Influence of front-of-pack nutrition labeling on consumer choices related to ultra-processed foods: scoping review

In the last decade, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has generated important debates in the field of public health. The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence related to the influence of frontal nutritional labeling on the consumption of ultra-processed foods. A scoping review was carried out which included: 1) Formulation of the research question; 2) Identification of article selection criteria; 3) Search for papers in databases; 4) Selection of papers; 5) Extraction and synthesis of evidence. The search resulted in the inclusion of 8 studies, published between 2014 and 2024, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The most cited study designs were cross-sectional and prospective cohort. It was observed that among more educated individuals, women and those with a partner, there is a greater influence of nutritional labels on the front of the package on the decision to purchase ultra-processed foods. It was observed that this type of labeling has the potential to positively influence consumers' food choices, however to maximize its effect it is necessary to consider cultural and educational factors and the need for long-term research to better understand the appropriation of this information among consumers. consumers.