Module 6 - Mandatory Salt Limits, Nutrient Profiling Models, and Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL)

Explore practical policy measures that force corporations to be honest and protect public health.

Course Overview

In this module, you will explore Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) as a powerful and cost-effective public health tool designed to help consumers make healthier food choices. You will learn how FOPL works, why it is important in preventing diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and how it helps identify products that are high in nutrients of concern such as sugar, sodium, and saturated fats.

The course introduces the different types of FOPL systems used globally—including reductive, interpretive, and summary indicator labels—with special emphasis on Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FOPWL), widely recognized as the most effective model. You will also examine the role of nutrient profile models (NPMs), the difference between mandatory and voluntary labeling systems, and global case studies from countries that have implemented strong FOPWL policies.

By the end of this module, you will understand how effective labeling policies support healthier food environments and how such policies can be advocated for within your own country.

FAQ

FOPL is a labeling system placed on the front of food packages that provides simple and visible nutrition information to help consumers make informed food choices.

The primary purpose of FOPL is to identify products that are high in nutrients of concern, such as sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, that are linked to non-communicable diseases.

A Nutrient Profile Model is a scientific tool used to classify foods based on their nutritional composition and determine whether they exceed specific nutrient thresholds.

Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FOPWL) clearly indicate when a product is “high in” specific harmful nutrients, making them easier to understand and more effective at influencing healthier purchasing decisions.

Mandatory systems ensure consistent implementation across products, while voluntary systems often result in selective or biased adoption by industry.

Course Videos

Instructor

Tayo Ajayi

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Tayo Ajayi is a global health and policy leader with over nine years of experience supporting equity-driven advocacy and public health reform across Africa and the United States. She currently serves as Africa Associate Director at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, where she leads multi-country advocacy portfolios, partners with donors and civil society organizations, and supports policy change efforts. Tayo holds an MPH in Global Health and an LL.M in Administrative Law and Government Policy and is deeply committed to strengthening locally led health systems and sustainable policy outcomes.