Purchase behavior reported by Mexican adults after implementing the front-of-pack warning labels

Abstract

Objective: Describe the purchasing behavior reported by Mexican adults regarding the Mexican front-of-pack warning labeling system (FoPWL).

Materials and methods: Data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2021 labeling questionnaire were analyzed, and logistical modeling was performed. Frequencies, proportions, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals were reported.

Results: 38.2% [95%CI 36.5,40.0] of the respondents modified their purchase behavior, representing 25 953 736 Mexicans, with females and participants ≥60 years making the greatest proportion of changes. Among those who modified their purchases, 30.5% [95%CI 28.1,32.9] chose a product with fewer "excess" labels, while 38.7% [95%CI 36.1,41.4] decided not to buy the product. Sweetened carbonated beverages and bakery items were the most modified purchases. The odds of making purchase changes are 1.6 [95%CI 1.35,1.91] times when looking at FoPWL.

Conclusion: The study identifies changes in purchase behavior in products with FoPWL, highlighting a positive impact on women and older people. These findings suggest that FoPWL, alongside other public policies, could contribute to improving food environments and the health of the Mexican population.