Chile uses Stop Signs on Unhealthy Snack Foods & Beverages

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A new black stop sign label is being placed on packaged foods to help Chileans understand how much sugar, salt, fat, and calories are in their favorite foods.

The increase of packaged food consumption has risen across all populations in Chile, states the local article, showing how Chile is now the world’s largest per-capita consumer of sugary drinks, more than Mexico and the United States.

Increased consumption of unhealthy packaged foods and sugary drinks along with half of the countries deaths being stomach and gallbladder cancers, has health officials concerned.

A recent Swedish study revealed that people who consumed more than two sugary drinks a day had a higher risk of developing gallbladder tumors and 79% higher odds of getting biliary tract cancer.

The labels are to help implement a law passed in 2012, that also prevents black labeled food from being advertised to children under 14.

For many Chilean’s it’s a warning sign, showing them how to buy healthier foods explained Patricio Sanchez told  local news.