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January 27, 2025

New Book Collating Nutrition Labeling Experiences in Latin America Launched

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A new book, co-edited by Dejusticia, Universidad de los Andes and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Latin American activists and researchers share their experience promoting front of package warning label regulations.

The dramatic surge in overweight and obesity is one of the most pressing issues on the global health agenda, particularly in Latin America. Nutrition labeling is one of the necessary measures to address this issue and prevent the incidence of non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization recommends labeling and civil society has advocated for these measures.

However, the region has faced roadblocks when advocating for this evidence-based measure. The book Law, Trade, and Nutrition Labeling: Reflections and Experiences from Latin America, which is a translation of the original publication in Spanish (2022), provides an analysis of human rights and international economic law to contribute to the nutrition labeling debate from a legal perspective.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BOOK LAW, TRADE, AND NUTRITION LABELING

The book analyzes and refutes some of the arguments commonly presented by the opposition, especially those related to international economic trade. “The argument by some sections of the industry that international economic law is an obstacle to adopting these measures (such as labeling) is simply untrue. This book shows that this is false and how the flexible nature of WTO (World Trade Organization) law, FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) and international arbitration allow adopting many of these rules,” explained René Urueña, professor at Universidad de los Andes and co-editor of the publication, during its launch in Mexico City. 

It also includes experiences of civil society organizations and activists that have promoted these processes in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. “We find the reflections by the people who have pushed for the approval of these measures very valuable because they connect diverse scientific knowledge on nutrition and health issues, while also reflecting on the regulatory arguments,” explained Juan Martín Carballo, legal coordinator at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and co-editor.

This book is intended to guide activists, civil society organizations, policymakers and academics interested in promoting public health measures to reduce overweight and obesity. There are lessons from countries in the Global South applicable to countries around the world, making it innovative, as stated by Diana Guarnizo, director of Economic Justice at Dejusticia and co-editor: “There are many publications on health and labeling, but most are in English and targeted at an academic audience. With this publication, we want to amplify the voices of activists and reflect from the experience of Latin America." 

These are some of the elements shared by each of the 38 authors who contributed to the 13 chapters of the book: 

• Mexico: This chapter explains the technical and legal discussions and arguments behind the debate on why labeling did not imply a technical barrier to trade, which was a common criticism during the adoption process.

• Argentina: The authors reflect on the regulatory standards that inspired the food labeling law, the social actors involved in its discussion, and the forms of interference the industry used to hinder the process. 

• Ecuador: This chapter investigates the effectiveness of the traffic light labeling system adopted in this country and the need for its evolution according to the best available scientific evidence. It also analyzes the national and international standards that warrant this evolution and the possibilities to transition to a model using octagonal seals.

• Brazil: The authors give an account of the adoption process of front-of-package nutrition labeling in their country. They report the interference operations carried out and how they determined the model of warning labels adopted that uses a magnifying glass. In addition, they present some of the critiques of the current model and set a roadmap for future reforms.

• Peru: The author explains the principles behind the warning labels adopted in the country, their implementation, the obstacles faced and their impact.

• Uruguay: The chapter presents civil society's communication and advocacy actions to promote a labeling law. The authors also reflect on the lessons learned during the discussion and passing process and some of the challenges the law will face in the future. 

All these initiatives prove that coordinated work between academia and civil society, as well as between research and the use of legal tools, can lead to adopting public policies favorable to public health.