Processed foods available in the Pacific Islands

Abstract
Background: There is an increasing reliance on processed foods globally, yet food composition tables include
minimal information on their nutrient content. The Pacific Islands share common trade links and are heavily reliant
on imported foods. The objective was to develop a dataset for the Pacific Islands on nutrient composition of
processed foods sold and their sources.
Methods: Information on the food labels, including country of origin, nutrient content and promotional claims
were recorded into a standardised dataset. Data were cleaned, converted to per 100 g data as needed and then
checked for anomalies and recording errors.
Setting: Five representative countries were selected for data collection, based on their trading patterns: Fiji, Guam,
Nauru, New Caledonia, and Samoa. Data were collected in the capitals, in larger stores which import their own
foods. Subjects: Processed foods in stores.
Results: The data from 6041 foods and drinks were recorded. Fifty four countries of origin were identified, with the
main provider of food for each Pacific Island country being that with which it was most strongly linked politically.
Nutrient data were not provided for 6% of the foods, imported from various countries. Inaccurate labels were found
on 132 products. Over one-quarter of the foods included some nutrient or health-related claims.
Conclusions: The globalisation of the food supply is having considerable impacts on diets in the Pacific Islands.
While nutrient labels can be informative for consumers looking for healthier options, difficulties still exist with poor
labelling and interpretation can be challenging.
Keywords: Pacific Islands, Processed foods, Nutrition