Influence of non-interpretive and interpretive front-of-pack food labels on population consumption of food high in fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) in Thailand

Abstract

This study examined how non-interpretive and interpretive front-of-pack labels affect consumption of foods which are high in fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) in Thai population. This study used secondary data from the 2021 Health Behaviour of Population Survey. Information about frequency of HFSS consumption (instant foods, snack and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)), reasons for food purchase, seeing the Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) and the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL), and socio-demographic characteristics were used for data analysis. People who reported having ever seen the HCL, both the GDA and the HCL, and the GDA, the HCL or both had the highest possibility of consuming instant foods, snack and SSB, respectively, as compared with seeing neither. The study suggests a need for improvement in the current food labels by making them easier to read and understand for consumers. They should be implemented in conjunction with other proven approaches for reducing the effect of food cravings and affordability of HFSS.