Iran

Strategy on nutrition for the Eastern Mediterranean Region 2020-2030

The WHO strategy on nutrition for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (2020-2030) sets objectives and plans to improve nutrition in the region by 2030. This includes preventing overweight, obesity, and diet-related NCDs. The strategy sets targets to reduce the prevalence of overweight in children under 5, halt the rise in diabetes and overweight in adults, halt the rise in overweight in children and adolescents, and eliminate industrially-processed trans fats from the food supply. A framework for countries to reach these goals is provided.

IRAN-Ending Childhood Obesity (IRAN-ECHO) Program

The IRAN-ECHO program is implementing multicomponent interventions by considering life course dimensions. The program has two parts: a population approach and an individual approach. The population approach considers different periods in life, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, as well as family and society.

National action plan for non-communicable diseases prevention and control in Iran; a response to emerging epidemic

The aim of the document is to present the emerging Iranian architecture for NCDs’ prevention and control and create NCDs’ national action plan to move forward.

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

National standards for trans-fat reduction in edible oils and foods

There is a mandatory national 2% TFA limit in oils and fats only.

Regulations on Food Marketing to Children

In Iran, soft drinks have been banned in advertisements since 2004. Article 37 in the 5th national development plan (2011-2016), banned the advertising of health-threatening goods and services. The list of goods and services included in this regulation is determined by the Ministry of Health annually. According to the 'Set of Production Criteria for Television and Radio Advertising' (2016) , food products cannot be advertised during children's programs, and the use of children living with obesity or individuals portrayed as overeating or eating a food product greedily in food advertising is banned. There is reportedly poor compliance with this regulation.

Food Based Dietary Guideline

Food Based Dietary Guidelines Iran (in Persian)

Mandatory measures to reduce sodium selected food products

The Iranian government has established maximum salt levels in most commonly consumed canned foods such as tomato paste and salty snacks, and all types of bread.

Minimum rules for labeling food and beverage products

Since 2015, the Iranian Food and Beverages labelling regulation has mandated a front of pack traffic light label. The label is mandatory for all industrial foods which are manufactured in, or imported into, Iran. The regulation also mandates to include energy, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, salt (sodium chloride) and sugar in the nutrition facts section.

National Document for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases and the Related Risk Factors in the Islamic Republic of Iran,2015-2025

Mandatory standard for food in schools: National healthy school canteen policy

According to the policy, all schools are banned from selling unhealthy food products such as pizzas, sugary drinks and confectionery in school canteens. Based on the HSC guideline, all schools in Iran have to comply and provide healthy food and drink choices in their canteens]. In 2018, the revision of the HSC guideline ensured the promotion of fruits due to their low availability in schools’ canteens It is reported that the majority of foods and beverages available in Iranian school canteens do not comply with the national standards.

Supreme Council of Health and Food Security

The main objectives of this Council include health promotion, improvement of the living quality of population and coordination in the field of food security, health and nutrition. The Council is under supervision of the Ministry of Health and the president of the country is the head of Council.

Marketing in schools

Any form(s) of marketing in kindergartens, schools, and spaces specified for children have been banned. This is covered by 'The Regulation on the Establishment and Monitoring of the Work and Activity of Advertising Centers' (1980) and 'The Policies and Regulations Governing on Environmental Advertising' (2010). There is reportedly poor compliance with these regulations.

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Treatment guidelines for Surgery

Treatment guidelines for bariatric surgery in Iran. In Persian not available in English