Dietary Glycaemic Index Labelling: A Global Perspective

Alan W Barclay,Gabriele Riccardi,Arne Astrup,Furio Brighenti,Kathy Usic,Carlo La Vecchia,Elizabeth Delport,John L Sievenpiper,Cyril W.C Kendall,Geoffrey Livesey,Walter C Willett,Antonia Trichopoulou,Andreea Zurbau,Mònica Bulló,Peter R Ellis,Antonio Ceriello,Livia S A Augustin,Andrea Poli,K Bhaskaran ,Marie Ann Vanginkel ,Jordi Salas‐Salvadó ,Ye Yang ,Christiani Jeyakumar Henry ,Anette E Buyken ,Thomas M S Wolever ,David Jenkins ,Jennie Brand-Miller

doi:10.3390/nu13093244

Abstract

The glycaemic index (GI) is a food metric that ranks the acute impact of available (digestible) carbohydrates on blood glucose. At present, few countries regulate the inclusion of GI on food labels even though the information may assist consumers to manage blood glucose levels. Australia and New Zealand regulate GI claims as nutrition content claims and also recognize the GI Foundation’s certified Low GI trademark as an endorsement. The GI Foundation of South Africa endorses foods with low, medium and high GI symbols. In Asia, Singapore’s Healthier Choice Symbol has specific provisions for low GI claims. Low GI claims are also permitted on food labels in India. In China, there are no national regulations specific to GI; however, voluntary claims are permitted. In the USA, GI claims are not specifically regulated but are permitted, as they are deemed to fall under general food-labelling provisions. In Canada and the European Union, GI claims are not legal under current food law. Inconsistences in food regulation around the world undermine consumer and health professional confidence and call for harmonization. Global provisions for GI claims/endorsements in food standard codes would be in the best interests of people with diabetes and those at risk.

Highlights

In line with the recommendations of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation [1], Nutrition Information and/or Facts Panels are provided on the labels of packaged foods in many developed and developing nations to help consumers make informed choices
The aim of this review is to summarise the current glycaemic index (GI) and GL labelling practices around the globe, identifying the type of claims being made in major jurisdictions and where claims are not permitted within food regulations explaining the rationale why
We searched the scientific literature (e.g., PubMed), food and beverage regulatory authority websites and other online resources (e.g., Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) and contacted other sources of information that were relevant to this aim

Summary

Introduction

In line with the recommendations of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation [1], Nutrition Information and/or Facts Panels are provided on the labels of packaged foods in many developed and developing nations to help consumers make informed choices. Carbohydrates are a mandatory component [2], the only requirement in many countries is the total carbohydrates per 100 g or per 100 mL and/or serve of food, and this may or may not include dietary fibre, depending on the jurisdiction. Consumers are able to utilize this information to make informed food purchasing decisions at the point of sale. This limited information does not assist people with diabetes or pre-diabetes and others who are required to manage blood glucose levels. One consequence is that many consumers choose to restrict foods containing carbohydrates [3], those containing sugars [4,5] and including those containing dietary fibres, in certain jurisdictions. 1 in 11 adults has diabetes, or approximately 463 million people [6]

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Conclusion