LONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - The world's biggest food and

beverage companies on average sell products in low-income

countries that are less healthy than what they sell in

high-income countries, according to a new report.

Products sold by companies including Nestle,

Pepsico ( PEP ) and Unilever ( UL ) were assessed as part of a

global index published by the Access to Nutrition Initiative

(ATNI), its first since 2021.

The non-profit group found that across 30 companies, the

products sold in low-income countries scored lower on a star

rating system developed in Australia and New Zealand than those

sold in high-income countries.

In the Health Star Rating system, products are ranked out of

5 on their healthiness, with 5 the best, and a score above 3.5

considered to be a healthier choice.

In low-income countries, the multinationals' portfolios

rated 1.8 on the system. In high-income countries, where more

products were tested, they were 2.3.

"It's a very clear picture that what these companies are

selling in the poorest countries in the world, where they are

more and more active, are not healthy products," said Mark

Wijne, research director at ATNI, in an interview with Reuters.

"It's a wake-up call for governments in these countries to

be vigilant," he added.

It is the first time the index has split the assessment into

low and high-income countries.

ATNI said the index was important as packaged foods are

increasingly playing a part in the obesity crisis that is now a

global phenomenon. More than one billion people worldwide are

living with obesity, according to the World Health Organization.

The World Bank estimates that 70% of people who are overweight

or obese live in low-and-middle-income countries.

"We have committed to grow our sales of more nutritious

foods, as well as guiding people towards more balanced diets," a

Nestle spokesperson said by email, adding that Nestle also

fortifies products to help close nutrient gaps in developing

countries.

A PepsiCo ( PEP ) spokesperson declined to comment. The company last

year set new goals to lower sodium in its potato chips and add

ingredients like whole grains into its foods.