Evaluation of nutrient profiling systems for the definition of a front-of-pack labelling policy in Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends validating nutrient profiles (NP) by referring to food-based dietary guidelines of the country where they are implemented. This study aimed to assess the level of agreement and  level of strictness of NP used in Latin America with respect to the Food Dietary Guidelines (FDGs) for the Argentinian  Population. METHODS: The nutritional quality of a list of local foods was classified using regional NP designed for front-of-pack  (FOP) labelling policies. Level of agreement (Kappa and Gwet’s indexes) and strictness (percentage of foods to be limited) was  analyzed comparing NP and FDGs. RESULTS: A total of 1703 foods classified in 8 groups and 48 categories were evaluated. The  NP with the highest level of agreement with FDGs were the ones from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)  (Gwet’s=0.663) and Uruguay (Gwet’s=0.651), followed by Chile (Gwet’s=0.558) and Ecuador (Gwet’s=0.410), and lastly Peru  (Gwet’s=0,373) and Bolivia (Gwet’s=0,350). The analysis of level of strictness showed that at least one of the selected NP (PAHO,  Uruguay or Chile) had a higher level of strictness than FDGs in 14 categories, and a lower level in 4 categories. DISCUSSION:  The NP of PAHO and Uruguay are the ones that best match the nutritional standards of FDGs. This study is a key input for the  development of a national NP based on scientific evidence, that ensures the effectiveness of a FOP labelling policy.