Impact Government & Policy
Evaluating “Smart Choices” Labeling System
Issue
How smart was the “Smart Choices” front-of-package nutrition labeling system launched in 2009 to ideally help consumers pick healthy items?
Results
CHIBE Associate Director and Director of the PEACH Lab Christina Roberto, PhD, conducted research into the 2009 “Smart Choices” front-of package nutrition labeling system, which sought to help people make healthier decisions while food shopping. However, Dr. Roberto and her colleagues’ research found that 64% of products in the Smart Choices system would not meet objective criteria for a healthy product. These results informed the Connecticut Attorney General’s calls for a legal investigation of the program. Shortly after, the program was halted.