In today’s world, as food giants expand their reach, a troubling disparity has surfaced in the healthiness of their products across countries with different income levels. Recent findings suggest that some of the world’s most prominent food and beverage brands, like Nestle, Pepsico, and Unilever, provide less healthy products in lower-income countries compared to their offerings in wealthier nations. This pattern, revealed by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI), raises significant concerns about the potential health impact on populations that already face economic challenges.

The ATNI, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing better nutrition on a global scale, conducted an extensive analysis of products offered by 30 major food companies. Their research marks the first time they’ve split their health assessments based on income levels of countries, making this report a ground-breaking and eye-opening study.

To understand the quality of food and beverage products, ATNI relied on the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, a scale developed in Australia and New Zealand. This system ranks products based on nutritional value from one to five stars, with higher ratings indicating healthier choices. Foods scoring above 3.5 stars are considered nutritious options, and those below this benchmark fall into less desirable dietary choices.

The findings were stark: products sold in low-income countries scored an average of 1.8 on the HSR, while similar products in wealthier nations averaged a healthier score of 2.3. This lower rating in economically disadvantaged regions highlights a disturbing trend, suggesting that lower-income countries may be subjected to lower-quality, more calorie-dense, and less nutrient-rich processed foods. Such patterns could contribute to long-term health risks, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

Packaged and processed foods have gradually become a global dietary staple, with many people relying on them due to convenience, cost, and availability. However, as ATNI’s report highlights, the health impacts of such foods can vary significantly depending on their nutritional makeup. In high-income countries, consumers often have more access to information and healthier alternatives, with options labelled and regulated for their nutritional content. By contrast, low-income countries may lack the resources or regulations needed to monitor and maintain high nutritional standards in processed foods.

This issue is exacerbated by the global obesity crisis. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people are currently living with obesity worldwide, and an overwhelming 70% of these individuals reside in low-and middle-income countries. As obesity rates climb, so do the associated health costs, from diabetes to heart disease, putting additional strain on already fragile healthcare systems.

ATNI’s research director, Mark Wijne, emphasizes that the report serves as a “wake-up call” for governments in these vulnerable countries. The disparity in product quality underscores an urgent need for vigilance and stronger regulatory frameworks to prevent the spread of unhealthy food options. It’s not just about access to food but ensuring that the food available promotes good health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

In response to these concerns, some companies have made public commitments to improve the nutritional quality of their products. For instance, Nestle has promised to increase its range of nutritious foods while guiding consumers toward balanced diets. They’ve also pledged to fortify certain products with essential nutrients, especially in developing nations where deficiencies are common. A spokesperson from Nestle stated that they aim to help close nutritional gaps in low-income countries, a promise that could make a significant difference if executed effectively.

PepsiCo has also made moves to reformulate some of its popular products, such as reducing sodium levels in potato chips and incorporating whole grains into its foods. Yet, when asked to comment on the ATNI report, PepsiCo chose not to respond. Their silence raises questions about the sincerity and scale of their commitment to providing healthier options in all regions.

Despite these pledges, the data from ATNI suggests a gap between what these companies promise and the nutritional reality of their offerings in different countries. While some companies appear to be moving toward better ingredients and healthier formulations, the progress seems limited and uneven, particularly in countries where regulations may not be as stringent or closely enforced.

Understanding why food companies sell less healthy products in lower-income countries requires examining a mix of market dynamics, economic pressures, and public health policies. In high-income regions, stricter regulations on food labelling and marketing often push companies to offer healthier options or risk losing market share to competitors who do. These consumers may also demand higher-quality products and have the financial means to pay a premium for healthier options.

In contrast, low-income countries may lack the same regulatory oversight, allowing companies to market cheaper, less nutritious products with minimal accountability. Moreover, consumers in these regions might not have access to the same information or education on nutrition, making it easier for companies to prioritize cost over quality. The result is that people in poorer countries are more exposed to unhealthy products that contribute to long-term health issues.

The ATNI report highlights that low-income countries face a double burden when it comes to nutrition: on the one hand, they struggle with malnutrition, and on the other, they grapple with rising rates of obesity and related chronic diseases. Packaged foods, often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, are significant contributors to this issue, particularly when fresh produce or healthy alternatives are scarce or unaffordable.

The dietary choices available to people directly affect their health outcomes. Without access to healthier food options, consumers are more likely to develop diet-related illnesses. For low-income countries, these health issues represent an added layer of socio-economic challenges, as the healthcare costs associated with obesity and chronic disease can further strain limited resources.

To address the health divide in global food quality, several actions are needed:

1. Stronger Regulation: Governments in low-income countries can play a crucial role by enforcing regulations on food labelling, marketing, and nutritional standards. By holding multinational corporations accountable, they can ensure that products sold domestically meet minimum health criteria.

2. Encouraging Local Production: By supporting local food production, governments can offer healthier options to consumers and reduce dependence on imported processed foods. Investments in local agriculture and food industries can promote diverse, nutrient-rich food choices.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about nutrition and healthy eating can empower consumers to make better choices. Such campaigns can also increase demand for higher-quality products, motivating companies to reformulate their offerings.

4. Corporate Accountability: Food companies must be transparent about the nutritional content of their products and adhere to the same quality standards across all markets. Corporate social responsibility should extend beyond profitability, with companies genuinely committing to improving the health of all consumers, regardless of economic status.

5. Incentives for Healthier Choices: Governments and organizations can introduce incentives or tax breaks for companies that prioritize health in their product formulations. These incentives could encourage food giants to reformulate their products or expand their healthier lines to lower-income markets.

The disparity in food quality between rich and poor countries exposes an uncomfortable truth about how global businesses prioritize profit over public health. As the obesity crisis continues to escalate, the demand for corporate responsibility and regulatory intervention is louder than ever. Low-income countries deserve the same access to nutritious food options as wealthier nations, and multinationals should no longer be allowed to exploit the lack of oversight in vulnerable regions.

The findings of ATNI’s report serve as a reminder that the battle for health equity extends beyond just providing food, it’s about ensuring that the food available promotes good health and longevity. If multinational corporations truly value their global consumers, then it’s time for them to step up, bridge the nutritional divide, and offer fair, healthy choices for everyone, regardless of income level.

In the fight for fair nutrition, every individual has a right to access food that fuels a healthy life. It’s time for governments, corporations, and communities to work together to close the gap and make nutritious, affordable food a reality for all.