The U.S. government has finally begun to tackle the growing health risks associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) by proposing new front-of-package warning labels. These labels, targeting foods such as chips, granola bars, and frozen pizzas, aim to alert consumers about excessive levels of fat, sodium, and sugar commonly found in such products.
For years, experts have pointed to mounting evidence linking UPF consumption to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even mental health disorders. Though the definition of UPFs remains somewhat broad, there is an increasing public desire for transparency regarding what is in the foods we consume.
In early 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed requiring these warning labels on most packaged foods. This move is part of a broader initiative under former President Joe Biden’s administration, and likely to continue under the leadership of Robert Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has labeled UPFs as “poison” and pledged to reform food regulations.
Several countries, particularly in Latin America and Europe, have already implemented similar policies. Mexico, for example, passed a law in 2020 requiring clear warning labels on foods and drinks that exceed certain thresholds of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. Chile pioneered this approach in 2012, and the UK follows a similar system, though without a legal mandate for warnings.
While the U.S. has been slower to adopt these measures, the success of such systems abroad suggests they can raise consumer awareness and pressure food manufacturers to produce healthier options.
However, warning labels alone are unlikely to solve the problem of chronic disease. While nutrition experts have generally supported the FDA’s proposal, research shows that while these labels can help consumers make more informed choices, they have not been proven to significantly reduce the overall burden of chronic illnesses. To truly tackle this issue, systemic change is necessary.
Global Evidence on Warning Labels
Countries like Chile and Mexico offer valuable insights into the real-world impact of warning labels. Studies show that well-designed labels can help consumers make healthier choices. For instance, a 2024 study in Chile found that after the implementation of warning labels, consumers significantly reduced their intake of high-sugar, high-calorie, and high-sodium products. In fact, sugar consumption dropped by 36.8%, calorie intake by 23%, sodium by 21.9%, and saturated fat by 15.7%.
However, not all studies have shown such positive outcomes. A study in Brazil, for example, found that while labels improved consumers’ ability to identify UPFs, they did not influence purchasing habits or health perceptions.
One notable benefit of these labels is the market pressure they create, prompting manufacturers to reformulate their products. After Chile’s warning labels were introduced, the proportion of sugary products dropped from 80% to 60%, and sodium-rich items fell from 74% to 27%. Similar trends were observed in New Zealand and the Netherlands, where labeling schemes encouraged companies to reduce salt content in cereal products and reformulate products to meet healthier standards.
Challenges with FDA’s Proposed Labels
While the FDA’s proposed labels are a step forward, they differ from those used in countries like Chile and Mexico. In Latin America, bold, stop-sign shaped icons clearly indicate unhealthy levels of sugar, fat, or sodium, offering a straightforward message. The FDA’s version, however, involves smaller, black-and-white boxes indicating whether a product is low, medium, or high in specific nutrients like sugar and sodium. Critics argue that this method could confuse consumers trying to evaluate the overall healthiness of a product, as comparing the levels of different nutrients isn’t always intuitive.
Some, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have criticized the proposal as too weak. Sanders advocates for warning labels that are as explicit as those used on cigarette packaging, where the dangers are clearly spelled out. This approach, he argues, could make consumers more aware of the risks associated with UPFs.
Long-Term Impact: More Than Labels Needed
Despite the growing evidence that warning labels help increase consumer awareness, they have not yet shown a substantial effect on reducing obesity and other chronic diseases. In Chile, for example, obesity rates have continued to rise since the implementation of warning labels in 2012. Similarly, in Mexico, while childhood obesity rates slightly decreased after the introduction of labeling mandates in 2020, other health problems like diabetes have continued to rise.
Improving public health requires more than just adding labels. It demands systemic changes, including addressing food deserts, where millions of Americans lack access to fresh, nutritious foods. In many low-income and rural areas, healthier options are more expensive than processed foods, making it harder for residents to make healthier choices.
True reform will also require improvements in nutrition education, healthier school lunches, and policies that make fresh foods more affordable. These steps are essential for creating an environment where healthier choices are not just possible, but accessible to all.
Looking Forward
While the FDA’s proposed warning labels represent a small step in the right direction, experts agree that achieving real health improvements will require broader societal changes. As policymakers, including Robert Kennedy Jr., focus on reducing the prevalence of UPFs, they must consider other measures, such as banning harmful additives and regulating misleading marketing claims, like the often-misleading “100% all-natural” labels.
The path to a healthier America involves a combination of informed consumer choices, corporate responsibility, and comprehensive policy reform. It’s clear that the effort to improve public health must go beyond just labeling — it requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of unhealthy eating habits.
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