Ageing, fattening China witnessing shift towards chronic diseases

The number of Chinese suffering from chronic diseases has grown since the beginning of this century.

The number of sufferers of hypertension and diabetes, rose over the decade between 2002-12, to a nationwide health survey on nutrition on chronic disease released by the country's health authorities. 

Released by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the report found that 533 out of every 100,000 Chinese residents died from chronic disease in 2012, accounting for 86.6% of all deaths. 

The survey cited unhealthy diets with excessive salt and fat as a trigger of chronic diseases. 

Increased numbers of Chinese patients with chronic disease is the result of longer life expectancy and an ageing population, the report said.

It said smoking, over-drinking, insufficient physical exercise and unhealthy diet featuring excessive salt and fat are triggers of chronic diseases.

"Body movement for the average Chinese is at a low level​," it said, finding only 18.7% of Chinese adults regularly exercised in 2013.

The study was based on latest data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Centre and other institutes.

China had its first public nutrition and health survey in 2002, with results announced in 2004. Since 2004, the nation has carried out field surveys every three years to collect data on causes of death, chronic disease and other health issues.

The study also found that better nutrition has made Chinese taller on average over the past decade, with women have grown more than men. Better nutrition has caused the average height of fully grown men to increase 0.4cm to 167.1cm. Women grew by an average of 0.7cm to 155.8cm over past the decade, while children also recorded significant growth numbers. 

The study also found Chinese are eating more animal protein, such as chicken, duck, fish, meat and eggs. Fat intake is 30% higher than recommended, the study revealed.

Meanwhile, another report, by China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, found that 30% of Chinese adults are overweight and more than one in 10 are obese.

Zhu Yi of China Agricultural University said: “China has seen a rapid growth in incomes in the past 10 years. Citizens are wealthier and can afford buying meat and oil products, but the country lacks nutrition education, and so people do not know the importance of a balanced diet, while eating meat products is mistaken for the lifestyle of the rich​.”

In light of these and similar studies, it looks like the government will revise its dietary guidelines in a bid to promote healthier eating habits.

Givaudan aims to double production after opening of new China factory​

Flavour and fragrance major Givaudan has opened a savoury flavours manufacturing plant in Nantong at a cost of CHF50m (US$53m) which the company hopes will more than double Givaudan’s existing production capacity in China. 

Chief executive Gilles Andrier said: “[It] represents our largest investment in China since 2006, supporting our strategic objective of increasing Givaudan’s footprint in developing markets and capturing growth opportunities in savoury, culinary and snacks segments.”

Givaudan’s customers in China and across the Asia Pacific region will benefit from faster access to its flavour and taste solutions. The new plant will strengthen the company’s existing capabilities in savoury and culinary flavour blends, snack seasonings, spray dries and process flavours.

The site will employ more than 100 staff, most of whom will be recruited locally.

Monila Kothari, Givaudan’s regional head, said: “Enhancing our production capabilities in China, coupled with local consumer understanding, will allow us to target flavour development more closely to meet consumer preferences in China and more broadly within Asia​.”

Chinese prosecutors given greater bite to tackle corruption and food safety​

In the latest move by China’s government to expose corruption and improve the safety of food, state prosecutors have now been given the right to file public-interest litigation themselves against abuses of administrative power. 

The decision to allow the practice, made by China’s top legislature, follows heightened public concerns following a spate of safety scandals, including some involving food safety adjudications. 

This latest authorisation will also let authorities probe any failures by officials in cases related to environmental protection, state assets and state land use

“Prosecutors can file a civil lawsuit against any act that compromises public rights and interests by way of pollution or food and drug safety​,” a government official told China’s official CRI radio station. 

“They can also file an administrative lawsuit against abuse of administrative power, or failure of officials, in cases related to environmental protection, state assets and state land use​.”

Xiao Wei, spokesperson of China's Supreme People's Procuratorate, said: “Compared to other subjects of litigation, prosecutors have no self-interest involved in cases, so they are suitable to file lawsuits on behalf of the country and society​. 

“They are authorised with investigative power and equipped with professional teams, which can facilitate the litigation in an efficient way and significantly reduce judicial costs​.”