Nutritional quality of prepackaged foods in Nigeria: the NIGEFE study

Introduction: The increased market penetration of branded foods has been linked to the surge in NCDs; however, there is a dearth of research on the nutrient profile of prepackaged foods in developing countries. Our study aims to provide information on the nutritional quality of prepackaged foods in Nigeria.

Methodology: Following a comprehensive audit of 883 popular branded foods available in the Nigerian market, we compiled the nutritional information of these selected products. The products were categorized in accordance with INFORMAS food classification, and the negative nutrients were profiled using the WHO Nutrient Profile model for the African Region.

Result: Nutrient declaration for energy, total fat, total sugar, and protein content was found in 90-100% of all soft drinks, noodles, breakfast cereals, and milk/dairy products. The highest average energy (2862.00 kcal), fat (84.54 g), saturated fat (27.23 g), mono- (37.81g), and polyunsaturated fat (28.50g) content was found in cooking oil. Packaged meat/fish products had the highest amount of cholesterol (54.17g) and trans-fat (1.40g) compared to other products. Plain starch (73.48g), bread/confectionaries (29.02g), packaged meat/fish (19.72g), and spices and condiments (5161.90mg) were credited with high mean carbohydrates, total sugar, protein, and sodium levels. All noodle products exceeded the sodium and fat threshold, soft drinks exceeded the total sugar threshold, and fries/other baked products exceeded the added sugar and energy thresholds.

Conclusion: Although macro nutrients were declared in most of the products, data on specific major nutrients remain sparse. While nutrients of concern were implicated in high amounts in the traditionally high-source food categories, thresholds for at least one negative nutrient were exceeded in most of these food products. There is a need for increased monitoring to address the commercial determinants of health.