Feasibility of nutrition grading system
Published: 04:08 PM,Aug 26,2024 | EDITED : 08:08 PM,Aug 26,2024
The feasibility of implementing a nutritional rating system- aimed at simplifying the communication of a food's nutritional value through a ranking or rating system, as opposed to traditional nutrition facts labels- represents a cutting-edge approach to food labelling and consumer health enhancement.
The Nutri-Grade, a front-of-pack nutritional labeling system, rates products from A to D or E based on their nutritional quality seeks to provide consumers with clear, accessible nutritional information, promote healthier food choices, and align with global health standards.
Globally, various nutrient labeling systems, such as the UK's Traffic Light system, France's NutriScore, the Scandinavian Keyhole, the Australian Health Star Rating, and Chile's Warning Labels, have been adopted to advance nutritional awareness. These systems, certifications, and logos are intended to guide consumers towards healthier dietary choices and motivate manufacturers to improve their products.
Nutri-Grade has been implemented in several countries across Europe, the USA, and Asia, demonstrating promising results by increasing consumer awareness and promoting better dietary choices, thereby contributing to improved overall health.
In the Sultanate of Oman, adopting such a system would support public health initiatives aimed at combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and obesity. The National Nutrition Strategy and Work Framework 2020-2030, introduced by the Ministry of Health, is a comprehensive multi-sectoral initiative designed to enhance the nation’s nutritional status by 2030. This strategy emphasises a commitment to an active lifestyle and balanced diet through three main areas: Health and Nutrition; Food and Nutrition Security; and Physical Fitness through Active Living. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and supports WHO Regional Nutrition objectives, contributing directly to NCD prevention.
A National Nutrition Survey in 2017 revealed that 66.2 per cent of adults in Oman are overweight or obese, with the rate of overweight or obese children under five increasing from 2.4 per cent to 4.2 per cent between 2009 and 2017. In response, the government introduced reforms in 2019, including sugar taxes on soft drinks (50 per cent) and energy drinks (100 per cent), to reduce sugar content in food and beverages. This measure aims to address the link between high sugar and fat consumption and the increased risks of obesity and diabetes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing sugar consumption, advising that both adults and children limit their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of their total energy intake, with further benefits at less than 5 per cent - approximately 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day.
Diabetes mellitus and obesity are rapidly growing global health challenges, with significant implications for chronic diseases in the 21st century. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projects that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide will rise from 463 million in 2019 to 700 million by 2045.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to have the highest prevalence of diabetes, with rates projected to reach 15.7 per cent by 2045.
In Oman, with a population of 4.95 million in 2020, diabetes mellitus is a significant health issue, affecting a substantial portion of the population. The prevalence of diabetes is ranked eighth among MENA countries, and type 2 diabetes is expected to escalate, potentially consuming a significant portion of national health expenditure. Reducing risk factors for NCDs should be a national priority to manage and alleviate the burden on the population. Expanding public awareness campaigns and interventions, strengthening the implementation of Oman’s National Policy for Diet, Physical Activity, and Health, and introducing new food and beverage legislation are essential.
Implementing transparent food labeling, including a “Nutrition Label” should be enforced in Oman, with a grace period for manufacturers and retailers to adjust. Singapore’s experience with a similar system can serve as a useful benchmark. Nutri-Grade, which rates beverages from A (dark green) to D (red) based on sugar and saturated fat content per 100 ml, could be adopted in Oman. For instance, a beverage with less than 1 gram of sugar and no more than 0.7 grams of saturated fat per 100 ml receives an A rating, while a product with over 10 grams of sugar and 2.8 grams of saturated fat per 100 ml is rated D. Restaurants and drink stalls would also be required to label their menus accordingly.
The Nutri-Grade system helps consumers easily identify less healthy beverages with high sugar and fat content, making food choices simpler and more informed. Adopting this system in Oman would significantly improve public health, promote healthier eating habits, and increase transparency in the food market, aligning with global health standards and enhancing the overall well-being of the population.
The Nutri-Grade, a front-of-pack nutritional labeling system, rates products from A to D or E based on their nutritional quality seeks to provide consumers with clear, accessible nutritional information, promote healthier food choices, and align with global health standards.
Globally, various nutrient labeling systems, such as the UK's Traffic Light system, France's NutriScore, the Scandinavian Keyhole, the Australian Health Star Rating, and Chile's Warning Labels, have been adopted to advance nutritional awareness. These systems, certifications, and logos are intended to guide consumers towards healthier dietary choices and motivate manufacturers to improve their products.
Nutri-Grade has been implemented in several countries across Europe, the USA, and Asia, demonstrating promising results by increasing consumer awareness and promoting better dietary choices, thereby contributing to improved overall health.
In the Sultanate of Oman, adopting such a system would support public health initiatives aimed at combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and obesity. The National Nutrition Strategy and Work Framework 2020-2030, introduced by the Ministry of Health, is a comprehensive multi-sectoral initiative designed to enhance the nation’s nutritional status by 2030. This strategy emphasises a commitment to an active lifestyle and balanced diet through three main areas: Health and Nutrition; Food and Nutrition Security; and Physical Fitness through Active Living. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and supports WHO Regional Nutrition objectives, contributing directly to NCD prevention.
A National Nutrition Survey in 2017 revealed that 66.2 per cent of adults in Oman are overweight or obese, with the rate of overweight or obese children under five increasing from 2.4 per cent to 4.2 per cent between 2009 and 2017. In response, the government introduced reforms in 2019, including sugar taxes on soft drinks (50 per cent) and energy drinks (100 per cent), to reduce sugar content in food and beverages. This measure aims to address the link between high sugar and fat consumption and the increased risks of obesity and diabetes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing sugar consumption, advising that both adults and children limit their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of their total energy intake, with further benefits at less than 5 per cent - approximately 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day.
Diabetes mellitus and obesity are rapidly growing global health challenges, with significant implications for chronic diseases in the 21st century. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projects that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide will rise from 463 million in 2019 to 700 million by 2045.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to have the highest prevalence of diabetes, with rates projected to reach 15.7 per cent by 2045.
In Oman, with a population of 4.95 million in 2020, diabetes mellitus is a significant health issue, affecting a substantial portion of the population. The prevalence of diabetes is ranked eighth among MENA countries, and type 2 diabetes is expected to escalate, potentially consuming a significant portion of national health expenditure. Reducing risk factors for NCDs should be a national priority to manage and alleviate the burden on the population. Expanding public awareness campaigns and interventions, strengthening the implementation of Oman’s National Policy for Diet, Physical Activity, and Health, and introducing new food and beverage legislation are essential.
Implementing transparent food labeling, including a “Nutrition Label” should be enforced in Oman, with a grace period for manufacturers and retailers to adjust. Singapore’s experience with a similar system can serve as a useful benchmark. Nutri-Grade, which rates beverages from A (dark green) to D (red) based on sugar and saturated fat content per 100 ml, could be adopted in Oman. For instance, a beverage with less than 1 gram of sugar and no more than 0.7 grams of saturated fat per 100 ml receives an A rating, while a product with over 10 grams of sugar and 2.8 grams of saturated fat per 100 ml is rated D. Restaurants and drink stalls would also be required to label their menus accordingly.
The Nutri-Grade system helps consumers easily identify less healthy beverages with high sugar and fat content, making food choices simpler and more informed. Adopting this system in Oman would significantly improve public health, promote healthier eating habits, and increase transparency in the food market, aligning with global health standards and enhancing the overall well-being of the population.