The Basis of Standards for Nutrient Profile Models Developed by Governments

Abstract

Nutrient profile (NP) models, which classify or score foods according to their nutritional composition for healthy food selection and product improvement, are used worldwide. In Japan, a Japanese version of the NP model is being considered. For reference in developing this Japanese version, the present study summarized the various methods for setting threshold criteria. The data for establishing these criteria were based on the NP models used by other countries. This information was collected by an Internet survey of 18 models that set thresholds for each food category, as well as the websites of the respective guidelines and development organizations. Globally, ＞50％ of the countries used a certain percentage of the existing standards, such as the dietary reference intakes for each country as the threshold. Conversely, Asian countries tended to set thresholds for which some foods in specific categories would meet the standards based on nutrient databases. In formulating the Japanese version, it was considered necessary to set standards consistent with the dietary reference intakes in Japan, the nutritional composition of products, and harmony with the NP models used abroad.