NOVA. The star shines bright

Food classification. Public health

  • Carlos A Monteiro
  • Geoffrey Cannon
  • Renata Levy
  • Jean-Claude Moubarac
  • Patricia Jaime
  • Ana Paula Martins
  • Daniela Canella
  • Maria Louzada
  • Diana Parra

Abstract

The authors write: NOVA is the food classification that categorises foods according to the extent and purpose of food processing, rather than in terms of nutrients. Set out here in its adjusted and refined form, NOVA classifies all foods and food products into four clearly distinct and in our view meaningful groups. It specifies which foods belong in which group, and provides precise definitions of the types of processing underlying each group. NOVA, featured regularly in WN, is now recognised as a valid tool for nutrition and public health research, policy and action, in reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Pan American Health Organization. We owe thanks to many colleagues throughout the world for support in the work set out here.

Published
2016-01-07

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