Reformulation of cookies and beverages in La Plata Partido, Buenos Aires Province, following National Law 2764

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The front-of-package nutrition warning labeling addressed in National Law No. 27642 is intended to generate an impact at the population level, modifying consumption patterns and reducing the purchase of ultra-processed foods with high content of critical nutrients. In addition, the industry is expected to reformulate its products by reducing the content of critical nutrients and, consequently, the warning labels. The aim was to evaluate the reformulation of packaged cookies and beverages in La Plata Partido, Buenos Aires Province, as a response from the industry to the Healthy Eating Promotion Law. METHODS: An observational, descriptive and longitudinal study was carried out, with two photographic records of all the cookies and beverages present in four hypermarkets between April and September 2023. Differences in the composition of sugars, total and saturated fats, sodium, energy, sweeteners and caffeine were analyzed, as well as changes in the presence of warning labels and cautionary legends. RESULTS: A total of 497 products (305 cookies and 192 beverages) were analyzed. Both increases and decreases in the content of critical nutrients were found for both categories. No frequent changes were found in the presence of warning labels and cautionary legends. DISCUSSION: No concrete evidence was found of the impact of the front-ofpackage warning labeling policy on the favorable reformulation of critical nutrients in cookies and beverages in La Plata and Gran La Plata.