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Food companies sell products that are less healthy in poorer countries, says report

investing.com 07/11/2024 - 09:09 AM

Healthier Products in Wealthier Nations

By Jennifer Rigby

LONDON (Reuters) – The world’s largest food and beverage companies tend to sell less healthy products in low-income countries compared to those in high-income nations, according to a recent report.

This assessment, published by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), evaluated companies such as Nestle, Pepsico, and Unilever. It is the organization's first index since 2021.

Across 30 companies examined, their product offerings in low-income regions scored lower on a health rating system developed in Australia and New Zealand than those sold in wealthier nations.

In the Health Star Rating system, products are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the healthiest options. Scores above 3.5 are deemed healthier choices.

In low-income countries, these multinational companies' portfolios achieved a rating of 1.8, while in high-income markets, where more items were tested, they received a score of 2.3.

“It’s a very clear picture that what these companies are selling in the poorest countries in the world, where they are more and more active, are not healthy products,” stated Mark Wijne, research director at ATNI, in an interview with Reuters.

He emphasized, “It’s a wake-up call for governments in these countries to be vigilant.” This split assessment of low and high-income nations is a first for ATNI.

The index is deemed crucial as packaged foods increasingly contribute to the global obesity epidemic. The World Health Organization estimates that over a billion individuals worldwide are obese, with the World Bank noting that 70% of those overweight or obese reside in low- and middle-income nations.

Nestle committed to enhancing the sales of healthier foods and guiding consumers to more balanced diets. A spokesperson mentioned that Nestle also fortifies products to address nutrient deficiencies in developing areas.

PepsiCo chose not to comment but revealed last year it is aiming to reduce sodium in its chips and incorporate whole grains into its offerings.




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