Perception and change in consumption habits of inhabitants of Mendoza after the implementation of front food labeling

Abstract

Law 27.642 on the “Promotion of Healthy Eating”, popularly known as the “Front-of-package Nutritional Labeling Law” was sanctioned on November 12, 2021 in Argentina. It came into force on August 20, 2022. However, it was fully implemented from the second half of 2023, a time requested by the industry to change formulations and packaging. It is a system that promotes healthy eating through seals and legends on product packaging.

The objective of this research was to describe the perception and change in consumption habits of Mendoza residents after the implementation of front-of-package food labeling.

A questionnaire prepared by the researcher and subsequently validated by three nutrition graduates was used. The link was disseminated via social networks. The questionnaire contained open and closed questions about people's perception and change in consumption habits after the implementation of front-of-package labeling of foods.

The main results showed that 45% of respondents agreed that labeling was a clear system to identify products with critical nutrients. However, 25% agreed that it was confusing. 45% of participants did not change their habits after observing the labeling. Finally, 55% of people proposed that products be rated to compare similar products with each other.

In conclusion, the implementation of labels and legends has managed to warn Mendoza consumers about the presence of certain critical nutrients in products. However, it would not be enough to achieve a change in nutritional habits regarding the choice of these foods or drinks.