Empowering Healthy Choices: Redefining 'Healthy' In Food Labeling to Prevent Nutrition-Related Diseases

Abstract

Consumption of unhealthy foods is a major social problem in terms of nutrition, despite ongoing efforts by different institutions and organizations worldwide. Therefore, one of the main issues facing our society is improving the quality of the diet, and every option should be examined to accomplish this aim. Food labeling on food packaging may impact diets in positive as well as negative ways. The main purpose of nutrition labeling is to encourage the purchase and consumption of healthier foods, which includes consuming fewer calories. Many different nutrition labeling systems are implemented around the world. Food labels on the front of the package (FoP) and such claims as “healthy” have the potential to influence eating habits. This paper provides an overview of the proposal considering the redefinition of “healthy” criteria in terms of food labeling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In the paper, the existing FDA criteria for using "healthy" on food labels are analyzing together with identifying the challenges and limitations of the proposed definition and their implications for public health. The analysis of the proposed definition was also carried out within the scope of this study, considering its suitability, generalizability, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness. This paper examines the relationship between food labeling, consumer perceptions, and purchase decisions as well. Additionally, the effect of the proposed intervention on the objective of healthy living is also discussed.  At the end of the paper, it is reviewed that if the food labels can influence behavior and preferences regarding healthy food choices or not in terms of preventing diet-related diseases.