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Table 2 Global recommendations and examples of good practice on four policy domains relevant to the Thai context

From: Assessment of the stated policies of prominent food companies related to obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention in Thailand

Domain

Globally recommended actions

Selected good practice examples relevant to the Thai context

1. Food reformulation

Reducing the levels of saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars and salt in existing products [9, 10, 15, 30].

Unilever International and PepsiCo Global made commitments to reduce nutrients of concern including saturated fat, added sugars, salt, trans fat and energy content of certain products [52, 53].

 

Reducing salt in foods and meals served at restaurants and catering outlets [30].

McDonald’s Australia committed to reformulating its burger buns to contain less sugar, reducing salt across cheese and chicken products, and frying in a vegetable oil blend [54].

2. Food marketing to children

Practising responsible marketing that supports the promotion of healthy diets and physical activity and the overall aims of the Global Strategy, particularly with regard to the promotion and marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt, especially to children [8, 10].

The International Food and Beverage Alliance fully supported the WHO Food Marketing Recommendations [55], which includes companies not directing any marketing communication for unhealthy products to children below 12 years of age [56].

3. Nutrition information

Providing consumers with adequate and understandable product and nutrition information, including simple, clear and consistent food labels (e.g. front and back-of pack nutrition labelling) and evidence-based nutrition and health claims [10, 44, 45]. This includes labelling the sodium content of foods and meals [57].

Nestlé Global made a global commitment across its product portfolio to only place a health or nutrition claim on a product when it complies with local regulations and the international Codex Alimentarius, and the claims must meet Nestlé’s nutrient profiling criteria [58]. It also committed all that its relevant food and beverage products worldwide will have GDA-based labels on front of pack [59].

PepsiCo Global committed to providing nutrition information on the side or back of its product packaging. Additionally, it will include nutrition information on nutrients for which a health or nutrition claim is made [60].

4. Food accessibility

Continuing to improve access to affordable, healthy and nutritious choices to consumers [10]

(Availability) Countdown New Zealand pledges to expand health and wellness sections in the supermarket and increase fruit and vegetable sales through active promotions. They also commit to having at least one confectionary-free checkout in every store [61].

(Affordability) Danone International committed to making healthier products at more affordable prices in low-income markets [62].

ALDI UK has offered discounted fruit and vegetables to customers since 2011 [63].