Monitoring the first implementation year of the new nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil

ObjectiveThis study aimed to monitor the initial 12 months of the implementation of the updated nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil approved in 2020, focusing on the presence and readability of the front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) on food packages and the presence of added sugars information in the nutrition facts panel. MethodsWe used data on nutrition information and FOPNL of 6,829 products launched at Brazilian food retail between November 2022 and October 2023, available at the Mintel - Global New Products Database. We applied eligibility criteria stipulated by regulations to identify products eligible for FOPNL. We classified the foods according to the NOVA classification, identified the products with added sugars information in the nutrition facts panel and those with FOPNL for added sugar, saturated fat or sodium. Moreover, we analyzed the temporal trends in FOPNL presence. Last, a subsample of 202 product labels was analyzed to identify non-compliance with FOPNL readability standards. ResultsIn the first year of implementation 63.9% of the products analyzed were eligible for at least one critical nutrients FOPNL; however, only 12.9% already featured FOPNL by the end of the 12-month implementation period. Among ultra-processed products, 65.1% were supposed to have FOPNL, but only 14.4% did. Less than 30% of sweet cookies, ice cream, tabletop sweeteners, and candies with added sugar in the list of ingredients declared this information in the nutritional facts panel. Analysis of label images revealed non-compliance with FOPNL readability regarding its location on the packaging, FOPNL in removable parts of the packaging or hidden positions, and inadequate color pattern and format. ConclusionThe implementation of the nutrition labeling regulations in Brazil within the first 12 months reached less than 15% of eligible foods and beverages, indicating non-compliance by the food industry. Such inadequacies undermine the expected impact of promoting healthier choices at the point of food purchase.