NUTRITION
Labeling. The United States proposes common food labeling for the three NAFTA countries (United States, Mexico and Canada). The US proposal aims to avoid the use of any symbol that indicates that there is harm caused by food or non-alcoholic beverages consumption. Hence, the ability of the three governments to implement their own labeling system would be limited. In Canada, the government reacted to the US proposal, and called for a public consultation to decide what type of labeling should be imposed on the food industry in their country. Meanwhile, the Mexican government does not seem to react. In fact, Mexican civil society organizations demand that their government reject the US proposal, and implement a labeling system that warns consumers about the risks of consuming ultra-processed foods. The debate between the United States, Canada and Mexico on this matter will take place in the eighth round of renegotiations, which will be held in Washington from April 8th.
On the other hand, public officers in Mexico and Canada have discussed options such as the use of colors, shapes and other understandable symbols to warn consumers of health risks. To a large extent, such proposals have been inspired by the introduction of regulations in Chile, in 2016, which include requirements such as large black seals in front of certain packaging. Public health experts have praised Chilean rules as a new standard to be followed. These include a ban on the use of cartoon characters such as Kellogg’s Tony Tiger and warning stamps, which are considered to be the most aggressive tactic.
Companies fight against replicas of Chilean regulations
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, a US industry group and member of the board of advisors for the trade talks, said it is in favor of voluntary labeling programs instead of mandatory warnings. The group says it supports “a modernized NAFTA that ensures that standards are based in science, minimizes unnecessary barriers to trade and benefits consumers in the three nations.” The North American business chamber opposes to the adoption of the Chilean model in more countries. Roger Lowe, spokesman for the group, said he is concerned about the “evidence and impact” of Chilean law.
“We have shown that a simple message and a symbol are enough to communicate that you should consume less of certain foods” said Dr. Camila Corvalán, a nutritionist at the University of Chile who helped develop the measures. “There is nothing deceptive about a warning seal and, clearly, that is what worries the industry. The fact that the industrials are scared is comforting, but it is also worrying that the US government is trying to defend the food industry’s position”, Corvalán said.
“It’s one of the most invasive forms of industrial interference we’ve seen,” said Alejandro Calvillo, founder of Poder del Consumidor, a public health association in Mexico that is fighting for a tax on sugary drinks in Mexico. “The industry and the government agree on the renegotiation of NAFTA and the national policy against obesity.”
Next steps
The Mexican Secretary of Health, which is involved in the trade negotiations, and the Mexican health authorities are studying the US proposal. A new round of negotiations will begin April 8th in Washington and representatives will discuss this measure.