(P22-22-26) A Single-Threshold Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) Provides the Most Robust Limits for Sugar, Sodium, and Saturated Fat in Beverages in Bangladesh

Objectives: Compare proportion and type of eligible beverages that would receive a front-of-pack warning label (FoPWL) for total sugar, sodium, or saturated fat in Bangladesh using three Nutrient Profile Models (NPM): the draft Bangladesh NPM based on single-nutrient thresholds without (BNPM) and with (BNPM+) modifications to strengthen sodium thresholds and add a label for the presence of non-nutritive sweetener (NNS), and the WHO SEARO NPM based on its five subcategories for beverages.

Methods: Thresholds used for the BNPM were per 100 kcal: sugar (≥1.25g), sodium (≥100 mg), and saturated fat (≥1.1g). For BNPM+, an additional sodium threshold (≥300 mg/100g) and presence of any NNS was included. Beverage subcategories in SEARO are based on: a) juice; b) milk and dairy; c) water; d) coffee/tea; and e) cereal/grain/tree & nuts. Thresholds vary by subcategory and nutrient. Products eligible for FoPWL policy (e.g., contain >1 ingredient and are not regulated separately like alcohol or baby milk substitutes) that displayed sufficient nutrition information for analysis in the Mintel Global New Products Database for Bangladesh were used (n=1310). The proportion of products that would receive FoPWL using nutrients thresholds from the three NPMs were calculated overall.

Results: Using the BNPM or BNPM+, 96% of beverages would receive FoPWL indicating excess sugar, compared to 80% for SEARO. Using the BNPM or BNPM+, 16% of beverages would receive FoPWL indicating excess saturated fat. SEARO has no thresholds established for saturated fat. Using the BNPM or BNPM+, 14-15% of beverages would receive a FoPWL indicating excess sodium. SEARO has established sodium thresholds for two subcategories only, and 3% of beverages would receive FoPWL for sodium. 20% of beverages displayed NNS in the ingredient list, but none would receive an NNS label unless the BNPM+ is used.

Conclusions: The BNPM+ will identify more beverages that exceed unhealthy limits of sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and NNS for Bangladesh consumers. 96% of beverages would display the excess sugar FoPWL, 15% excess sodium, and 16% excess saturated fat. 20% of beverages would display an NNS label using the BNPM+. The SEARO categories as published do not provide the necessary thresholds to comprehensively support consumer choice through FoPWL policy.

Funding Sources: Resolve to Save Lives