Government releases update to vital health policy tool

The Government has released the 2018 version of the Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) which it proposes will replace the 2004 version currently in use. The NPM has served as the classifying system for foods as part of a number of successful policies including advertising and promotions restrictions, with its success in the UK leading to policymakers adapting the model for use around the world.

The NPM is a tool that distinguishes between healthier and less healthy products based on key nutritional characteristics. Foods are given a numerical score based on energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt content, with points deducted for fruit, vegetable and nut content, fibre and protein. Foods are considered less healthy (HFSS) if they have a total score of 4 or more, while a drink is less healthy (HFSS) if it has a total score of 1 or more.

The changes to the 2018 version include the following:

• Sugars: Instead of scoring all sugars in the same way, the new model awards points to any product containing more than 0.9g per 100g of 'free sugars'. Free sugars are those added to products or released by processing, as opposed to natural sugars found in whole fruits or vegetables. Alongside this, a supporting document and decision trees have been released to help define, identify and calculate free sugars.
• Fibre: Instead of two different fibre data, the updated model has one (AOAC fibre). Plus scoring starts higher (at 0.9g instead of 0.6g per 100g), and there are more points for fibre available. Previously a high fibre product would score a top mark of 5, where in the newer model, 10 points are available, meaning high-fibre products are more liekly to be classified as more healthy.
• Salt: The current model uses sodium in milligrams per 100g, requiring a simple calculation to convert from salt. The updated model uses salt in grams.
• Other adjustments: In the updated model both energy and saturated fat have a lower threshold for scoring points, while protein's point threshold has been slightly raised.

Fran Bernhardt, Sustain's Commercial Determinants Coordinator said:

The Nutrient Profiling Model has been crucial for progress on children's health. By allowing us to differentiate between healthier and less healthy foods and drinks, it's been the cornerstone of several successful policies.

One of its key strengths is its simplicity. It’s easy for businesses and policymakers to use and understand.

Unanswered questions remain around how to implement these changes. The Government must now work with experts to ensure the necessary data is available, so that the NPM can continue to safeguard children's health.