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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Concept Development and Use of an Automated Food Intake and Eating Behavior Assessment Method
Published on: February 19, 2021
Development and validation of the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System for children
Ryota Wakayama1, Tao Yu1, Adam Drewnowski2
1Meiji Co., Ltd., Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
The Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS) takes into account life-stage differences and addresses specific health challenges in different age groups in Japan.
Objectives:
This study aimed to develop the Meiji NPS for younger (3-5 years) and older (6-11 years) children to encourage product reformulation and promote proper growth and development.
Methods:
Meiji NPS scores for 1,091 foods listed in the Japanese Food Standard Composition Table were calculated and compared with nutrient profiles (NPs) for children developed by the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific or Nutrient-Rich Foods Index 9.3 (NRF9.3).
Results:
For younger children, the Meiji NPS scores ranged from -442.3 to 423.9, and for older children, the Meiji NPS scores ranged from -265.5 to 386.5. The Meiji NPS scores showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between healthy and unhealthy foods, when classified according to the WHO NP model. There was also a strong correlation between the Meiji NPS and NRF9.3, validating the new NPS system (r = 0.73).
Conclusion:
The Meiji NPS for younger and older children may provide a useful incentive for Japanese food manufacturers to produce healthier products.
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