Why in the News?

A report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), a global non-profit, reveals that food and beverage companies generally sell less healthy products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs).

What does the report published by the Access to Nutrition Initiative state? 

• Lower Health Ratings in LMICs: The report assessed 52,414 products from 30 of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers. It found that products sold in LMICs had an average Health Star Rating (HSR) of 1.8, whereas those in HICs averaged 2.3. This indicates that the portfolios of these companies are less healthy in poorer markets.
• Healthier Product Sales: Only 30% of the assessed companies have a strategy to price their healthier products affordably for lower-income consumers. This lack of accessibility contributes to dietary issues in these regions.
• Micronutrient Data Availability: The report highlighted that micronutrient data were available for a smaller proportion of products in LMICs compared to HICs, complicating efforts to address nutritional deficiencies.
• Call for Action: The ATNi challenges companies to derive at least 50% of their sales from healthier products by 2030, a target that only a small fraction currently meets.

Why have non-communicable diseases become so common in India? 

Non-communicable diseases have become increasingly prevalent in India due to several factors:

• Dietary Shifts: There has been a significant increase in the consumption of highly processed foods that are high in sugars and fats, contributing to obesity and diabetes.
  • According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), unhealthy diets account for over 56% of the total disease burden in India.
• Affordability Issues: More than 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet, exacerbating nutritional deficiencies alongside rising obesity rates.
• Lifestyle Changes: Reduced physical activity and urbanization have also played roles in this epidemic, leading to a dual burden of undernutrition and obesity.

Can front-of-pack labelling help?

Front-of-pack labeling could significantly influence consumer behavior and public health outcomes:

• Effectiveness of Warning Labels: Studies from countries like Chile and Mexico show that mandatory warning labels on sugary beverages have led to decreased consumption. This suggests that clear labeling can help consumers make healthier choices.
• Need for Mandatory Policies: Activists argue that voluntary measures taken by companies have been insufficient. They advocate for mandatory regulations on front-of-pack labeling to effectively communicate nutritional information related to high sugar, fat, and sodium content.

Conclusion: The Access to Nutrition Initiative report emphasizes the urgent need for healthier food portfolios in LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries), equitable pricing, and front-of-pack labeling to combat non-communicable diseases. These steps align with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), promoting healthier lives globally.

Mains PYQ:

Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)

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