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Nutrition labeling: Traffic Light Labeling

Food and Drug Administration, Iran

Thematic area

Marketing and Regulation, Desirability, Norms and Preferences, Labelling

Policy scope

National

Target audience

Businesses

Status

Ongoing

Aim and method

Since 2014, the Iranian Food and Beverages labelling regulation has mandated a front of pack traffic light label. The label is mandatory for all industrial foods which are manufactured in, or imported into, Iran. The regulation also mandates to include energy, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, salt (sodium chloride) and sugar in the nutrition facts section.

Background

The policy to implement interpretive traffic light labels (TLL) on packaged food products in Iran was driven by the rising trend of obesity and the observed lack of attention to existing nutrition labels. In 2014, the use of nutrition facts labels (NFL) on packaged foods became mandatory in Iran. The introduction of TLL aimed to address the shortcomings of NFL and provide clearer, more effective guidance to consumers, contributing to the broader goal of reducing the burden of NCDs through improved food labeling.

Monitoring and ownership

The monitoring of the policy on interpretive traffic light labels (TLL) in Iran is primarily overseen by the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran.

Implementation and Results

The Ministry of Health and the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran have conducted regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with the labeling requirements. Strengths: Ease of Understanding Cultural Relevance Weaknesses: Lack of Cultural Infrastructure Inconsistencies in Labeling Unspecified Ranges Inadequate Implementation Limited Effectiveness

Contact information

Seyedhamzeh S, Nedjat S, Shakibazadeh E, Doustmohammadian A, Hosseini H, Dorosty Motlagh A. Nutrition labels' strengths & weaknesses and strategies for improving their use in Iran: A qualitative study. PLoS One. 2020 Oct 30;15(10):e0241395. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241395. PMID: 33126236; PMCID: PMC7598474.