(P05-014-25) Evolution in Packaged Food Nutritional Quality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries From 2016 to 2023 Following the Implementation of a Front-of-Pack Labelling System

Objectives: As packaged foods consumption increases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), certain governments have introduced front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) schemes to promote healthier food choices. This study assesses the evolution of the type and nutritional quality of packaged foods in LMICs from 2016 to 2023 and examines trends in countries with implemented FOPLs.

Methods: On-pack information from packaged foods launched in 21 LMICs covering 6 world regions was retrieved from the Mintel Global New Product Database from 2016 to 2023. The number of products and median content in energy, sugars, sodium, SFA, protein, and fiber per 100g were assessed between 2016-2018 and 2021-2023. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess significant differences. Results were compared by region and presence of FOPL schemes, specifically the “Choices” and “High in” labels implemented respectively in Southeast Asia from 2016 to 2019 and Latin America from 2017 to 2020.

Results: From 2016-2018 to 2021-2023, the percentage of meat and coffee products in LMICs increased by at least 0.5 points in all regions, while it declined for indulgent products such as cookies.

Median sugar content in newly-launched packaged food decreased from 6.4g/100g to 4.8g/100g across regions. The reduction was lower in East Asia (-0.2g/100g) than in Latin America (-1g/100g) and Sub-Saharan Africa (-4g/100g). Changes in energy, sodium, SFA, protein, and fiber content were region-specific, with a significant increase in protein content by +0.1g to +0.8g/100g in all regions except Africa.

Packaged foods were higher in fiber, sugars, SFA, and sodium in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Choices scheme has been implemented, compared to other East Asian countries without this scheme in 2016-2018 and in 2021-23. In Peru, Mexico and Brazil where High-in labels were implemented, content of sugars was significantly lower than in other Latin American countries in both periods (-1.9g/100g in 2016-2018 and -1.5g/100g in 2021-2023).

Conclusions: In LMICs, packaged animal-based products and coffee are more available over the years. Sugars content is decreasing across regions while protein content is rising. Evolution of nutritional quality of packaged food depends on the region and is in line with the presence of FOPL scheme implemented.

Funding Sources: Societé des Produits Nestlé S.A.