LB044 - DISTRIBUTION OF SUGAR CONTENT IN CHINESE PRE-PACKAGED FOODS

LB044

DISTRIBUTION OF SUGAR CONTENT IN CHINESE PRE-PACKAGED FOODS

Y. Duan¹, A. Liu², Y. Yang², C. Gao^2,*

¹Qingdao University, Qingdao, ²National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China

Rationale: Sugar intake from pre-packaged foods has continuously increased in China, which is strongly associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. However, comprehensive data on sugar content in China's pre-packaged food supply remains limited. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the sugar content of Chinese pre-packaged food. 

Methods: The samples were collected across 29 provincial-level administrative regions by the National Institute for Nutrition and Health (NINH, China CDC) from 2017 to 2024. Additionally, the sugar content was compared with international data sourced from national food composition databases of the United States, France, and Australia. A total of 743 Chinese pre-packaged food samples and 2,852 international samples were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics, including the median, interquartile range (IQR) and range, were used to describe sugar distribution across different food categories.

Results: Within the snack food category, high sugar levels were identified in confectionery (46.6 g/100 g) and preserved fruits (44.2 g/100 g), followed by biscuits (37.0 g/100 g), Western pastries (26.7 g/100 g), and Chinese pastries (25.9 g/100 g). In contrast, Red meat, poultry, and seafood exhibited the lowest sugar concentrations (range: 0.6-1.0 g/100 g). Oatmeal exhibited the lowest median sugar content (1.5 g/100 g). Dairy products and solid beverages exhibited median sugar levels of 4.9 g/100 mL and 15.1 g/100 g, respectively. Furthermore, 70.5% of the snack foods analyzed in this study were classified as high-sugar according to the UK traffic light system. 

Conclusion: Certain categories of pre-packaged foods in China contain relatively high sugar levels. Raising public awareness and promoting reduced intake of such products are warranted, alongside further monitoring and reformulation efforts.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared