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Wallis LW, Moore SG. Product promotions in online supermarkets: prevalence of 'High Fat Sugar Salt' (HFSS) products and labelling characteristics. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2607-2618. [PMID: 37606051 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of 'High Fat Sugar Salt' (HFSS) products and front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) characteristics across promoted products in UK online supermarkets. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey conducted (December 2021-January 2022) on promoted products. Data on ingredients, nutritional composition and display of FOPNL were collected from product webpages. The UK's Nutrient Profiling Model and Multiple Traffic Light criteria were used to determine HFSS status and possession of inherent red traffic lights (iRTL), respectively. Data analysis determined the prevalence (i.e. percentage of products of the total number of products sampled) of HFSS; FOPNL and possession of iRTL. Chi-squared tests explored associations between these. SETTING Three major UK online supermarket retailer websites. PARTICIPANTS Product 'multibuy' and 'entrance' promotions, from selected product categories. RESULTS Among the sampled 625 promoted products, the prevalence of HFSS was greater in entrance (73 %) compared with multibuy (41 %) promotions (χ2 (1) = 34, P < 0·05), with variations in the former across retailers (49-92 %). The prevalence of HFSS products in multibuy promotions offered by two retailers varied by category (i.e. Confectionery 94-97 %, Yogurts 20-20 %, Soft Drinks 16-33 %, Ready Meals 1·4-18 %). Not all promoted products displayed FOPNL on webpages (70 %) or images (52 %). A number of iRTL were found to be possessed by both HFSS and non-HFSS-promoted products. CONCLUSIONS Prior to the 2022 implementation of Regulations restricting these, HFSS products were promoted in online supermarkets with varying display of FOPNL and possession of iRTL. Findings support future policy evaluation and mandatory digital FOPNL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis W Wallis
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, LeedsLS3 9JT, UK
| | - Sally G Moore
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, LeedsLS3 9JT, UK
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Hilton S, Vaczy C, Buckton C, Patterson C, Smith MJ. Expert views on high fat, salt and sugar food marketing policies to tackle obesity and improve dietary behaviours in the UK: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1951. [PMID: 37814236 PMCID: PMC10561510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16821-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a lack of progress in reducing obesity in the United Kingdom (UK) despite Government strategies released over the last 30 years. These strategies, including the most recent publication from July 2020, have focused on childhood obesity and high fat, sugar and/or salt (HFSS) marketing restrictions, particularly broadcast advertising. In this study, we aimed to examine a range of expert views on the potential impact and the relative importance of such policies. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 experts in policy (n = 19), industry (n = 10), and advocacy (n = 13) with an interest in obesity. The UK Government's 2020 obesity strategy was used as a prompt to guide discussion on policy options. Qualitative thematic analysis was employed to answer the three research questions and themes were inductively coded within each research question. Data were also cross compared using matrix coding and a form of framework analysis to examine the views expressed by the different types of stakeholders. RESULTS Reactions to the July 2020 proposal were mixed among policy and advocacy stakeholders, while commercial stakeholders expressed disappointment. A main theme emerging in all groups was frustration with the policy process and wishing to see more clarity regarding restrictions and their implementation. There was an overall lack of trust that the government would carry out their proposed plan and agreement that a more comprehensive, multi-sector approach aimed at the underlying drivers of obesity would be most effective, with some stakeholders indicating that some of the proposed policies could make a difference if implemented robustly. On the theme of promoting healthier options, some stakeholders suggested lowering the prices of 'healthy' products and making them more accessible to combat regressivity. There was a potentially surprising level of agreement between policy/advocacy stakeholders and commercial stakeholders, although commercial stakeholders were more likely to advocate for collaboration between government and industry as well as voluntary industry measures. CONCLUSION While HFSS marketing restrictions have a role to play and send a strong signal - provided they are implemented comprehensively - investment in these policies needs to be part of wider efforts to tackle the underlying drivers of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Hilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 99 Berkeley Square, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Caroline Vaczy
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 99 Berkeley Square, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK.
| | - Christina Buckton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 99 Berkeley Square, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Chris Patterson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 99 Berkeley Square, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
| | - Marissa J Smith
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 99 Berkeley Square, Glasgow, G3 7HR, UK
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Moore SG, Kundra A, Ho P, Bissell E, Apekey T. Feasibility of a Community Healthy Eating and Cooking Intervention Featuring Traditional African Caribbean Foods from Participant and Staff Perspectives. Nutrients 2023; 15:3758. [PMID: 37686789 PMCID: PMC10490513 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Culturally appropriate healthy eating resources are intended to help people from different ethnic backgrounds consume diets reflecting government dietary recommendations, yet evidence on use in the target groups is lacking. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new brief culturally appropriate community intervention that aimed to introduce food-based healthy eating and recipe resources featuring African Caribbean foods, which were recently co-developed with people from these ethnic backgrounds. Working with a community organization in the UK, a single-arm study was used to collect verbal data from participants and staff on the acceptability of intervention whilst knowledge, skills and behaviours related to healthy eating were evaluated using pre-, post- and follow-up questionnaires. A total of 30 participants were recruited, and 22 completed all three questionnaires; who were mostly female aged 55 years+ (n = 17) and of African Caribbean ethnicity (45%, n = 10), with 32% (n = 7) reporting no educational attainment. At post-intervention and follow-up, most participants reported high satisfaction (n = 21, 95%) with the intervention sessions and high levels of confidence in using the resources at home within budget. The number of participants who were familiar with the healthy eating guidance featuring Caribbean foods increased from pre- (36%, n = 8) to post-intervention/follow-up (n = 22, 100%) (p < 0.05). Findings suggest the intervention is feasible in a community setting and could help increase awareness and use of culturally appropriate healthy eating guidance amongst a diverse group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally G. Moore
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.K.); (P.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Aashna Kundra
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.K.); (P.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Peter Ho
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.K.); (P.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Esther Bissell
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (A.K.); (P.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Tanefa Apekey
- School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK;
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Muir S, Dhuria P, Roe E, Lawrence W, Baird J, Vogel C. UK government's new placement legislation is a 'good first step': a rapid qualitative analysis of consumer, business, enforcement and health stakeholder perspectives. BMC Med 2023; 21:33. [PMID: 36703194 PMCID: PMC9878939 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current food system in England promotes a population diet that is high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). To address this, the UK government has implemented legislation to restrict the promotion of HFSS products in prominent locations (e.g. store entrances, checkouts) in qualifying retailers since October 2022. This study investigated the perceived impact of the legislation for affected stakeholders. METHODS A pre-implementation rapid qualitative evaluation of stakeholder interviews. One hundred eight UK stakeholders participated in the study including 34 consumers, 24 manufacturers and retailers, 22 local authority enforcement officers and 28 academic and charitable health representatives. A participatory conference was used to enable policy recommendations to be confirmed by stakeholders. RESULTS Stakeholders perceived the legislation to be a 'good first step' towards improving population diet but recognised this needed to be considered amongst a range of long-term obesity policies. Areas of further support were identified and these are presented as six recommendations for government to support the successful implementation of the legislation: (1) provide a free central HFSS calculator, (2) refine legislation to enhance intent and clarity, (3) conduct a robust evaluation to assess intended and unintended outcomes, (4) provide greater support for smaller businesses, (5) provide ring-fenced resources to local authorities and (6) create and communicate a long-term roadmap for food and health. CONCLUSIONS This legislation has the potential to reduce impulse HFSS purchases and makes a solid start towards creating healthier retail outlets for consumers. Immediate government actions to create a freely accessible HFSS calculator, support smaller businesses and provide additional resources to local authorities would support successful implementation and enforcement. Independent evaluation of the implementation of the legislation will enable monitoring of potential unintended consequences identified in this study and support refinement of the legislation. A long-term roadmap is necessary to outline strategies to support equal access to healthier and sustainable food across the whole food system within the next 20-30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Muir
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Preeti Dhuria
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Emma Roe
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Wendy Lawrence
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Janis Baird
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton Science Park, Innovation Centre, 2 Venture Road, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NP, UK
| | - Christina Vogel
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton Science Park, Innovation Centre, 2 Venture Road, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NP, UK.,Centre for Food Policy, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
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