frontofpack

Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) refers to a family of nutrition labels placed on the front of packaged foods to convey at-a-glance information about their nutritional profile. These labels summarize energy and selected nutrients so consumers can compare products quickly and make healthier choices. Commonly displayed elements include calories and nutrients such as fats, sugars, and sodium, and the information may be shown per 100 grams or per serving.

Label formats vary and are broadly categorized as reductive or interpretive. Reductive formats present numerical data, while interpretive formats use symbols, colors, or grades to signal overall healthfulness. Examples of interpretive schemes include color-coded systems (such as red, amber, and green), star ratings, or letter grades. Many schemes are implemented on a voluntary basis, while others are mandated by governments or supported through industry programs. Prominent schemes include color-based traffic-light labels, Nutri-Score, and the Health Star Rating, among others.

FOPL adoption is widespread in Europe, Australasia, and parts of the Americas, with ongoing policy discussions in several jurisdictions. Nutri-Score has been adopted by multiple countries; other regions rely on different national or regional formats, or on pilot programs and voluntary labeling. In the United States, there is no universal national mandatory FOPL, though various voluntary labeling initiatives and proposals have circulated.

Debate around FOPL centers on consumer understanding, potential simplification versus oversimplification of nutrition, effects on purchasing, and the need for standardized criteria to enable cross-product and cross-country comparisons. Advocates cite improved nutrition choices and product reformulation, while critics emphasize the risk of misinterpretation and inconsistent labeling practices.