Assessing the Compliance of Complementary Food Labeling Practices in Niger with International Guidelines

Abstract

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are among the specific interventions implemented during the first 1,000 days to prevent malnutrition. They include exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or more, and appropriate complementary feeding practices between 6 and 36 months. However, inappropriate labeling practices for complementary foods intended for children under 2 years of age could impact on parents' or guardians' choices. The aim of this study was to assess the conformity of labelling practices for complementary foods marketed in Niger. A survey was carried out at various sales outlets to identify all types of complementary foods sold in Niamey. The European nutrient profile model developed by WHO in 2019 was used to assess the compliance of the complementary foods surveyed with the model's requirements in terms of labeling practices. A total of 20 outlets selling complementary foods, corresponding to 85 complementary foods, were selected after elimination of repetitions.  In terms of nutritional composition, 12.9% of imported supplements met this requirement. No local supplements complied, compared with 25% of supplements imported from Nigeria. Compliance is 100% for the requirement for legibility of the label and clarity of the product name, and 89.4% for the presentation of a clear list of ingredients on the label.  The label is the interface between customers and products. It must be presentable and provide all the product information needed to guide the customer's choice. Our results will guide the government in creating national guideline for infant foods.