NUTRITION

Food Labeling. The 46th meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling concluded on October 7. As a result of its work, a new standard for the labeling of non-retail containers and guidelines for front-of-pack nutrition labeling were sent to the Codex Alimentarius Commission. It will be adopted in November. 

In addition, the expert committee providing scientific advice on food allergens will reconvene in the coming weeks to complete its work. Current research on allergen precautionary warnings is confusing for consumers, they said. They will also be looking to refine the text regarding guidance on internet food sales to ensure that product information is available when making an online purchase.

Next steps

The guidelines on nutrition labeling are aimed at countries moving forward with regulations, for example Argentina. Argentina is close to passing a law to promote healthy eating, and the Codex Alimentarius provides inputs for the debate. In addition, in the coming weeks the Committee will explore work on the use of technology for food labeling, such as QR codes. Also, in light of the conclusions of the UN Food Systems Summit, the Committee will consider how to address sustainability claims, exemptions from food labeling in emergency situations and trans-fatty acids. 

McDonald’s can participate in the international food standards setting process through interaction with national Codex Contact Points. These liaise with the food industry, consumers and all stakeholders to provide governments with technical advice to inform decisions in Codex working groups. McDonald’s can also obtain inputs from the Codex agenda for the design of its advocacy plans.