Regulaciones y reformulación de alimentos, impacto en procesos, costos y cadena de suministro. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in the consumption of sugary drinks and other beverages has had a direct impact on public health, prompting the adoption of regulations such as the Front-of-Package Nutritional Warning Label (FOPNL). These policies aim to guide consumer choices and encourage the industrial reformulation of products to reduce sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the available literature on the impact of labeling regulations and the reformulation of food and beverages on production efficiency, costs, and supply chain dynamics in the food industry.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using indexed databases (Scopus, SciELO, etc.) for the period between 2018 and 2025. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, focusing on studies that evaluated the effect of labeling and reformulation policies on the industry.

Results: Mandatory regulations, such as the Front-of-Package Nutritional Warning Label (FOPNL), show a strong association with product reformulation, significant reductions in sugars, sodium, and fats, and improvements in industrial efficiency. No significant negative impacts on employment, wages, or prices were observed. Companies have adapted their supply chains through technological innovation, traceability, and digitalization. Conclusions: Food Efficiency Analysis (FEA) and reformulation are key tools for improving public health and fostering innovation in the industry. However, gaps remain in the precise quantification of costs, in understanding the long-term effects on supply chains, and in comparative analyses of regulatory frameworks. Keywords: Industrial efficiency; food reformulation; nutritional labeling; operational costs; production sustainability.