Trade, standards and politics: global pressures on front-of-pack nutrition labelling interventions

Abstract

Although interpretive front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling is rightly considered a national health policy decision, it is also influenced by global trade agreements and international standards. Over the past decade, Specific Trade Concerns have been repeatedly raised at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding potential impacts of FOP nutrition labelling initiatives on trade. One of the common concerns raised was regarding the consistency of the measures with international standards. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which makes global food standards, is currently developing global guidance for FoP nutrition labelling, which will almost certainly influence national policy making. This presentation draws on qualitative policy analysis research on trade concerns and international standards work regarding FOP nutrition labelling. Two challenges are evident at the global policy level. The first is the potential for constraints on policy space for innovative FOP nutrition labelling due to binding trade agreements. The second is the potential for significant industry input into standard development at Codex, which then constitute the reference point for WTO discussions on labelling. Historically, Codex standards have focussed primarily on acute risks, for example, from foodborne disease. This shift in Codex's activities towards standards to address NCDs presents new risks for achievement of public health goals, as a result of the high level of industry involvement in this forum and thus potential commercial conflict of interest. It is imperative that public health actors engage with Codex processes to ensure policy space for national governments to implement strong and effective regulation and allow scope for innovation. At the national policy level, strategic framing of nutrition labelling policy objectives and proactive policy engagement between trade and health can also minimise trade issues.