To promote healthy eating and protect public health, Minister of Health Fernando Boyd Galindo reiterated on Wednesday his support for the Front-of-Pack Warning Labeling Bill for food. The head of Health highlighted that this initiative will allow consumers to have clear and visible information about the content of the products they purchase. “We are very aware and determined to ensure that the Panamanian people have better health; that we age healthily, without diseases or pathologies. To achieve this, it is necessary to exercise, maintain good nutrition, and know what we consume,” stated Minister Boyd Galindo. The minister pointed out that many people are not used to or do not have the ease of reading the small print on product packaging, so front-of-pack labeling will facilitate the population's quick and simple knowledge of the components of the foods they consume. He added that from the Ministry of Health (Minsa), public policies must be promoted to ensure that the population has access to clear information about what they are eating. Front-of-pack labeling is considered a key tool to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Boyd Galindo explained that since the beginning of the current administration, Minsa has developed plans and strategies aimed at strengthening the population's nutrition and promoting physical activity, as the lack of exercise increases the risk of overweight and obesity. A recent report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) highlights progress in the adoption of front-of-pack warning labeling systems for food in the Americas region and points out opportunities to strengthen these policies to protect public health. Several countries have implemented front-of-pack labeling systems in recent years, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, and Ecuador. According to evidence reviewed by PAHO, the octagonal warning seals used in several countries in the region have proven to be the most effective for capturing consumer attention and facilitating the identification of products with high content of critical nutrients, such as sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, whose excessive consumption can affect health. Likewise, PAHO indicates that front-of-pack labeling not only helps consumers make informed decisions, but also facilitates the implementation of other measures to promote healthier food environments, including restrictions on advertising aimed at children, regulations on the offer of foods in schools, and fiscal policies on unhealthy products.
