NOURISHING database

Our database of implemented polices to promote healthy diets & reduce obesity

We developed the NOURISHING framework to highlight where governments need to take action to promote healthy diets and reduce overweight and obesity.

The framework is accompanied by a regularly updated database (last updated 24 October 2018), providing an extensive overview of implemented government policy actions from around the world.

Contact us on policy@wcrf.org with further examples of implemented policies, evaluations of implemented policies or with any other questions or comments.

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Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food

The evidence suggests people who want to eat well use nutrient lists to choose healthier options. Interpretative labels help them when they find the labels hard to understand. Nutrition labels also create incentives for food manufacturers to reformulate their products, so helping populations more broadly by increasing the availability of food of higher nutritional value.

Clear standards are also needed on the use of nutrient and health claims. Evidence shows these claims alter the perception people have of these products – making it essential that they do not mislead.

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Examples of policy actions

Mandatory nutrient lists on packaged food*

*Most other countries follow Guideline CAC/GL 2-1985 from the Codex Alimentarius Commission in requiring nutrition labels only when a nutrition or health claim is made and/or on food with special dietary uses

What the action involves and where implemented

Producers and retailers are required by law to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products (with limited exceptions), even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim. The rules define which nutrients must be listed and on what basis (eg per 100g/per serving).

Evaluation
Huang L et al. (2015) A systematic review of the prevalence of nutrition labels and completeness of nutrient declarations on pre-packaged food in China. Journal of Public Health 37(4), 649-658

Rules on nutrient claims (ie nutrient content and nutrient comparative claims)

What the action involves and where implemented

Indonesia

The Indonesian Regulation HK.03.1.23.11.11.09909 (2011) on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements establishes rules on the use of specified nutrient content claims (ie levels of fat for a low-fat claim). The Regulation applies to any food product or beverage that has been processed. Generally, any nutrition or health claim may only be used on processed food or beverages if they do not exceed a certain level of fat and natrium per serving (13g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 60mg cholesterol and 480mg natrium). The Regulation sets out certain exceptions from this rule, detailed in its annexes, whereby products exceeding these limits may still contain certain nutrient or health claims ("low in [name of nutrient]" and "free from [name of nutrient]" claims; claims related to fibre, phytosterol and fitostanol; certain disease risk reduction claims).

Rules on health claims (ie nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims)

What the action involves and where implemented

Indonesia

The Indonesian Regulation HK.03.1.23.11.11.09909 (2011) on The Control of Claims on Processed Food Labelling and Advertisements permits a limited number of listed nutrient function and disease risk reduction claims. The Regulation applies to any food product or beverage that has been processed. Generally, any nutrition or health claim may only be used on processed food or beverages if they do not exceed a certain level of fat and natrium per serving (13g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 60mg cholesterol and 480mg natrium). The Regulation sets out certain exceptions from this rule, detailed in its annexes, whereby products exceeding these limits may still contain certain nutrient or health claims ("low in [name of nutrient]" and "free from [name of nutrient]" claims; claims related to fibre, phytosterol and fitostanol; certain disease risk reduction claims).

NOURISHING database

Our database of implemented polices to promote healthy diets & reduce obesity

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