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 8 May 2019), 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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^{Copyright © 2019 World Cancer Research Fund International. Please contact us on policy@wcrf.org for permission to replicate any part of the NOURISHING framework and/or policy database. Please do not attempt to create your own version.}

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

Trans fats included in mandatory nutrient labels

What the action involves and where implemented

Nutrient lists on pre-packaged food must, by law, include the trans fat content of the food. The rules generally define how the trans fat content must be listed, and on what basis (eg per 100g/100ml or per serving). If the trans fat content falls below a certain threshold, it may be listed as 0g (eg less than 0.5g per serving, or less than 0.3g per 100g of food product). Chile requires mandatory trans fat labelling only once the total fat content per serving exceeds 3g.

Evaluations
Doell D et al. (2012) Updated estimate of trans fat intake by the US population. Food Additives and Contaminants 29(6), 861-874

Van Camp et al. (2012) Changes in fat contents of US snack foods in response to mandatory trans fat labelling. Public Health Nutrition 15(6), 1130-1137

Lee JH et al. (2010) Trans Fatty Acids Content and Fatty Acid Profiles in Selected Food Products from Korea between 2005 and 2008. Journal of Food Science 75(7), C647-C652

Ricciuto L et al. (2008) A comparison of the fat composition and prices of margarines between 2002 and 2006, when new Canadian labelling regulations came into effect. Public Health Nutrition 12(8), 1270-1275

Friesen R, Innis SM (2006) Trans Fatty Acids in Human Milk in Canada Declined with the Introduction of Trans Fat Food Labeling. The Journal of Nutrition 136(10), 2558-2561

Calorie and nutrient labelling on menus and displays in out-of-home venues

What the action involves and where implemented

Taiwan

Since July 2015, convenience store chains, drink vendor chains and fast food chains have to label the sugar and caffeine content of prepared-when-ordered drinks (eg coffee- and tea-based drinks, fruit and vegetable juices) according to a regulation based on the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The amount of sugar added to drinks (specified in sugar cubes) and its calorie content have to be displayed on drink menus and/or notice boards in a prescribed minimum font. In addition, different colours have to be used to signal the level of caffeine contained in coffee drinks. It is reported that many stores are not compliant with these labelling requirements due to lack of resources.

Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion

There is clear evidence that the advertisements children see influence their food preferences and habits. There is also a lot of evidence that children and adolescents around the world are exposed to a whole host of other promotional techniques, whether on a billboard or through a phone or computer.

Emerging evidence shows that restrictions work to reduce children’s exposure to marketing, but this depends on the criteria used in the restrictions. Given the role played by parents and caregivers in what children eat, consideration is needed of how they are also influenced by promotional activities.

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Examples of policy actions

Mandatory regulation of broadcast food advertising to children

What the action involves and where implemented

Taiwan

Restrictions on food advertising and promotion to children under the age of 12 came into effect on 1 January 2016 in Taiwan (Regulations Governing Advertisement and Promotion of Food Products Not Suitable for Long-term Consumption by Children, pursuant to Article 28 Paragraph 3 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation).

Restricted food products include snacks, candies, drinks, ice products and food products with fats >30% of total calorie content, saturated fat >10% of total calorie count, food with >400mg of sodium per serving and food where added sugars account for >10% of total calorie count.

Restricted food products are banned from being advertised on “dedicated TV channels for children” (determined by TV channel operators) between 5pm–9pm. Currently there are 13 “dedicated TV channels for children”. Restricted food products are also banned from being advertised and promoted with toys that are given as free gifts or with an additional price, including at fast food chain restaurants.

Violations to these regulations result in a fine between NT$40,000–NT$4m (about $1,363–$136,320).

NOURISHING database

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

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