Impact of nutrition labeling on PPFs

The ASEAN Food and Beverage Alliance (AFBA) with the Food Industry Asia (FIA) recently launched a new report on nutrition labeling as a trade barrier faced by the prepackaged food and beverage sector (PPF). 

PPF is a promising segment of the industry in the ASEAN, however non-harmonization of nutrition labeling, that is differences in labeling requirements among countries, is an obstacle to its growth. 

To eliminate the barrier, AFBA sought recommendations through a study conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Evelyn S. Devadason and Associate Professor Dr. VGR Chandran Govindaraju from the University of Malaya. These are found in their report, “Nutrition Labelling on Prepackaged Food: Impact on Trade in ASEAN” launched in February 2018.

The report with micro- and macro level analyses presents the recommendations for the harmonization of nutrition labeling standards and suggests more inclusive dialog among ASEAN regulators, policymakers and industry players. It recommends member states to acknowledge the Codex guidelines that form the framework for nutrition labeling, and to ensure implementation as well.

While the food industry has been working in line with regional economic integration, the highly regulated environment of the industry poses challenges that impact mostly the small and medium enterprises, according to Sunny Koh, president of the AFBA and deputy president of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation.