Report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi)

Source: The post report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) has been created, based on the article “Should packaged food content be labelled?” published in “The Hindu” on 21st November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-food security

Context: The article discusses a report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), which found that food companies sell less healthy products in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). It highlights health risks, affordability, and the need for better food labeling in India.

What are the various reports related to food products?

1. ATNi report find:
2. The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) analyzed 52,414 products from 30 top food companies.
3. Products in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) were less healthy than in high-income countries (HICs).
4. Products scored 1.8 in LMICs compared to 2.3 in HICs on a health star rating system.
5. Only 30% of companies had strategies to make healthier products affordable for lower-income consumers.
6. Micronutrient data was less available in LMICs compared to HICs.
7. In April 2024, a report by Public Eye and IBFAN found that Nestle’s baby foods in India and LMICs had higher sugar content than in Europe. Nestle denied the claim, but the Indian government asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate.

Why is This Significant in India?

1. NCD Burden: India faces a high non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Over 10.13 crore Indians have diabetes, and obesity affects 24% of women and 23% of men (NFHS-5 data).
2. Dietary Impact: The Economic Survey 2023-24 reported that unhealthy diets cause 56.4% of India’s disease burden.
3. Changing Diets: The ICMR dietary guidelines (2023) highlight increased consumption of processed foods rich in sugar and fat, worsening obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.
4. Affordability Issues: Over 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet (UN data). Meanwhile, spending on processed food is rising.

For detailed information on Nutritional Security in India read this article here

What About Food Labeling in India?

1. India lacks strong policies for food package labeling.
2. A 2017 National Action Plan addressed Non-Communicable Diseases but made little progress on front-of-package labeling.
3. In 2022, a draft regulation on labeling foods with high sugar, fat, and sodium was introduced but hasn’t advanced.
4. Countries like Chile and Mexico have seen reduced consumption of sugary drinks after introducing mandatory front-of-pack labeling.

What should be done?

1. Implement Mandatory Nutrition Policies: The ATNi report emphasizes mandatory policies, as voluntary efforts by companies have failed to ensure widespread improvement in nutrition.
2. Strengthen Advertising Regulations: Limit the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children, as per WHA resolutions.

Question for practice:

Examine the findings of various reports on the nutritional quality of food products in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) and their implications for India’s health and food labeling policies.