Philippines pushes for clearer food labels to combat obesity and diet diseases

A recent industry event highlighted the push for clearer food labelling in the Philippines. Hosted by Mondelēz International and a partner company, the 'Think Tank for Effective Front-of-Pack Labels' took place on 8 May 2025. The focus was on improving front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) to tackle rising health issues like obesity and diet-related diseases. The event brought together experts to discuss how FOPLs can drive healthier food choices. Food Industry Asia CEO Matt Kovac stressed that these labels play a key role in reformulating products—cutting sugar, salt, and fat while boosting essential vitamins and minerals. He also noted that their success hinges on consistent messaging to consumers.

Different FOPL systems were examined, including Guideline Daily Amount (GDA), Traffic Light/Nutrigrade, Health Star Rating, and Warning Labels. Dr. Mario Capanzana, Executive Director of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, argued that any new labelling must rest on solid scientific evidence. He added that labels should adapt to current nutritional challenges and remain visible across all product types. Alvin Manalansan, Vice President of the Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics (PSND), echoed this view. He called for labels that present evidence-based information in a way the public can easily grasp. The discussion also covered the need for inclusive designs that work for diverse food categories.

The event reinforced the importance of transparent, science-backed FOPLs in guiding consumer decisions. Clearer labels could push companies to reformulate products and help reduce diet-related health problems. The next steps involve refining these systems to ensure they remain effective and widely understood.