Policy implementation and recommended actions to create healthy food environments using the Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI): a comparative analysis in South Asia

The research aimed to analyze food policies and infrastructure in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to understand how they support the prevention of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It sought to identify gaps in these policies using the Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) framework, which helps assess how well countries are doing in creating healthy food environments. The results showed that while all countries have made some efforts to implement food policies, none received strong ratings across the Food-EPI indicators. Here's a brief summary of the findings by country: Bangladesh: Most indicators were rated weak, with 62% showing weak implementation and some even rated as non-existent. Although there were efforts in food pricing and labeling, overall, the policies were not effectively promoting healthy eating. India: India had a mix of weak (43%) and moderate (57%) ratings. It had some positive policies, such as labeling regulations and a tax on unhealthy foods, indicating a more balanced approach compared to other countries. Pakistan: This country had the lowest performance, with 75% of indicators rated as weak and 23% as non-existent. There were no significant policies in place to promote healthy food environments, and only a small portion of policies related to labeling showed moderate implementation. Sri Lanka: Results were similar to Pakistan, with 64% of indicators rated weak and 17% as non-existent. The country did have moderate ratings in labeling and some monitoring efforts, but overall, the food retail policies were lacking.