Guiding principles and framework manual for front-of-pack labelling for promoting healthy diets

Overview

Front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) is an important policy tool for countries to help consumers to make healthier food choices. This document – WHO guiding principles and framework manual for front-of-pack labelling for promoting healthy diets – has been developed to support countries to develop, implement, and monitor and evaluate an appropriate FOPL system. The development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of FOPL should be government-led, with input from key stakeholder groups. The development of FOPL should be an iterative and collaborative process. 

There are some key considerations and steps that need to be taken in developing a FOPL system. Various FOPL systems have already been developed by different countries. Hence, it is important to learn from the experiences of others, adapting approaches where appropriate, taking into consideration the particular needs of the country while recognizing the importance of global consistency. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is also in the process of undertaking work on FOPL, and this manual will be an important resource for the Codex.