Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) , in its fifth edition of the ‘Global Access to Nutrition Index, highlights disparities in the healthiness of food and beverage (F&B) products sold in different regions.
Key Findings from ATNi Report
- Based on an analysis of 30 major global F&B manufacturers, representing 23% of the global market, the report evaluates their efforts to enhance access to nutritious foods.
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Health Star Rating System
- Products rated out of 5 based on health components.
- Risk-increasing factors: energy, saturated fat, total sugars, and sodium.
- Risk-reducing factors: protein, fiber, and content of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
- Scores above 3.5 indicate healthier choices.
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- Global Disparities in Product Healthiness: Leading F&B companies sell less healthy products in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs).
- Health Star Rating:
- LMICs’ average: 1.8;
- HICs’ average: 2.3.
- Only 30% of companies have strategies to price healthier products affordably for lower-income consumers.
- Data Transparency Issues: Micronutrient data for products in LMICs is less available compared to HICs.
- Baby Food Case Study: Reports from April 2024 highlighted higher sugar content in Nestle’s baby food in India, Africa, and Latin America compared to Europe.
India’s Nutrition and Health Challenges
- Rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Diabetes: Over 10 crore Indians affected.
- Obesity: Prevalence at 24% among women and 23% among men.
- Diets linked to 56.4% of the disease burden, per ICMR guidelines.
- Persisting Undernutrition and Deficiencies
- Undernutrition, anaemia, and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with obesity issues.
- Affordability of Healthy Diets
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- Over 50% of Indians cannot afford healthy diets.
- Expenditure on processed foods as a proportion of total food costs is rising.
Policy and Advocacy for Front-of-Pack Labelling
- International and Domestic Commitments: India is a signatory to WHA resolutions to protect children from junk food marketing.
- The National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCD Prevention (2017-22) has seen limited progress.
- Proposed Labelling Regulations: Food Safety and Standards (Labelling & Display) Amendment Regulation 2022 draft has seen little progress.
- Effectiveness of Front-of-Pack Labelling
- Evidence from Chile and Mexico: Mandatory labelling led to reduced sugary beverage consumption.
- Studies suggest warning labels are more impactful than star rating systems.
- Advertising and Composition Concerns: Analysis of 43 pre-packaged food advertisements showed high levels of saturated fats, sugar, or sodium.
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Recommendations from Experts
- Mandatory Policies: Voluntary efforts by companies insufficient to improve nutrition-related performance.
- Strong government intervention needed for widespread implementation.
- Warning Labels and Ad Bans: Advocates push for warning labels and restrictions on junk food advertisements to reduce health risks
November 22, 2024
