Bangkok, Thailand
29/08/2012 – 31/08/2012
BACKGROUND
Nutrition labels, as well as nutrition and health claims, are descriptors on a food packaging that endeavors to communicate the nutritional quality and health benefits of a food product to consumers. These descriptors provide point-of-sale information to help consumers make informed choices. In Southeast Asia, there is a wide disparity between existing label format and claims that are permitted regionally and nationally – these may cause confusion among consumers and also form trade barriers for food manufacturers and distributors. Regular sharing of updates and a potential standardization of nutrition labeling format, as well as the evaluation process and scientific substantiation of nutrition and health claims, will help to eliminate trade barriers to the commercial distribution of foods and beverages in the region.
Since 2001, ILSI SEAR has facilitated a series of seminars and workshops for regulators, researchers and scientists, and relevant food industry personnel from the region to discuss emerging issues on nutrition labeling and claims. The meetings not only serve to identify areas of similarities and differences, but also to provide learning opportunities and explore areas for harmonization. ILSI SEAR also facilitated 3 workshops on Functional Foods where the Guidelines for Scientific Substantiation of Nutrition and Health Claims, Guidelines for Safety Evaluation of Functional Foods and Regulatory Framework for Nutrition Labeling and Claims were developed. The Guidelines and Framework have been utilized by national regulatory authorities in setting up related approval systems. These efforts provide a basis for regional countries to work towards developing a harmonized system for food product labeling amongst ASEAN countries.
At the 6th Seminar and Workshop held in September 2010, participants brought up and discussed different formats of Front-of-Pack (FOP) signposting that have been implemented either officially or voluntarily in the region. With a multitude of signposting variants, there is a risk of confusion at the consumer level; hence regulatory agencies must carefully review the objectives, criteria and consumer understanding of FOP schemes before choosing an effective and standardized format. Nutrient profiling was also identified as an emerging issue. In October 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) organized a technical meeting to create an evidence-based framework and guiding principles for countries to develop and implement the nutrient profiling of foods for various uses. Nutrient profiling schemes have also been adapted in the international setting, such as in the United States and European Union. Although its use in Southeast Asia is currently limited, the science and application of nutrient profiling can be useful for regulating nutrition labels and claims, as well as for marketing and public health education purposes.
This 7th Seminar and Workshop on Nutrition Labeling, Claims and Communication Strategies will highlight emerging trends and identify knowledge gaps, and provide up-to-date information on nutrition labeling and claims regulations in the region.
SEMINAR OBJECTIVES
- To provide an update on international and regional developments in nutrition labeling, nutrition and health claims and related issues in SEA and other regions
- To address the use of Front-of-Pack signposting schemes in the region
- To identify opportunities and challenges related to the utilization of nutrient profiling in nutrition labeling and claims, marketing and communications
- To discuss communication effectiveness using nutrition labeling and claims
VENUE
Imperial Queen's Park Hotel
Bangkok, Thailand
PROGRAM AT-A-GLANCE
1.5-Day Seminar (Aug 29-30)
Download the seminar flyer here.
The full program is available here.
1-Day Workshop (Aug 30-31)
By-invitation only
PRESENTATIONS
Session 1 - Nutrition Labeling and Claims: Regulatory Updates and Future Directions
Nutrition Labeling and Claims: Codex Standards Updates
Dr. E-Siong Tee, ILSI SEA Region, Malaysia
PDF
Updates from Southeast Asia
Brunei Darussalam
Ms. Mahani Muhammad, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
PDF
Indonesia
Ms. Tetty Helfery Sihombing, National Agency for Food and Drug Control, Indonesia
Lao P.D.R.
Ms. Viengxay Vansilalom, Ministry of Health, Lao P.D.R.
Malaysia
Ms. Fatimah Sulong, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
PDF
Philippines
Ms. Helena Alcaraz, Food and Drug Administration, Philippines
PDF
Singapore
Ms. Mui Lee Neo, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, Singapore
PDF
Thailand
Dr. Tipvon Parinyasiri, Food and Drug Administration, Thailand
PDF
Vietnam
Ms. Bui Hoang Anh, Vietnam Food Administration, Vietnam
PDF
Updates From Other Regions
India
Dr. D.B. Anantha Narayana, Foods, Home and Personal Care Consultant, India
PDF
Europe
Dr. Sean Strain, University of Ulster, United Kingdom
PDF
Session 2 - Front-of-Pack Labeling: Practical Considerations
Global Approaches and Perspectives on FOP Labeling
Dr. Adam Drewnowski, University of Washington, USA
Utilizing GDAs: Lessons Learned in Thailand
Dr. Tipvon Parinyasiri, Food and Drug Administration, Thailand
PDF
Approach to Front-of-Pack Labeling in Malaysia
Ms. Fatimah Sulong, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Industry and Consumer Perspectives on the FOP Solution
Dr. Akarat Suksomcheep, Federation of Thai Industries, Thailand
PDF
Session 3 - Nutrient Profiling: Science and Applications
Public Health Implications of Nutrient Profiling
Dr. Adam Drewnowski, University of Washington, USA
Nutrient Analysis and Nutrient Profiling as Tools to Improve the Nutritional Quality of 'Out of Home' Foods
Dr. Leo Stevenson, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
PDF
Using Nutrient Profiling for Product Innovation & Renovation: The Nestle Experience
Mr. Gerard Vinyes Pares, Nestle Research Tokyo, Japan
PDF
Session 4 - Effectively Communication Nutrition Information
Content Claims and Impact on Consumers: A Review
Ms. Hazel Fowler, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Australia
PDF
European Consumers and Health Claims: Perception, Attitudes, Understanding and Purchasing Behavior
Dr. Josephine Wills, European Food Information Council, Belgium
PDF
REGISTRATION
- Government/Academic participants - USD 300 / person
- Industry participants - USD 450 / person
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For inquiries, please contact:
ILSI Southeast Asia Region
9 Mohamed Sultan Road #02-01
Singapore 238959
Tel: 6352 5220
Fax: 6352 5536
Email: ilsisea@singnet.com.sg