Packaged Foods and the Need for Transparent Labelling
Context
Recently, a report from the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) revealed that leading food and beverage (F&B) companies sell less healthy products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs).
- The findings highlight disparities in access to nutritious food.
- It also raises concerns about public health in LMICs.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
Key Highlights
- The report highlighted the disparities in nutrition in food items sold by F&B companies.
- The food items are less healthy products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs).
- With high rates of undernutrition and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and obesity, unhealthy diets are a major contributor to India’s health challenges.
- Activists and experts advocate for mandatory front-of-pack labelling to identify foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium. However, India’s regulatory progress has been slow.
- Over 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet, while spending on processed foods is increasing.
Findings of the Report from Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi)
- Health Star Ratings: The report assessed 52,414 food products from companies like Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. Using a five-star health rating system, products in LMICs scored lower (1.8) compared to HICs (2.3).
- Products were rated based on harmful components (sugar, fat, and sodium) versus beneficial components (protein, fibre, and healthy ingredients).
- Affordable Nutrition: Only 30% of companies had strategies to price healthier products affordably for lower-income consumers.
- Micronutrient Disparities: In LMICs, information on micronutrient content was available for fewer products compared to HICs.
Significance for India
- NCD Crisis: India already grapples with a high burden of NCDs, with 10.13 crore diabetes cases and over 23% of adults being obese. Unhealthy diets account for 56.4% of the total disease burden in the country.
- Double Challenge: While obesity and processed food consumption rise, issues like undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist.
- Need for Action: Experts urge stronger regulations, such as front-of-package labelling, to help consumers make healthier choices and reduce the NCD burden.
