The inclusion of information about the climate impact of foods on fast-food restaurant menus could encourage consumers to make more sustainable and healthier choices, according to a new study conducted in the United States. study.
The investigation, based on a randomized controlled trial and published after peer review, involved more than 10,000 participants who answered an online survey about food choices.
The researchers found that participants exposed to labels indicating the climate impact of foods were less likely to select the most environmentally harmful products, compared with those who only viewed a QR code with access to additional menu information, without any reference to the emissions associated with the products.
The results also showed that the labels were particularly effective when they displayed an environmental rating on a scale of A to F, indicating the degree of climate impact of each food. The effect was even more pronounced when the rating was accompanied by a clear explanation of what each level on the scale meant.
According to the study authors, this approach could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the food sector, especially the consumption of products with a high carbon footprint, such as some red meats and ultra-processed foods.
In addition to environmental benefits, the researchers identified another relevant effect: participants exposed to climate labels also tended to choose options with lower fat content. On average, these consumers made food choices considered healthier than those who only received access to conventional information through the QR code.
The authors argue that climate labeling could become an effective public policy tool, helping consumers better understand the environmental impact of their food decisions and encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns.
The study comes at a time when the international debate on the role of food in climate change is growing, with food production responsible for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the researchers, providing simple and visible information at the point of purchase could be a relatively cheap and effective way to influence behaviors in favor of the environment and public health.
