Front labeling is an effective and practical tool that allows you to identify
quickly products with unfavorable nutritional profile
DO WE KNOW WHAT WE EAT?
In recent years, in Uruguay, the number of overweight and obesity cases has increased in all age groups; this is associated with a higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases), at increasingly earlier ages.
The consumption of foods with high sugar, fat, saturated fat and sodium content is associated with the development of these diseases, currently constituting the main public health problem.
In our country, between 1999 and 2013, the sale of sugary drinks tripled and the sale of breakfast cereals, chocolates, ice creams, snacks and other ultra-processed foods doubled. The sale of this type of products has been displacing the consumption of home-cooked food. In the same period, an increase in overweight was observed in adults from 52.5% to 64.9% (MSP, 2015). In schoolchildren, it was shown that 39% are overweight (ANEP, 2019), with a close association with the increase in hypertension being observed (Honorary Commission for Cardiovascular Health, 2015).
Front-of-pack labeling is an effective and practical tool that allows for the rapid identification of products with an unfavorable nutritional profile, as well as improving decision-making at the time of purchase, promoting healthier consumption habits that impact people's health.
- When planning meals, choose natural and minimally processed foods.
- If you buy packaged products, prioritize those that do not contain octagons.
- Home-cooked food is the main source of nutrients that children need to grow in a healthy way. Avoid offering them products that contain excess sugar, salt and fat.
- Labelling protects consumers and discourages the purchase of products that are harmful to health.
SOURCE: ANEP
Gianella Pedemonte
Bachelor of Nutrition
