PHI Statement on U.S. Trade Representative Efforts to Stop Front of Package Labels

STATEMENT FROM LYNN SILVER, MD, MPH, SENIOR ADVISOR ON CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AT THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE

“The Public Health Institute opposes efforts by the US Trade Representative and the food industry to use NAFTA negotiations as a back door to block Latin America’s important innovations in front-of-package (FOP) food labeling.

“Dietary risks have rapidly emerged as the leading underlying risk factor for death and disability, here in the U.S. and around the world, while healthy foods are being pushed globally by multinational corporations. Consumers want to know what’s in the products they buy. Front of pack labeling developed in Chile and other Latin American countries is clearly telling consumers for the first time which products are too high in salt and sugar–with simple, clear and easy-to-understand language. They are helping consumers make better decisions and have lead the food industry to reformulate products to make them healthier.

“We should be learning from our neighbors like Chile, who have already successfully implemented FOP food labeling, instead of trying to stand in their way.”