Reframing food labelling regulations as human rights obligations in the fight against Diet-Related NCDs

Abstract

Public health regards food labelling as a tool for tackling diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs). In its current formulation, food labelling is addressed through voluntary or technical standards. Beyond the role of food labeling as a public health tool, this article discusses food labelling from a rights perspective. This work therefore explores the potential of framing food labeling as a rights obligation rather than a matter of regulatory preference. This work adopts a doctrinal analysis of current legislative instruments and arrangements on food labelling for the prevention of DR-NCDs. This work examines the vast range of regulatory mechanisms and approaches from voluntary to mandatory interventions. This work argues that food labelling would benefit from a broader formulation of the right to health, the right to food and the right to nutrition grounded in international human rights law. The significance of this framing is that it incorporates principles of accountability from the state to respect, fulfil and protect the right.