Front-of-pack food labelling: Traffic light labelling gets the green light

The placement of nutrition information on the front of food packages

has been proposed as a method of providing simplified and visible

nutrition information. This study aimed to determine the most acceptable

and effective front-of-pack food labelling system for Australian

consumers. Consumers’ preferences and ability to compare the healthiness

of mock food products were assessed for different front-of-pack

labelling systems. Four systems were tested, including two variations

of the Percentage Daily Intake (%DI) system (Monochrome %DI and

Colour-Coded %DI), which display the proportion of daily nutrient

contribution that a serve of food provides; and two variations of the

Traffic Light system (Traffic Light and Traffic Light + Overall Rating),

which uses colour-coding to indicate nutrient levels. Intercept surveys

with 790 consumers were conducted across four locations, where each

participant was exposed to a single labelling system for performance

testing. Participants indicated strong support for the inclusion of nutrient

information on total fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium on the front

of packages, and a consistent labelling format across all products. Using

the Traffic Light system, participants were five times more likely to

identify healthier foods compared to the Monochrome %DI system

(OR = 5.18; p < 0.001), and three times more likely compared to the

Colour-Coded %DI system (OR = 3.01; p < 0.05). The Traffic Light

system was the most effective in assisting consumers to identify

healthier foods. Mandatory Traffic Light labelling regulations are

recommended to assist consumers in making healthy food choices.