Introduction:

The implementation of warning labels in Chile was associated with a decrease of 23% in the volume of sales of sugary beverages.

Objective:

to describe the characteristics of the Mexican adults that perceived they changed their purchases of eight food groups derived from the implementation of the warning labels in Mexico.

Methods:

At the end of 2020, information was collected on adults (≥18 years) participating in an online survey with national representation. Multilevel regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, BMI category, household shopping role and beverage frequency questionnaire.

Results:

Consumers reported buying less cola (49.4%), soda (50%), diet soda (46%), sweetened fruit drinks (47%), chocolate or candy bars (41.6%), salty snacks such as chips (40.9%) %), desserts (41.7%), sugary cereals (44.9%). And in the case of 100% natural juices, which do not have front labels, 28.1% reported buying less. Consumers that reported reduced purchases were; women (OR: 1.42, p<0.001), indigenous (OR: 2.87, p<0.001), low socioeconomic level (OR: 1.70, p<0.001), high knowledge in nutrition (OR: 2.27, p<0.001), an important role in household purchases (OR: 1.59, p<0.001), with children in the household (OR: 1.55, p<0.001), overweight (OR: 1.25, p<0.001) and highest quintile of water intake (OR: 2.39, p<0.001). Contrarily, the highest quintile of sugary beverage intake (OR: 0.20, p<0.001) had a lower probability to perceive a reduction in their purchases of foods or beverages after the implementation of the warning labels in Mexico.

Conclusion:

Warning labels contribute to reducing the demand for ultra-processed harmful food products in Mexican adults.