The future of food labeling systems in Turkey and the world: Consumer health expectations and legal regulations

Front-of-pack labels have become more prevalent in packaged foods over the past decade. Research indicates that front-of-pack labels provide more understandable, quick, and accurate information compared to nutrition facts panels, helping consumers make better distinctions between healthy and unhealthy products. Turkey needs updated regulations regarding food labeling and health claims to improve all aspects that may pose a threat to public health. This study aimed to analyze the current information on packaged food labeling in Turkish supermarkets, providing data to guide consumers in making healthier choices. In the conducted analysis, out of 1246 packaged products, 661 (53%) included health claims (such as low-fat, reduced-fat, low-sodium, sodium-reduced, a source of fiber, a source of protein, a source of vitamins and minerals, free of preservatives, sugar-free, reduced-sugar, trans-fat-free), and 195 (15.6%) incorporated the GKD table as a nutrition profiling system. It is challenging to predict the exact future trends and changes regarding front-of-pack labeling regulations in Turkey. However, there is a global trend towards increased transparency and information in food labeling to address issues such as healthy eating and obesity. Parallel to this trend, it can be anticipated that Turkey may introduce more comprehensive regulations in food labeling and make improvements to provide consumers with more information. In our study on front-of-pack labeling in Turkish supermarkets, health claims were found to be more prevalent than the nutrition profiling system