Assessment of the impact of the European food industry on obesity and population nutrition

Abstract

Abstract Background Our food environment is becoming increasingly dominated by ultra-processed foods and big industry players often escape accountability through self-regulation and vague commitments. Methods Applying the 'Business Impact Assessment' (BIA-Obesity), as proposed by INFORMAS, the commitments and performance of the biggest companies among packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, quick-service restaurants and supermarkets were assessed at a European level and in Belgium as a case study. The tool consists of six different domains comprising the corporate nutrition strategy, food formulation, labelling, marketing, accessibility of (un)healthy products and relationships with other organisations. Results Preliminary results for Belgian companies based on publicly available information show a median score of < 30% and a maximum score of < 60% for comprehensiveness, specificity and transparency of commitments. Hardly any commitments are in place to increase accessibility to healthier products. Even though several commitments are made regarding advertisement towards children below 12 years, on average 36% of sales is for products not-permitted to be marketed to children (WHO) and 71% for products that are ultra-processed (NOVA). Throughout Europe, companies selling ultra-processed foods on average generate 85% (77%-90%) of their sales from ultra-processed foods of which 50% (35%-74%) is not-permitted to be marketed to children. Conclusions Even though many commitments are made, they are not sufficiently specific or comprehensive and do not link well with performance. To reach the goals set out by the Sustainable Development goals and to improve the food environment it is crucial to ensure that commitments don't get lost in translation, but are strengthened and transformed into results. Key messages Food industry players make several nutrition and health related commitments, but these don’t always translate into performance. The BIA-tool clearly distinguishes between the comprehensiveness, specificity and transparency of nutrition related commitments made by the food industry.