Parents Prefer Warning Labels for Food Information, Research Finds

Nationwide focus group discussions (FGDs) show that Filipino parents and household decision-makers favor front-of-pack warning labels, as it helps them better understand nutritional information and make informed food purchases.

ImagineLaw, a public interest law organization, conducted a series of FGDs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which revealed that parent-consumers prefer food warning labels as the easiest way to identify food that they should avoid.

“The FGDs show that consumers need accessible and straightforward information when it comes to food,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of ImagineLaw.

Participants were presented with pre-packaged food products that only have the current back-of-pack nutrition labeling, and products that have front-of-pack labeling (FOPL).

When asked about the readability of current nutrition labels, many admitted they only understand them when making a conscious effort to do so. They typically focus on the price and expiration date when choosing food products. Further discussions revealed that even when they attempt to read the back labels, they struggle to determine whether nutrient levels exceed the recommended daily intake.

“This proves that the current nutrition labeling does not work. We need FOPL as an intervention to provide clear and accessible food information for all,” added San Luis.

Food warning signs preferred by parents 

Nationwide, front-of-pack warning labels emerged as the preferred FOPL scheme due to its direct messaging and ease of understanding. Respondents believe that by warning them of potential health harms of food products, the labels will help them quickly decide whether to buy them or not.

These findings match the previous findings from a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which revealed that 66% of Filipinos favor the Warning Label model.

Meanwhile, mothers affirmed the positive effect of food warning labels in pursuing better health outcomes for their families. Additionally, several male participants also shared that warning labels would allow them to compare brands of similar food items to determine which are healthier.

The participants also said that they will support a national policy requiring warning labels on food.

“Filipinos are calling for food labels to protect their families’ health,” San Luis added. “There is a demand from actual consumers for the passage of the Front-of-Pack Warning Label Bill (FOPWL Bill) to help them make informed decisions for their loved ones.”

The proposed FOPWL Bill aims to curb the growing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by empowering Filipinos to choose healthier diets.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high intake of unhealthy food high in fats, sugar, and sodium, significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.