81% of Deaths Caused by Non-Communicable Diseases: The Need for a Healthy Food Environment

Citizens are increasingly prioritizing clean eating and a healthy lifestyle. Given that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant health burden, creating a healthy food environment—where consumers can easily identify and choose appropriate products—has become a top priority in health policy.

NCDs account for a substantial portion of the disease burden in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs are responsible for 81.4% of total deaths nationwide, primarily driven by cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. With approximately 17 million people suffering from hypertension and 4.5 million from diabetes, this is no longer an individual issue but a societal challenge.

The prevalence of processed foods has reshaped dietary habits. The 2021 STEPS survey indicated that the average salt intake in Vietnam is 8.1 g/day, significantly higher than the WHO's recommended limit of less than 5 g/day. Additionally, 60% of adults do not consume sufficient vegetables and fruits, while the overweight rate has reached 19.5%. According to the WHO, reducing the consumption of free sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats is crucial for disease prevention.

Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Nga, Head of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Phu Tho Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, emphasizes that nutrition labels serve as a 'laboratory test result' for food. These labels provide essential information regarding energy, protein, sugar, and sodium content. In an era of ultra-processed foods, nutrition labels provide the scientific basis for consumers to evaluate products beyond marketing claims.

To bridge the information gap, Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) is considered an optimal solution. Unlike back-of-package information, FOPL visually highlights nutrients to limit, enabling citizens to make quick decisions without requiring specialized knowledge. Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, affirms that the Nutrition Profiling Model will provide the foundation for manufacturers to improve product composition, contributing to a healthier food environment.

As the Law on Food Safety is being amended, formalizing regulations on nutritional labeling is a necessary step. This move will not only protect consumer health but also incentivize healthy competition among food manufacturers.