(P20-047-25) Evaluating the Impact of Front-of-Pack Labeling on Nutrition and Health in Peru: A Scoping Review

Objectives: To identify the evidence among currently published literature on the impact of front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) directly and indirectly impacting nutrition & health in Peru.

Methods: A scoping review with a systematic search was conducted in September 2024 using various electronic databases and platforms (PubMed, SciELO, CAB abstracts, FSTA, Scopus) and searching grey literature (VHL Regional Portal, ProQuest). Inclusion criteria included being open to any population, study design, and setting but studies were excluded if outside of Peru, conducted prior to FOPL implementation (2019), or not focused on FOPL evaluation or impact. Articles were double-screened prior to extraction.

Results: The searches identified 252 relevant articles and upon removing duplicates and completing the screening process, 14 articles were included (12 from peer-reviewed articles and two from grey literature). Over half were set in Lima (capital city of Peru) and 57% were cross-sectional surveys. Six articles were on adults and 3 were on children or adolescents. Six articles focused on evaluating knowledge after FOPL was implemented with 5 finding that populations had poor knowledge of FOPL and their associated critical nutrients, and one finding that participants had a good understanding of FOPL post-implementation. There were also 6 articles focused on attitudes regarding FOPL which all found that populations had positive perceptions on FOPL implementation and use. Finally, 3 articles focused on purchase intentions with one article noting that FOPL influenced purchasing healthier foods, one article noting that the label is the heaviest criterion influencing purchasing, and one article noting that post-FOPL implementation, participants modified their purchase selections of certain foods only.

Conclusions: There is limited and heterogeneous evidence of the impact of FOPL in Peru with mixed results. To provide a comprehensive evaluation of FOPL impact, more studies focused on actual purchasing and consumption changes post-FOPL implementation in Peru are needed.

Funding Sources: AND Foundation 2024 CDR Doctoral Scholarship, FIU Delores Auzenne Fellowship