The global conversation about nutrition has shifted in recent years to include the problem of obesity. As a result, pressure is building on the major food companies to do better by producing healthier foods that are appropriate for two very different problems. That progress is happening, but it is way too slow according to the 2016 Global Access to Nutrition Index.

Unilever leads the way with a score of 6.4 out of 10, leaving ample room for improvement. The index shows that the companies such as Unilever, Nestlé, and Danone have done a better job at integrating nutrition into their businesses. Mars made the biggest improvement, relative to other companies, by improving from 16th in 2013 to 5th in 2016. Notable improvements include reducing salt and making products more affordable and available to the world's poor - including in emerging markets. Those changes deserve recognition, but more needs to be done by all 22 of the largest companies.

“Given the global reach of their products, food and beverage companies have a critical role to play in helping to tackle the growing global health crisis caused by poor nutrition,” said Inge Kauer, Executive Director of the Access to Nutrition Foundation, in a statement. “While companies have a social responsibility to tackle global nutrition challenges, doing so also presents a business opportunity as consumers worldwide demand healthier foods.”

Undernutrition is a major problem for children around the world. Images of starving children may capture more attention, but there are serious negative effects for children who receive improper nutrition and do not die. Some 162 million children are affected by stunting - a term used to define children who are significantly shorter than an average healthy child. Poor nutrition leads to stunted growth and low weight. Together, they negatively affect brain development. 

That means that children who are already starting behind in life are set back even further when they do not get proper nutrition. The effects have life-long ramifications. It is why the US government and other donors have made the first 1,000 days of a child's life a major priority. If a child has good health and nutrition before turning age 5, he or she is in a significantly better position to succeed later in life.

The index recommends that corporations work with governments and civil society as they expand their businesses in emerging markets. There is the opportunity for the businesses to both sell their food and improve the nutrition of children. Fortifying food with nutrients is one way to do that. However, only four companies in the index are doing that for food sold in low-income countries. Children and pregnant women stand to benefit the most from increased access to nutrients.

On the other side of the coin is obesity. Salt, sugar, fat, and a whole list of other things are not good when consumed in high quantities. The index also urges the companies to move towards products that support healthier lifestyles. Better labels on food could help, but it must go deeper. One of the recommendations is to monitor the consumption habits of people - see what products they are buying. If junk food is winning out, then changes need to be made as to how certain foods are marketed or made available.

There are 2 billion people in the world who are overweight. And there are another 2 billion suffering from micronutrient deficiencies (aka hidden hunger). Food companies can do better to address both problems - half of the world's population may depend on it.