China

Methods

Data was collected in large supermarkets between 2012 to 2016 in Beijing, Heilongjiang, Henan, Zhejiang and Guangxi by the NINH and CCDC. Photos of nutrition labels were used to record nutrient data. To ensure that survey data were both representative and credible, this study mainly collected packaged foods with high market share, clear product information such as name, factory address and formula, and within the warranty period.

The products were grouped into categories according to the “Code for Expression of Food Composition Data” issued by the National Health Commission of China, for which the mean and standard deviation were obtained for sodium content (mg per 100 gm of product).

For more information on the study methodology, please see the data source below.

Data source

Comprehensive Analysis on the Range of Sodium Contents of Various Chinese Pre-package Foods

Citation: Zeng G, Gu W. Comprehensive Analysis on the Range Sodium Contents of Chinese Various Pre-package Foods (in Chinese, translated to English for Resolve to Save Lives by Wanbing Gu). National Institute for Nutrition and Health (NINH) and Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC)

Contact

Zeng Ge, Chief Technical Officer, Resolve to Save Lives
[email protected]

Institutions leading data collection

National Institute for Nutrition and Health (NINH) and Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC)

Methods

Data were collected from 2016 to 2017 on packaged foods sold in large supermarkets such as Wumart, Carrefour and Wal-mart that have numerous products.

At least 3 batches of food of the same brand were collected, with no less than 3 packages for each batch. Samples were immediately sent to the laboratory after collection. Samples from different batches were mixed in equal quantities, homogenized, and sent to labs for nutrition analysis. Mean and standard deviation were reported

Data source

Analysis of sugar content in common sugary prepackaged foods in supermarkets

Citation: Linlin, Hou, Xuesong, Zhang, Guodong, & Wang, et al. (2017). [sugar content in common prepackaged sugary foods sampling from supermarkets]. Journal of Hygiene Research. (in Chinese, translated to English for RTSL by Wanbing Gu)

Contact

Zeng Ge, Chief Technical Officer, Resolve to Save Lives
[email protected]

Institution leading data collection

National Institute for Nutrition and Health (NINH) and Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC)

Methods

The study used national databases to collect data on the nutrient content of pre-packaged foods available for sale on the Chinese market. Data was collected between March 2017 and February 2021 from the top top 10 supermarkets in two provincial capitals in north and south China, respectively. Data was entered into a database using Shixianzhi, a local FoodSwitch app (George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, Australia) for WeChat (Tencent Holdings Ltd, Shenzhen, China). Data was collected on the nutrient content and ingredients of the Chinese pre-packaged food supply using a national nutrient database. This involved scanning barcodes and photographing the front and back of food packaging to capture information such as product names, nutrient declarations, ingredient lists, and manufacturer information. The collected data were stored and categorized using a standardized method. The presence or absence of a nutrient declaration on the packaging was recorded, and information on specific nutrients was extracted as needed for the study. Data were then recategorized into 62 subcategories of 18 main categories based on the adapted WHO categorization framework.

Data source

Sodium content targets for pre-packaged foods, China: a quantitative study and proposal

Citation: Zhang P, Zhang J, Li Y, et al. Sodium content targets for pre-packaged foods, China: a quantitative study and proposal. Bull World Health Organ. 2023

Contact

No contact information available.

Institution leading data collection

The George Institute for Global Health – China, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention