Comparing compliance of the UK and Kyrgyzstan baby food products with WHO Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model guidelines

Abstract

Optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is crucial for promoting healthy growth, development, and overall well-being⁽¹⁾. Concerns arise regarding commercially available Food Products for Infants and Young Children (FIYC) due to potential imbalances in sugar, salt, fat content, and inappropriate promotion. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM) assesses the nutritional quality and promotional practices of commercial baby foods for children under 36 months. This study evaluates and compares the compliance of FIYC products in the UK and Kyrgyzstan with the NPPM guidelines.

This study evaluated the compliance of FIYC products in the UK and Kyrgyzstan with the WHO’s NPPM guidelines. Data on commercially available FIYC products for children aged 6-36 months were collected from both countries (UK: n = 469 products, 21 brands; Kyrgyzstan: n = 203 products, 20 brands). The NPPM website was utilized to assess nutritional composition (energy, sugar, protein, salt) against WHO guidelines and evaluate labelling information (ingredient lists, nutrient/health/marketing claims, breastfeeding recommendations) for adherence to NPPM criteria⁽²⁾. Data analysis for comparison across the two countries employed SPSS v29.

Analysis of 672 FIYC products using the NPPM website revealed distinctly different compositions between the UK (n = 469) and Kyrgyzstan (n = 203). The UK dataset contained a higher proportion of meals (38%) compared to fruits and vegetables (30%). Conversely, Kyrgyzstan had a higher percentage of fruits and vegetables (52%) and cereals (26%). Nutrient assessments displayed varying pass rates. Pass rates for products in the model were higher for the UK compared to Kyrgyzstan for energy density (75% vs. 47%), total fat (98% vs. 67%), and sodium (69% vs. 10%). However, Kyrgyzstan had a higher protein pass rate (96% vs. 94%). Regarding sugars, the UK achieved a 50% pass rate for total sugar compared to only 7% in Kyrgyzstan, with free sugar addition pass rates of 81% and 73% respectively. Promotion assessments revealed a similar compliance for the lower age recommendation (from 6 months) (85% UK, 76% Kyrgyzstan). However, all products failed the total marketing, health, and promotional claims evaluation. Breastfeeding instruction compliance was also low, with only 5% (UK) and 35% (Kyrgyzstan) passing.

In conclusion, the study identified both strengths and weaknesses in FIYC product compositions and nutritional profiles across the UK and Kyrgyzstan. However, more work is needed in adhering to marketing, health claims, and breastfeeding instruction guidelines in both countries. Stronger policies to improve FIYC are needed across the WHO European Region promoting child health and reducing future disease risk.