Law, Trade, and Nutrition Labeling: Reflections and Experiences from Latin America

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are two of the most pressing issues on today’s public health agenda. Latin America in particular is home to some of the world’s highest consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, putting its population at greater risk of noncommunicable diseases. To promote healthier eating environments and habits, the World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization have called on countries to adopt a variety of measures, including front-of-package warning labels based on the best available scientific evidence. Several countries in the region, such as Chile, Mexico, and Peru, have adopted the octagonal warning label model, with positive results. However, the adoption of these and similar policies has not been easy. The ultra-processed food industry has put up significant resistance, citing economic, political, and legal concerns. In particular, it has argued that such policies violate international trade agreements, despite the fact that international law allows for exceptions in favor of legitimate objectives such as public health. This multi-authored volume contributes to the debate on the adoption of front-ofpackage nutrition labeling from two perspectives. First, from a legal viewpoint, the book’s authors examine the main arguments against this public health measure and provide counterarguments based on international law. Second, from a lived experience perspective, the authors recount how they successfully advocated for this public health policy in their respective countries and overcame opposition. The book offers a perspective from the Global South on front-of-package warning labels, one of the most important obesity prevention policies in recent years. It is aimed at academics, activists, and others interested in the intersections of public health, law, and international trade.