Role of food labels in enhancing food security and addressing obesity : case of Chile

Details

Supervisors

Gaspart, Frédéric

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences agronomiques et industries du vivant, à finalité spécialisée: Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of front-of-package nutrition labels in improving food security and combating obesity in Chile, focusing on the impact of the comprehensive food labels introduced by Law 20.606. The objective of the study is to assess whether these regulations contribute to increased consumer awareness, healthier food choices, and improved population health. By employing a mixed-method approach that includes a literature review, econometric modelling, consumer surveys, difference-in-differences strategy, and cluster analysis techniques, the research obtains significant results. Although nutrition labels are intended to provide transparent information about product contents, the findings indicate that Chilean consumers do not always pay attention to them. The analysis reveals an increase in expenditures across many product categories, with the exception of soft drinks, suggesting insufficient effectiveness of the labelling system. Further analysis using cluster methods demonstrates that consumption habits among social groups remain unchanged before and after labels introduction, and access to a variety of nutritious foods is still limited in certain clusters. OECD statistics confirm unhealthy food consumption by high obesity rates in Chile, emphasising the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers not only food labels but also environmental, educational, and socio-economic factors. Policy recommendations include banning unhealthy food advertising on public transport, introducing free drinking water sources, and developing mobile food markets in remote areas, all of which require collaboration between government agencies and local communities.