Assessment of the sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages served in foodservice operations in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia continues to increase. The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) estimated that 18% of the total population has diabetes, while nearly 50% of the total population is overweight or obese. It is also estimated that Malaysian consume on average 12 teaspoons of sugar per day from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (NHMS 2019). This overconsumption of sugar is one of the key contributing factors to obesity and the development of NCDs.

However, there is no currently available data which would indicate which SSBs contribute the most to the high sugar intake, nor how much sugar there actually is in the different kind of beverages. It is particularly difficult to estimate for the SSB served at foodservice operations, i.e. the places where food is prepared and served away-from-home, such as restaurants, hawkers, cafeterias, convenience stores and others. Malaysia has been reported to be one of the countries with highest frequency of eating away-from home (86.8% of the total population).

An assessment of the sugar intake is an important step in planning of the different types of dietary interventions, both at the individual and the public health level. The data on the sugar content of the SSB sold in foodservice operations will enable a more accurate determination of the population sugar intake during the next Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey. It will also the Ministry of Health and other agencies to design more targeted sugar-reduction interventions for the general population and the foodservice providers.

The purpose of this study is to identify the most consumed sugar-sweetened beverages from various foodservice operations and assess their sugar content.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The primary purpose of this contract is to conduct a study to identify which sugar-sweetened beverages are most consumed from foodservice operations in Malaysia and to determine their sugar content.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

This project will involve survey questionnaires, sample collection and lab analysis. The sampling method should be aligned with the methods outlined in the MyFCD sampling protocol.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output 1 Identify the most commonly consumed sugar-sweetened beverages in foodservice operations at different mealtimes.

• Deliverable 1.1 Develop the study methodology and the data collection tools, ensuring appropriate representation and results stratification by age (children and adults), by race (Malay & Bumiputera, Chinese, Indian), and by geography (North, South, East and West Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak).
• Deliverable 1.2 Collect the data through a survey questionnaire.
• Deliverable 1.3 Analyse the data and prepare the final report.

Output 2 Estimate the average sugar content of the 5 most commonly consumed beverages (excluding ready-to-drink beverages) in foodservice operations.

• Deliverable 2.1 Develop the study methodology, based on the findings from Output 1.
• Deliverable 2.2 Collect samples of beverages from six regions of Malaysia (North, South, East and West Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak).
• Deliverable 2.3 Determine the sugar content of selected samples through lab analysis.
• Deliverable 2.4 Analyse the data and prepare the final report.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS

Institution with academic staff who have the technical capacity and experience in conducting nutritional surveys, food sampling, and analysis of sugar content.

An advanced university degree in public health, nutrition or other relevant postgraduate qualifications.

EXPERIENCE

Broad experience with profound knowledge in nutritional research. Proven track record of experience in publishing nutritional research in peer-reviewed journals.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • In depth knowledge and skills of food sampling and sugar content analysis
• • Excellent communication and coordination skills
• • Good knowledge and skills in writing and structural thinking

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English and Malay

COMPETENCIES

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Duration of contract: 18 months starting 1 July 2023

Duty station: Malaysia Country Office

SUBMISSIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 5 May 2023

• • Company Profile {for institutional applications} and/or CVs of project team
• • Cover letter. The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this bid.
• • Proposal indicating methodology, timelines and cost. 

Please use Tender Notice No. 197915 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Last day of receiving queries for this tender is on 28 April 2023