Packaged Food Content and Labelling

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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• • 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
• • 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