The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened a consultation on a draft that would flag industrially produced, prepackaged foods for moderation based on nutrient levels or selected ingredients, prompting an industry challenge to its approach.
Under the model, a product would qualify if it exceeds one or more limits for saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, sugars or sodium, or contains at least one specified flavor, color or sweetener. WHO opened the consultation Nov. 2. The draft is available through the consultation form.
WHO says the ingredient categories serve as indicators of product formulation intended to increase appeal or consumption, rather than judgments that the ingredients are unsafe. The model could help governments identify products that may be covered by marketing restrictions, nutrition labeling, fiscal policies or rules for food bought and served by public institutions.
WHO says industrially produced foods account for a substantial and growing share of diets, while unhealthy diets contribute to noncommunicable diseases. It also says food-environment policies should complement individual behavior and that governments face challenges applying rules consistently across food categories. The agency described the draft as a synthesis of more than two decades of work on nutrient recommendations and related guidance.
The International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) said the ingredient test could include products that meet nutrient criteria but contain a specified color, flavor or sweetener. The group warned that this approach could shift attention away from nutritional quality and discourage manufacturers from reformulating products. IFBA Secretary General Rocco Renaldi said the alliance believes WHO has not established that the expanded criteria would bring significant health gains.
IFBA argues that ingredients and processing methods can help manufacturers reduce sugar, sodium and saturated fat, as well as fortify products. The alliance said it supports WHO’s goal of addressing obesity and diet-related diseases.
WHO is inviting comments from Member States, experts, civil society, academia and other stakeholders through Nov. 27. The agency says it will review submissions before finalizing the publication.
