Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess government actions to improve the healthiness of food environments in New Zealand, based on the healthy food environment policy index.MethodsA panel of 52 public health experts rated the extent of government implementation against international best practice for 42 indicators of food environment policy and infrastructure support. Their ratings were informed by documented evidence, validated by government officials and international benchmarks.FindingsThere was a high level of implementation for some indicators: providing ingredient lists and nutrient declarations and regulating health claims on packaged foods; transparency in policy development; monitoring prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and monitoring risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. There was very little, if any implementation of the following indicators: restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children; fiscal and food retail policies and protection of national food environments within trade agreements. Interrater reliability was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.76–0.79). Based on the implementation gaps, the experts recommended 34 actions, and prioritized seven of these.ConclusionThe healthy food environment policy index provides a useful set of indicators that can focus attention on where government action is needed. It is anticipated that this policy index will increase accountability of governments, stimulate government action and support civil society advocacy efforts.
Highlights
In the past 30 years, the global proportion of overweight and obese adults has increased from approximately 29% to 37% in men, and 30% to 38% in women.[1]
Comprehensive actions by governments and the food industry are needed to achieve World Health Organization (WHO) targets to halt the rise in obesity and diabetes and reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025.5 The International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS)[4] was recently founded to monitor and benchmark food environments, relevant government policies and private sector actions globally
Many of the experts had previously contributed to testing the methods for the healthy food environment policy index.[10]
Summary
In the past 30 years, the global proportion of overweight and obese adults has increased from approximately 29% to 37% in men, and 30% to 38% in women.[1]. Its objective is to reduce obesity and diet-related NCDs by increasing accountability and action within governments and the food industry. Accountability for prevention of NCDs at the national level is essential to ensure progress.[6] INFORMAS complements existing monitoring efforts by WHO, such as the Global NCD monitoring framework, which includes few upstream indicators on food environments.[5,6]
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