[5] A review of studies on the efficacy of FOP warning labels found that consumers perceived them to be visible, credible, and easy to understand, and helped increase consumers’ intent to buy healthier foods.
Front-of-package or FOP labels are intended to help consumers make healthier choices among processed food products. Heavily processed or ultra-processed foods often contain unhealthful fats, added sweeteners, or excess salt that some research suggests have addictive qualities. [4] Various countries including Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and South Africa have mandated FOP warning labels indicating high or excess levels of these nutrients of concern. [5] A review of studies on the efficacy of FOP warning labels found that consumers perceived them to be visible, credible, and easy to understand, and helped increase consumers’ intent to buy healthier foods. [2,5] This may be due to their direct, straightforward message that the food product is unhealthy or less healthful. In comparison, FOP labels simply listing nutrient amounts require more interpretation and understanding by the consumer; studies have shown that consumers misunderstand information provided with this type of FOP labeling. [6] With the U.S. Facts Up Front label, the higher the number of information cells listed, the greater the risk there is for confusion and lower accuracy in consumers selecting a more healthful product. [5] Therefore the simpler and quicker the message, the more effective it can be for a busy shopper who is quickly picking up groceries or is distracted by children shopping with them. People also have a tendency to respond more quickly to negative information, including that which causes fear. However, some studies found that consumers felt that these labels did not provide enough product information, or they did not prefer them to FOP labels with more positive messaging. [5]