Implement comprehensive product labelling that includes information on environmental and social justice impacts of production, processing and distribution. An example of such a label is provided in Table 1. Such labels could be numeric (as shown here) or colour coded and would clearly require significant analysis to support the rating system. It would build on Jeffery (2019a)'s proposals for a nutrition-related algorithm (see Substitution) by integrating additional environmental and social justice considerations. The popularity of QR code technology since the pandemic creates the possibility of combining or similar systems with more traditional product labelling for conveying more complete information on products.
Table 1: Hypothetical integrated label for an instant breakfast cereal (adapted from MacRae et al. 2012)a
| Ratingb | ||
| Contents | Whole wheat | |
| Production | Certified organic, advanced production with biodiversity enhancements | 8 |
| Processing | Regular milling: excess heat
No supplements Moderately strong environmental management system in place |
5
10 7 |
| Product sourcing and distribution | Local, within 200 km | 8c |
| Social justice | Complies with all safe work regulations
Wages above industry average No processor involvement in local community development or charitable work |
5
7 0 |
| Overall score | 50/80 |
a Such a label might also contain more specific information, as required by current regulations
b Based on a 10-point scale
c Based on a scale 10-direct sale within 50 km; 8 – within 200 km; 6 – within 500 km; 4 – within province; 2- within Canada; 0 – procured internationally
