Food laws and decisions: Labeling

The policy category “Labeling” focuses on regulation of labels in food and beverage packages that enable consumers to make healthier choices. This category includes policies such as front-of-pack nutrition labeling and the regulation of health claims in food packaging.

Related Research: a comparison of front-of-package labeling regulations around the globe.  View PDF

Labeling related food laws and decisions

  • International
    Law · International norms

    Harm reduction for sustainable peace and development – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health

    Jul. 18, 2024 This report focuses on harm reduction and explores how this model can be applied to other issues, such as food and nutrition, by using regulatory tools to improve health outcomes....

    • MarketingFiscal PoliciesLabelingFundamental RightsUltra-processed foods
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  • Mexico
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Amendments to the General Health Law – Overweight, Obesity, and Labeling of Prepackaged Foods and Beverages (2019)

    Nov. 8, 2019 To add provisions on overweight, obesity, and labeling of prepackaged food and beverages to the General Health Law (1984)

    • LabelingSchool Environment
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  • Mexico
    Decision · Judicial

    Herdez and others v. Government (Case No. 465/2022)

    2024 The constitutionality of the amendments to the General Health Law and to NOM-51 that adopted front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food and beverages.

    • MarketingLabelingFundamental Rights
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  • Brazil
    Decision · Judicial

    Instituto Brasilero de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC) v. National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) (Case No. 5001408-12.2024.4.03.6100)

    Feb. 14, 2024 A challenge by civil society against ANVISA's Regulation No. 819 of 2023, which postponed the implementation of front-of-pack warning labels in Brazil.

    • Labeling
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Outcome document of the second high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on non-communicable diseases

    Jul. 10, 2014 To take stock of the progress since the first high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases in 2011, reaffirm, and strengthen the commitments.

    • Fiscal PoliciesLabelingMarketingSchool Environment
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013-2030

    May. 27, 2013 The WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs operationalizes the commitments made in the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable...

    • MarketingContent regulationFiscal PoliciesFundamental RightsLabelingSchool Environment
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health

    May. 26, 2004 To provide guidance for the development of an enabling environment for sustainable actions at individual, community, national and global levels that, when taken together, will lead to reduced disease and...

    • MarketingLabelingContent regulationFiscal PoliciesSchool Environment
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Interim report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

    Aug. 3, 2016 The report reiterates the importance of a rights-based approach to “adequate food”, and highlights that unhealthy diets are a form of malnutrition

    • MarketingFiscal PoliciesLabelingFundamental RightsSchool Environment
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Unhealthy foods, non-communicable diseases and the right to health – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health

    Apr. 1, 2014 In this report, the Special Rapporteur highlights the link between unhealthy foods and diet-related non-communicable diseases, underscoring the urgent need for States to address structural changes in the food environment,...

    • MarketingFiscal PoliciesLabelingFundamental RightsSchool Environment
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  • International
    Law · International norms

    Food, nutrition and the right to health – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health

    Jul. 14, 2023 Using the frameworks of intersectionality, anti-coloniality and anti-racism, as well as existing international human rights laws and standards, the Special Rapporteur examines how the lack of access to safe and...

    • MarketingFiscal PoliciesLabelingFundamental Rights
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  • Mexico
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Amendment to NOM-51 – Front of Pack Labeling (Guidelines Daily Amounts) (2014)

    Jul. 25, 2014 This administrative regulation amends NOM-51 to mandate the adoption of a front-of-pack labeling model based on the guidelines daily amount (GDA)

    • Labeling
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  • ColombiaRegional
    Decision · Judicial

    Gasesosas Colombianas v Colombia (Opinion No. 010-2023)

    Jul. 25, 2023 Whether Resolution 2492 de 2022, which adopts a front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) model in Colombia, violates the norms of the Andean Community that require technical regulations to be adopted in a...

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • Colombia
    Decision · Judicial

    Carlos Mario Salgado Morales v Ministry of Health (Case No. 25000-23-41-000-2022-00942-01)

    Oct. 27, 2022 Whether the technical parameters on front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) established by Resolution No. 810 of 2021 comply with the requirements laid out in Law No. 2120 of 2021, and specifically that...

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • Mexico
    Decision · Judicial

    Desde el Corazón del Fruto, S.A. de C.V. v Government

    2020 In 2020, plaintiff filed an amparo measure against the Amendment to NOM-51 that adopted front-of-package warning labels for prepackaged food and beverages.

    • MarketingLabelingFundamental RightsContent regulation
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  • Mexico
    Decision · Judicial

    Santa Clara, S.A. de C.V. v. Government (pending)

    2022 In 2020, plaintiff filed an amparo measure against the Modification of the Mexican Official Norm that regulates the General labelling specifications for pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages.

    • MarketingLabelingContent regulationFundamental Rights
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  • Colombia
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution establishing the technical regulation for nutritional labeling of prepackaged food (Resolution No. 333 of 2011)

    Feb. 15, 2011 Implementing article 10 of Law No. 1355 of 2009, this regulation establishes the conditions and requirements for nutritional back-of-pack labeling of prepackaged foods.

    • Labeling
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  • Colombia
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution adopting technical criteria for front-of-pack nutritional labeling (Resolution No. 2492 of 2022)

    Dec. 13, 2022 This resolution modifies Resolution No. 810 of 2021 on technical regulation on front-of-pack nutritional labeling (FOPL).

    • LabelingUltra-processed foods
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  • Colombia
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution adopting technical criteria for front-of-pack nutritional labeling (Resolution No. 810 of 2021)

    Jun. 16, 2021 This resolution adopts technical criteria for front-of-pack nutritional labeling (FOPL). Following the adoption of Law No. 2120 of 2021 and litigation by civil society organizations it has been substantially amended...

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • Colombia
    Law · Legislation

    Law for Promotion of Healthy Food Environments and NCD Prevention (Law No. 2120 of 2021)

    Jul. 30, 2021 Also known as "Ley Comida Chatarra", this law seeks to adopt effective measures that promote healthy food environments, guaranteeing the basic right to health, especially for children and adolescents, with...

    • LabelingSchool Environment
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  • Colombia
    Decision · Judicial

    Colombian Parents’ Corporation of Mothers and Fathers, Red PaPaz v. Ministry of Health (Case No. 25000234100020190106300)

    Nov. 10, 2022 Whether the lack of an appropriate regulatory framework on ultra-processed food products violate the collective right to health of consumers, and particularly of children.

    • MarketingLabelingFundamental RightsUltra-processed foods
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  • Colombia
    Law · Legislation

    Law for Control, Care and Prevention of Obesity and related NCDs (Law No. 1355 of 2009)

    Oct. 14, 2009 To declare obesity and the non-communicable diseases associated with it a public health priority, and to adopt measures for its control, care, and prevention.

    • MarketingContent regulationLabelingSchool Environment
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Legislation

    Standards Act

    Jul. 15, 1969 This law is the general law prescribing minimum standards for commodities, including food.

    • Labeling
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Standards (Labelling of Processed Food) Regulations

    Oct. 1, 1974 These regulations prescribe minimum labelling requirements for processed food in Jamaica.

    • Labeling
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  • Barbados
    Law · Legislation

    Standards Act

    Jun. 1, 2006 This law is the general law prescribing minimum labeling requirements for commodities and pre-packaged products, including foods. It consolidates and revises the law on standards in respect of goods and...

    • Labeling
    • 1
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  • Mexico
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Amendment to NOM-51 – Front-of-Pack Labeling (Warning Labels) (2020)

    Mar. 27, 2020 This administrative regulation (NORMA Oficial Mexicana) amends NOM-51. It introduces a front-of-pack labeling model based on warning labels, effectively repealing the 2014 amendment to NOM-51. Moreover, it introduces advertising restrictions....

    • Labeling
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  • Brazil
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Ordinance on National Food and Nutrition Policy

    Nov. 17, 2011 This ordinance establishes guidelines for improve food conditions, nutrition and health of the Brazilian population aimed at promoting adequate and healthy food practices, food surveillance and nutrition, preventing and caring...

    • Fundamental RightsLabeling
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Legislation

    Food and Drugs Act

    Aug. 4, 1975 This law is the general law on food, drugs, cosmetics, and devices in Jamaica.

    • LabelingMarketing
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Food and Drugs Regulations

    Aug. 4, 1975 This law provides for the regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices.

    • Content regulationLabelingMarketing
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  • Brazil
    Decision · Judicial

    Associação Nacional de Defesa da Cidadania e do Consumidor (Anadec) v. Vinícola Perini – 2016

    2016 A public civil lawsuit [ação civil pública] affirming the legality of the absence of information on sodium and calories contents on the labels of wine bottles.

    • Labeling
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  • Brazil
    Decision · Judicial

    Office of the Federal Prosecutor v. National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA)

    Sep. 27, 2016 A public civil lawsuit [ação civil pública] against the National Health Surveillance Agency [Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA)] due to irregularities on the labels of light and diet products...

    • Labeling
    • 2
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  • Brazil
    Decision · Administrative

    Consumer Protection Agency of the State of Mato Grosso v. Bayer S.A.

    2016 Administrative decision issuing a fine against Bayer S.A. due to a marketing campaign that targeted children.

    • MarketingLabeling
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Programmatic documents

    National Operational Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Obesity in Children and Adolescents in Jamaica (2016-2020)

    Jun. 2016 The National Operational Plan of Action seeks to operationalize the obesity prevention activities of the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs).

    • Fiscal PoliciesLabelingMarketingSchool Environment
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  • Brazil
    Law · Legislation

    Consumer Defense Code (Law No. 8.078 of 1990)

    Sep. 11, 1990 This law establishes rules of consumer protection and defense, public order and social interest in accordance with articles 5, items XXXII, 170, item V of the Brazilian Federal Constitution and...

    • MarketingLabeling
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  • Jamaica
    Law · Legislation

    Processed Food Act

    Oct. 15, 1959 This law prescribes general requirements in relation to processed food, including their manufacturing or handling. It was amended in 2012.

    • Labeling
    • 1
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  • Colombia
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Technical Regulation on the Requirements of Labeling for Packaged Foods and Raw Materials (Resolution No. 2652 of 2004)

    Aug. 20, 2004 The purpose of the technical regulation is to establish the requirements for labels of packaged food for human consumption, as well as those of raw materials for food, in order...

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • South Africa
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Regulations Relating to the Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs

    Mar. 1, 2010 It prescribes minimum labelling requirements for all foodstuffs imported, sold, offered or prepackaged in South Africa

    • Labeling
    • 1
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  • Brazil
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution on Technical Regulation on Complementary Nutritional Information

    Nov. 12, 2012 This resolution incorporates Mercosur Resolution No. 01/2012 standards on complementary nutritional labeling of packaged foods, regulating it.

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • Brazil
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution on Pre-packaged Foods Nutritional Labeling (RDC 429 of 2020)

    Oct. 8, 2020 This resolution regulates nutritional claims and front-of-pack nutritional labeling (FOPL) of pre-packaged food in Brazil.

    • Labeling
    • 2
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  • Brazil
    Law · Legislation

    Basic Food Standards Decree-Law (No. 986 of 1969)

    Oct. 21, 1969 This decree-law establishes different provisions on food standards, including for labeling.

    • MarketingLabeling
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  • Brazil
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Resolution on Technical Regulation for Packaged Food Labelling (Resolution No. 259 of 2002)

    Sep. 20, 2002 This resolution incorporates into domestic legislation the Mercosur Resolutions GMC No. 06/94 and 02/21 on mandatory and optional labeling of packaged foods.

    • Labeling
    • 2
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  • Mexico
    Law · Programmatic documents

    National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Overweight, Obesity and Diabetes

    Oct. 2013 This national strategy aims to control and prevent noncommunicable diseases, which cause very high levels of expenditure in the health system.

    • LabelingMarketing
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  • Mexico
    Decision · Judicial

    El Poder del Consumidor v. Government

    May. 8, 2019 El Poder del Consumidor (EPC) filed an unconstitutionality claim challenging the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labeling model in Mexico. After a positive decision in the first instance, the case was...

    • Labeling
    • 3
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  • Mexico
    Law · Administrative Acts

    General labeling specifications for pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages (NOM-51)

    Feb. 18, 2010 This administrative regulation NOM-51 (in Spanish, "Norma Oficial Mexicana") sets forth the commercial and health information requirements for the labeling of pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages.

    • Labeling
    • Compare
  • Mexico
    Law · Administrative Acts

    Regulation of Sanitary Control of Products and Services

    Aug. 9, 1999 This regulation aims to control and carry out the corresponding health promotion of the manufacturing, import, and export process, as well as activities, services, and establishments related to food products...

    • Labeling
    • 3
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  • Brazil
    Decision · Judicial

    Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA) v. National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) (Case No. 1013249-88.2018.4.01.3400)

    Jul. 24, 2018 An injunction filed against ANVISA due to their denial to postpone the deadline of the public consultation on the front-of-pack nutritional labeling ("rotulagem frontal") measures.

    • Labeling
    • 1
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