Large warning labels 'most effective' in guiding healthy food choices —SWS Survey

Having large black warning labels on food packaging is the "most effective" way to help Filipinos spot unhealthy products and make healthier choices, a new nationwide survey has found.

The June 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), compared three front-of-pack labeling systems: the black warning label, the Nutri-Score, and the Traffic Light label. 

The results showed that the black warning label stood out and influenced purchasing behavior the most, especially among Filipinos aged 18 to 34.

When shown a mock-up product, 37% of respondents said the black “high in sugar, sodium, or unhealthy fats” label was the most noticeable feature on the packaging. 

Of those, 44% immediately identified the product as unhealthy. Many also said the label would change their buying habits:

• 28% said they would not buy the product at all
• 44% said they would look for a healthier option
• 17% said they would buy less than usual

“The message is clear: warning labels on food products are effective,” said Alyannah Lagasca, lead convener of the HPA Youth Network. 

“Simple, visible labels guide consumers — including children and youth — toward healthier choices without confusion.”

Other systems

The study also found that only 11% of respondents recalled seeing the Nutri-Score label on the mock-up packaging, while recall for the Traffic Light label was even lower. Many also said they were unsure whether the product was healthy:

• Nutri-Score: 50% undecided, 27% would still buy
• Traffic Light: 43% undecided, 18% would still buy

HPA lead convener and former health secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan said the Philippines can learn from Chile, which adopted similar black-and-white food warning labels a decade ago to fight obesity among the youth.

In Chile, a 2021 study found that the labels reduced purchases of products marked “High In” sugar by 26.7%, sodium by 36.7%, and saturated fats by 15.7%.

“Chile listened to their youth, who said warning labels work best. Now it’s our turn. This is a low-cost but powerful way to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity in the Philippines,” he said. 

The HPA said the findings strengthen the case for adopting clear, easy-to-understand warning labels nationwide, a move they believe will save lives and help the next generation develop healthier eating habits. —VAL, GMA Integrated News