Red Light, Green Light: Labeling Certain Foods Helps Make Healthier Choices

Labeling food like a "traffic light" could help point consumers in a healthier direction. A recent study based on a yes or no method of food labeling used to transition patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital looks at how this technique can help some make healthier choices. 

According to CNN, "green light" means that the food is a healthy choice, while "yellow light" means a less healthy and so on. (You know how a traffic light works, so just apply it to food.) Researchers spread "green light" food around the cafeteria while "red light" food items were placed just below eye level.

Study results showed that the sale of red items decreased from 24 percent to 20 percent over a period of 24 months, while green sales increased from 41 percent to 46 percent. Red beverages also decreased while green beverages increased.

"A traffic-light and choice architecture cafeteria intervention resulted in sustained healthier choices over 2 years, suggesting that food environment interventions can promote longterm changes in population eating behaviors," researchers note, via a press release.

However, researchers are still uncertain as to what exactly led to this change. For instance, according to lead study author Dr. Anne Thorndike, via CNN, "Families could utilize this concept by categorizing foods in the household as 'green' or red.".

Though this is a great way to introduce healthy eating habits to kids and adults alike, researchers are still uncertain if they can make a direct link between patients picking healthier choices and the light technique.

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.