Regional experts urge stronger food labelling policies to address rising diet-related diseases

Public health experts, policymakers, and researchers from across Asia and Africa are calling for stronger, government-led food labelling policies as countries confront rising rates of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and increasingly complex food environments.

The call emerged from a regional policy dialogue convened by SHAPE Asia, which brought together stakeholders to examine how nutrient profiling models and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) can support healthier consumer choices, improve transparency, and encourage product reformulation.

Food labelling is increasingly recognized as an important public health policy tool that helps consumers identify healthier options while supporting broader strategies to improve diet quality.

“Advancing food labelling policies is a critical step toward strengthening healthier and more equitable food systems,” SHAPE Asia noted.

Growing urgency for policy action

Across many countries, dietary patterns are shifting toward greater consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Experts warned that without timely policy action, the health and economic burden associated with preventable diseases is likely to increase.

While countries are progressing at different speeds, from early research to full implementation, the dialogue revealed strong regional momentum toward adopting nutrient profiling and labelling frameworks.

Key insights for policymakers

Participants identified several considerations for governments exploring or strengthening food labelling policies:

• National data can accelerate policy progress. Evidence on the nutritional quality of the food supply strengthens the rationale for regulatory action.
• Government leadership is central. Mandatory or government-endorsed frameworks are more likely to achieve broad uptake and drive reformulation.
• Clarity supports impact. Simple, interpretive labels are more likely to influence consumer decision-making.
• Constructive industry engagement improves feasibility. Early consultation can help anticipate implementation challenges while maintaining public health objectives.
• Institutional readiness matters. Monitoring systems, enforcement mechanisms, and technical support particularly for small and medium enterprises are important for sustained policy effectiveness.

A shared regional opportunity

Despite differences in policy readiness, the dialogue highlighted the value of cross-country learning in accelerating progress and adapting policy approaches to local contexts.

Experts emphasized that food labelling should be viewed as part of a broader effort to strengthen food environments and reduce NCD risks.

“Regional collaboration creates an opportunity for countries to learn from one another and advance policies that support healthier populations,” SHAPE Asia stated.

About SHAPE Asia

SHAPE Asia is a regional collaborative learning network to advance healthier and more sustainable food environments through evidence-informed policy dialogue, multi-sector engagement, capacity strengthening, and regional learning.

Disclaimer

This press release reflects insights shared during a regional policy dialogue and is intended to inform public discussion. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the official positions of participating institutions.