Processed foods available in the Pacific Islands

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an increasing reliance on processed foods globally, yet food composition tables include minimal information on their nutrient content. The Pacific Islands share common trade links and are heavily reliant on imported foods. The objective was to develop a dataset for the Pacific Islands on nutrient composition of processed foods sold and their sources.MethodsInformation on the food labels, including country of origin, nutrient content and promotional claims were recorded into a standardised dataset. Data were cleaned, converted to per 100 g data as needed and then checked for anomalies and recording errors.Setting: Five representative countries were selected for data collection, based on their trading patterns: Fiji, Guam, Nauru, New Caledonia, and Samoa. Data were collected in the capitals, in larger stores which import their own foods. Subjects: Processed foods in stores.ResultsThe data from 6041 foods and drinks were recorded. Fifty four countries of origin were identified, with the main provider of food for each Pacific Island country being that with which it was most strongly linked politically. Nutrient data were not provided for 6% of the foods, imported from various countries. Inaccurate labels were found on 132 products. Over one-quarter of the foods included some nutrient or health-related claims.ConclusionsThe globalisation of the food supply is having considerable impacts on diets in the Pacific Islands. While nutrient labels can be informative for consumers looking for healthier options, difficulties still exist with poor labelling and interpretation can be challenging.

Sodium in Store and Restaurant Food Environments — Guam, 2015

“…Approximately 162,000 persons live on the island of Guam, which is about 30 miles long and ranges from 4 miles to 12 miles wide. † Although some regional food manufacturing (e.g., bread) occurs, most food is imported by freighter, and much of the food supply is processed to improve shelf life (6). Recognizing that the nutrition environment could be contributing to chronic disease, Guam DPHSS and its partners created the Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2014-2018 (7) to address several nutrition objectives, including reducing sodium consumption.…”

Globalization and Health: developing the journal to advance the field

“…Examples include papers related to nutrition and the globalisation of disease due to the global trade of processed food, and their health impact on global obesity [5, 6], as well as trade, globalization processes and the rise in non-communicable disease rates [7]. Papers on international health policies (i.e.…”

Pacific Food Guide

“…Although cultural food practices generally remained intact, imported foods, including rice, flour, canned meat, and other canned goods, were incorporated into the diet. 36 The Noncommunicable Disease Epidemic in the Islands has led to a state of emergency being declared by the Pacific Island Health Officers Association. 38 In addition, the region has a low proportion of health professionals trained in noncommunicable disease prevention, 1 component of the World Health Organization's 2013Y2020 Global Action Plan to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases.…”