How Food Labels Could Tackle Obesity in Malta
New food labelling systems could transform health choices and save lives in Malta, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe despite the island’s celebrated Mediterranean cuisine. A study by the University of Liverpool, published in *The Lancet Regional Health – Europe*, highlights the potential of mandatory front-of-pack nutrition warnings to significantly reduce obesity-related deaths. Countries like Chile, which introduced bold black octagonal warnings in 2016, have already seen success with such measures. Currently, Malta adheres to EU regulations, with nutritional details often placed on the back of packaging, and voluntary use of traffic light labelling. However, researchers suggest that mandatory systems, such as nutrient-specific warning labels, could reduce obesity rates by up to 4.44% and save over 110,000 lives in the UK over 20 years. For Malta, adopting similar policies could complement existing efforts to promote healthier eating and encourage food manufacturers to improve product formulations. Experts emphasize the simplicity and effectiveness of clear, mandatory labels in
New Food Labelling Could Revolutionize Health Choices and Save Lives in Malta
In Malta, where Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its wholesome, fresh ingredients, the growing prevalence of obesity poses a significant challenge to public health. Could clearer food warning labels be the answer to helping consumers make healthier decisions? International studies suggest that mandatory nutritional warning labels on food packaging could play a pivotal role in reducing obesity-related deaths—and Malta may benefit from following suit.
A groundbreaking study by the University of Liverpool reveals that more than 100,000 obesity-related deaths in England could be prevented over the next 20 years if food manufacturers are required to implement mandatory front-of-pack nutrition warnings. These warnings would target foods high in fat, salt, or sugar, providing consumers with straightforward information to make informed dietary choices. Countries like Chile, Mexico, and Canada have already implemented such systems, with Chile leading the way in 2016 by introducing bold black octagonal warnings on unhealthy food and drink packaging.
Currently, Malta follows European Union regulations, where nutritional details are often displayed on the back of food packaging. While systems like the traffic light labels—indicating fat, sugar, and salt levels with green, amber, and red indicators—are available, their use remains voluntary. The Liverpool study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, emphasizes the need for mandatory systems. Researchers predict that mandatory traffic light labelling could reduce obesity prevalence by 2.34% and prevent approximately 57,000 obesity-related deaths over two decades. A more impactful approach, such as nutrient-specific warning labels, could lead to a 4.44% reduction in obesity rates and save over 110,000 lives.
For Malta, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe, these findings are especially significant. Introducing mandatory warning labels could complement ongoing efforts to promote healthier eating habits and encourage the food industry to rethink product formulations. Imagine browsing local supermarket shelves or dining in restaurants and having clear indicators of how a dish or product fits into your nutritional goals—this could empower Maltese consumers to make choices that align with their pursuit of better health and longevity.
Dr. Rebecca Evans, lead author of the study, highlights the transformative potential of such labels: “Our findings suggest that mandatory nutrient warning labels could deliver substantial health benefits, reducing both obesity rates and related mortality.” Another expert, Dr. Zoe Colombet, adds, “Nutrition labels are a simple yet powerful tool. Making them mandatory could encourage healthier food choices and inspire the industry to reformulate products, ultimately preventing thousands of deaths linked to obesity.”
Chile’s innovative labelling system has proven effective, with black octagonal warnings providing immediate clarity to shoppers. Maltese consumers, often faced with busy lifestyles and limited time to inspect packaging, could benefit from similarly straightforward labelling. Dr. Jordan Beaumont from Sheffield Hallam University explains, “Nutrition warning labels provide simpler, more explicit information that is quick and easy to interpret, making them particularly effective for individuals making rapid decisions while shopping.”
For Malta’s restaurant industry, this shift could also be an opportunity to highlight healthier menu items. Restaurants across the island could embrace transparency by adopting similar nutritional labelling systems for their dishes, showcasing options lower in fat, sugar, and salt. This would not only appeal to health-conscious diners but also position establishments as leaders in promoting wellness in Malta’s thriving culinary scene.
Amanda Daley, professor of behavioral medicine at Loughborough University, underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, food manufacturers, and retailers: “Mandatory warning labels on food may be one way to reduce obesity-related deaths. Retailers and the food industry must play their part in helping consumers make informed decisions about what they purchase and consume.”
In Malta, where supermarkets have already embraced voluntary nutritional labelling for certain products, mandatory systems could further encourage the food industry to refine recipes and portion sizes. As Andrea Martinez-Inchausti from the British Retail Consortium points out, “Retailers are committed to improving the health of their customers, and providing nutritional information is a key part of that effort.”
As discussions around mandatory food warning labels continue globally, Malta has an opportunity to adopt policies that prioritize public health, align with its Mediterranean heritage, and empower residents to take control of their wellness. From supermarkets to restaurants, transparent nutrition labelling could reshape the way Maltese people view food and health—one label at a time.