Development and Validation of First Food Dietary Guidelines in Peru: A Qualitative Study

The Peruvian Dietary Guidelines (PDG) were developed to promote healthy eating habits and prevent all forms of malnutrition, in accordance with global recommendations.

To document the development and validation process of the PDG for populations over two years of age.

A narrative, qualitative research approach was used, involving a multi-sectoral working group led by the National Center for Food, Nutrition, and Healthy Living of the National Institute of Health (INS/CENAN). The validation process incorporated approximately 600 individuals from 60 focus groups in urban areas from the coastal, highland, and jungle regions. The methodology included content review, expert validation, population-level validation, and review and adjustments to ensure the relevance of the messages.

The final version included 12 educational messages, organized into three thematic areas: i) promoting the consumption of natural foods while reducing ultra-processed food intake; ii) reinforcing traditional food preparation practices; and iii) encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The validated messages incorporated suggestions from participants and the final version with three expert panels. Overall, the messages were well received, and participants expressed a clear preference for recommendations. However, challenges in understanding specific terminology were identified, revealing gaps in nutritional literacy.

This study reports on the development and validation process of the PDG. The findings contribute to advancements in nutrition policy and offer insights for other countries developing food-based dietary guidelines.