Assessment of sodium labelling compliance and Healthier Choice Logo nutrient criteria alignment in processed and ultra-processed foods in Malaysia
- Author:
Qiao Yi Ng
1
;
Azrina Azlan
2
;
Lu Ying Khoo
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: healthier choice logo; processed and ultra-processed foods; sodium labelling compliance
- From: Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 2):205-216
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Malaysian adults consume an average of 2892 mg of sodium daily, exceeding the recommended <2000 mg/day. In response, Malaysia implemented mandatory sodium labelling in 2022; however, compliance with regulatory limits remains uncertain, as discrepancies between laboratory-analysed and label-declared sodium values have been reported internationally. Given the limited local evidence, this study examined sodium labelling compliance in selected processed and ultra-processed foods. Methods: A total of 52 products, including salted packaged nuts, commercially packaged biscuits, and canned fish, of which 8 bore the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL), were analysed. Sodium content was determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, following dry ashing and nitric acid digestion. Compliance was assessed using the <120% regulatory tolerance criterion, primarily applied for enforcement purposes. Results: Only three out of the eight products (37.5%) met the regulatory tolerance criterion for sodium labelling compliance: almond (94.8 vs. 103.6 mg/100 g; label-declared vs. laboratory-analysed sodium), raisin biscuit (245.4 vs. 286.8 mg/100 g), and canned mackerel in tomato sauce (337.0 vs. 365.6 mg/100 g). The remaining products (62.5%) had higher laboratory-analysed sodium than declared. Sodium content did not differ significantly across categories. HCL products generally had lower sodium content than non-HCL products across all categories, although differences were not statistically significant for sweet cookies and canned fish. As HCL certification is voluntary, non-HCL products were also assessed against HCL nutrient criteria; none met all criteria. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for more rigorous regulatory enforcement and periodic laboratory verification to ensure sodium labelling compliance in Malaysia.
- Full text:2026090314182892475Assessment of sodium labelling compliance and Healthier Choice Logo nutrient criteria alignment in processed and ultra-processed foods in Malaysia.pdf
