

It is indeed difficult to understand the various numbers and indicators in the nutritional table. Not only does it take time to calculate, but you also need to do homework in advance to understand the meaning behind the numbers.

If there is a label that people can understand at a glance and quickly get the healthiness of food, it will be a shopping savior!

Is there such a label? Of course! It is called "front label on food packaging". What is so special about it and how can it help people make good food choices? Follow us and get to know it together!

Question 1: What is “front labeling on food packaging”?

Front-of-pack labeling is usually located in the primary field of view on the front of the package to complement the more detailed nutrition facts table on the back or side.

The front labeling system for food packaging is one of the key nutrition policy recommendations of the World Health Organization. Currently, more than 50 countries around the world have implemented the front labeling system for food packaging to make it easier for consumers to understand whether the food they buy is healthy or not. Depending on the situation of each country, the presentation of the labeling is also varied.

Question 2: Does China have “front labeling on food packaging”?

At present, China has not yet implemented a national standard for the front labeling system of food packaging, but the "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" reasonable diet action has actively promoted the use of "front labeling" information on food packaging as one of the government's action goals.

The General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods, which is being further revised by the state, also allow the use of such simple and easy-to-understand information on the front of the package. This will promote the formulation and implementation of a food packaging front labeling system based on scientific evidence in China, and effectively help us as consumers choose healthier prepackaged foods.

Question 3: What are the key considerations in formulating “front labeling for food packaging”?

According to WHO guidelines, the system’s “development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation should be government-led, with the involvement of key stakeholder groups. The development of a front-of-packaging labelling system should be an iterative and collaborative process.”

This simple and easy-to-understand graphic labeling system is gaining more and more attention around the world. The relevant content in the revised draft of the General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods reflects that China has taken the first step in this regard.

We look forward to China conducting research and developing national standards for a front-labeling system for food packaging that can help Chinese consumers make healthy choices.

(Source: World Health Organization)