Nutrition Quality of Packaged Foods in Bogotá, Colombia: A Comparison of Two Nutrient Profile Models

Background: Front-of-package warning labels are an increasingly common policy and have been implemented to inform consumers of the nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods. This study examined the proportion of Colombian products that could be subjected to such regulations. Methods: Two nutritio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mercedes Mora-Plazas, Luis F. Gómez, Donna R. Miles, Diana C Parra, L. S. Taillie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
Series:Nutrients
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1011
Description
Summary:Background: Front-of-package warning labels are an increasingly common policy and have been implemented to inform consumers of the nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods. This study examined the proportion of Colombian products that could be subjected to such regulations. Methods: Two nutrition profile models were compared: the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) model, and the nutrient profile established under the Chilean food labeling and advertising law (Chilean model). Products (<i>n</i> = 6708) exceeding nutrient criteria based on each model were identified as subject to regulation. Results: A total of 80.2% (PAHO model) to 66.4% (Chilean model) of foods met the criteria for regulation. The categories with the highest proportion of regulated products were meats (97.3% PAHO model; 87.5% Chilean model), sweets (95.6% PAHO) and snacks (Chilean model). The category with the lowest proportions of regulated products were cereals (47.3% PAHO model) and miscellaneous foods and fish/seafood (39.0% and 39.5%, respectively, Chilean model). Conclusions: Under both the PAHO and Chilean nutrient profile models, the majority of packaged foods available in Bogot&#225; would be eligible to receive front-of-package warning labels. These results suggest a warning label law could have a major impact on the Colombian food supply, especially in the context of the growing prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases in Colombia.
ISSN:2072-6643