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Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública

2025, Number 5

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salud publica mex 2025; 67 (5)

Purchase behavior reported by Mexican adults after implementing the front-of-pack warning labels

Sagaceta-Mejía J, Durán R, Munguía A, Cruz-Casarrubias C, Tolentino-Mayo L, Barquera S

Language: English
References: 30
Page: 447-454
PDF size: 310.54 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Objective. Describe the purchasing behavior reported by Mexican adults regarding the Mexican front-of-pack warning labeling system (FoPWL). Materials and methods. Data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2021 labeling questionnaire were analyzed, and logistical modeling was performed. Frequencies, proportions, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results. 38.2% [95%CI 36.5,40.0] of the respondents modified their purchase behavior, representing 25 953 736 Mexicans, with females and participants ≥60 years making the greatest proportion of changes. Among those who modified their purchases, 30.5% [95%CI 28.1,32.9] chose a product with fewer “excess” labels, while 38.7% [95%CI 36.1,41.4] decided not to buy the product. Sweetened carbonated beverages and bakery items were the most modified purchases. The odds of making purchase changes are 1.6 [95%CI 1.35,1.91] times when looking at FoPWL. Conclusion. The study identifies changes in purchase behavior in products with FoPWL, highlighting a positive impact on women and older people. These findings suggest that FoPWL, alongside other public policies, could contribute to improving food environments and the health of the Mexican population.


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