Nutrient Composition and Health Information on the Labels of Commercially Produced Complementary Foods in Nepal.

Abstract

Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCFs) - commercially produced food or beverage products that are specifically marketed as suitable for feeding infant and young children (IYC) from 6-36 months of age - are increasingly available in Southeast Asia and purchased by caregivers. However, we know little about the nutrient composition of these foods or health-related information on the packaging of the CPCFs available in Nepal. This study assessed nutrient composition and health information on the labels of CPCFs available in urban Nepal. In 2024, we visited 4 large stores (2 supermarkets and 2 departmental stores), 22 small stores (corner stores), and 2 baby stores in Kathmandu Valley. We photographed all CPCFs. To analyse, we extracted nutrient and health information from the label and categorized each CPCF into WHO Southeast Asia Region Nutrient Profile and Promotion model (SEAR NPPM) food sub-categories. Within each category we calculated the proportion meeting energy and nutrient thresholds for nutrient of concerns (protein, total sugar, sodium, and total fat threshold per 100g of product) from the SEAR NPPM and the proportion with health-related labels that complied with SEAR NPPM labelling requirement. We found 61 CPCFs available in seven (3 large, 2 small and 2 baby stores) out of the 28 stores visited. None of these CPCFs met all energy and nutrient thresholds, 75.6% met energy thresholds, 79.5% total fat content thresholds, 50.8% sodium content, and 25% total sugar content. Total sugar content was double the SEAR NPPM threshold of ≤ 3g/100 g, ranging from 1g/100 g for CPCFs in the 'cereals without added high protein' sub-category to 27.4g/100 g for CPCFs in rusks and biscuits' sub-category. Less than five (3.3%) of assessed CPCFs were compliant with the SEAR NPPM labelling requirement. CPCFs in Nepal contained high levels of nutrients of concern and had misleading health information on the labels. To safeguard health and nutrition of older infants and young children, Nepal has a mandatory food standard for cereal-based commercial complementary food that determines nutrient composition, promotional requirements, and food safety parameters. In addition to stronger enforcement of this standard, we recommend similar standards be applied for other CPCF sub-categories.