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Objective. Estimate the impact on quality in the early childhood diet (ages 2 to 4 years) in Uruguay, resulting from consumption of products containing excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium), according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. Methods. A 24-hour dietary recall survey was used with a representative sample of 401 participants from the 2018 Nutrition, Child Development, and Health Survey. The NOVA classification system was used to categorize foods according to the nature and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo. Foods were then analyzed using the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model, enabling identification of products with excessive amounts of these nutrients. Results. Fifty percent of children consumed three or more products with an excess of some of the nutrients linked to NCDs. About 9 out of 10 children consume products with an excess of at least one of the critical nutrients studied. Conclusion. Diets that do not contain ultra-processed and processed products with excess free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, or sodium were the best choice for children aged 2 to 4 years. Based on PAHO criteria, the consumption of products with excess critical nutrients (and of each additional gram of these products) significantly worsens diet quality, and impedes adherence to World Health Organization recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To identify the food industry's arguments against front-of-package nutrition labels in Uruguay. Methods. Content analysis and inductive coding were applied to the comments made by the food industry during the public consultation on the draft decree regulating the inclusion of front-of-package nutrition labels (warnings) in Uruguay. Results. Most of the comments expressed concern about the high prevalence of obesity and noncommunicable diseases in the country and emphasized a commitment to implementing actions to help combat these health problems. However, 81% of the comments disagreed with the draft decree presented for public consultation; these included general criticisms of its validity. The content of the comments related to seven areas: lack of rationale for the measure; violation of international commitments; criticisms of the warning system; discrimination against industrialized packaged food; criticisms of the nutrient profile model; other criticisms of aspects specific to the draft decree; and adverse economic effects. For each area, there is discussion of the technical and normative relevance and consistency of the content presented by the industry representatives. Conclusions. Despite apparent agreement about the need to adopt measures, it is clear that the food industry is strongly opposed to the policy and, in particular, to the warning system. The results of this analysis may help to facilitate the process of implementing similar regulations in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]