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Pettigrew S, Davies T, O'Brien P, Sträuli B, Petticrew M, Bowden J. The absence of mandatory pregnancy warning labels in online alcohol purchasing contexts. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:1178-1182. [PMID: 38501974 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13836] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As people increasingly migrate to online shopping platforms, hard-won improvements in requirements for consumer information provision at the point of sale are being eroded. An example is the alcohol pregnancy warning label for packaged alcoholic beverages that has been recently introduced in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent to which the pregnancy warning was visible at the online point of sale when the requirement became mandatory in August 2023. METHODS Data for alcohol products sold on the websites of the two largest alcohol retailers in Australia were web-scraped from 1 to 3 August 2023. The captured data for 8343 alcoholic beverages were inspected to determine whether the pregnancy warning was visible. RESULTS Virtually no products (0.1%) had the mandatory warning visible on the main sales page, and only 7% enabled visibility of the warning via optional product image rotation functionality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The almost complete absence of the mandatory pregnancy warnings on the main product pages of major alcohol retailers' websites highlights the regulatory problems posed by the emerging shift to online shopping. The very low prevalence of visible pregnancy warnings is likely to be an overestimate of the extent to which consumers would be exposed to warnings due to images being counted as being present regardless of their quality or readability. New regulation is needed to ensure that mandatory information requirements for harmful products are applied to online shopping contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tazman Davies
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paula O'Brien
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bella Sträuli
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacquie Bowden
- National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Chatzistergos P, Chockalingam N. Diabetic ulcer alert: Time to rethink our approach to patient adherence. Diabet Med 2024; 41:e15276. [PMID: 38140765 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Chatzistergos
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technology, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, UK
| | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technology, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, UK
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Greenthal E, Sorscher S, Pomeranz JL, Cash SB. Availability of calorie information on online menus from chain restaurants in the USA: current prevalence and legal landscape. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3239-3246. [PMID: 37700624 PMCID: PMC10755376 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Federal law requires calorie information on chain restaurant menus. We sought to assess the prevalence of calorie disclosures on online menus and determine if the menus are controlled by restaurants subject to US labelling requirements. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Restaurant websites and mobile apps for restaurant located in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. PARTICIPANTS US chain restaurants (top seventy-five by number of outlets) and third-party platforms (TPP): Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash. RESULTS There was at least one calorie disclosure (for at least one food or beverage, in at least one location) on sixty-eight of seventy-two (94 %) menus on restaurant websites or apps, thirty-two of fifty-five (58 %) menus on DoorDash, six of forty-nine (12 %) menus on Grubhub and thirty of fifty-nine (51 %) menus on Uber Eats. There was consistent calorie labelling (all foods and beverages, all locations) on forty-three of seventy-two (60 %) menus on restaurant websites or apps, fifteen of fifty-five (27 %) menus on DoorDash, three of forty-nine (6 %) menus on Grubhub and eleven of fifty-nine (19 %) menus on Uber Eats. Only four restaurant chains consistently labelled calories for all items, in all locations, on all platforms where their menus were found. All three TPP provided restaurants the ability to enter and modify menu items, making the menus subject to US labelling requirements. Only Uber Eats provided guidance to restaurants on entering calorie information. CONCLUSIONS As consumers increasingly rely on TPP for restaurant ordering, menus on these platforms should include calories in order to promote transparency and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Greenthal
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC20005, USA
| | - Sarah Sorscher
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC20005, USA
| | | | - Sean B Cash
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Vanderlee L, Gaucher-Holm A, Lê-Brassard M, Vaillancourt C. Availability of calorie information on online food delivery service platforms among major chain restaurants in Canadian provinces with different calorie labelling policies. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:983-991. [PMID: 37386269 PMCID: PMC10726687 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the availability of calorie labelling on major online food delivery (OFD) platforms for the largest restaurant brands in Canada to examine differences in provinces with and those without mandatory calorie labelling regulations. METHODS Data were collected for the 13 largest restaurant brands with locations in Ontario (with mandatory menu labelling) and Alberta and Quebec (with no mandatory menu labelling) from the web applications of the three largest OFD platforms in Canada. Data were sampled from three selected restaurant locations within each province (n = 117 locations across all provinces) on each platform. Univariate logistic regression models were used to test differences in the presence and amount of calorie labelling and other nutritional information across provinces and platforms. RESULTS The analytical sample included 48,857 food and beverage items (n = 16,011 in Alberta, n = 16,683 in Ontario, and n = 16,163 in Quebec). Items were more likely to have menu labelling in Ontario (68.7%) than in Alberta (44.4%, OR = 2.75, 95% CI 2.63-2.88) or Quebec (39.1%, OR = 3.42, 95% CI 3.27-3.58). In Ontario, 53.8% of restaurant brands had calorie labelling for > 90% of items, compared to 23.0% in Quebec and 15.4% in Alberta. The presence of calorie labelling also differed across platforms. CONCLUSION Nutrition information from OFD services differed across provinces with and those without mandatory calorie labelling. Chain restaurants on OFD service platforms were more likely to provide calorie information in Ontario, where calorie labelling is mandatory, compared to elsewhere where no such policy exists. In all provinces, calorie labelling was inconsistently implemented across OFD service platforms.
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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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Maganja D, Davies T, Sanavio L, Louie JCY, Huffman MD, Trieu K, Wu JHY. Current food labelling practices in online supermarkets in Australia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:105. [PMID: 37749593 PMCID: PMC10521447 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01504-3] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food product labelling can support consumer decision-making. Several food product labels (nutrition information panels (NIPs), ingredients lists, allergen declarations and country-of-origin) are mandated for physical product packaging in Australia, with a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling system, Health Star Ratings (HSRs), also available. However, labelling requirements are not explicitly extended to online settings and the extent to which this information is available in these increasingly important food environments has not been assessed. METHODS Data from all individual food product pages was collected from the online stores of the two dominant supermarket retailers in Australia using automated web scraping in April-May 2022 (n = 22,077 products collected). We assessed the proportion of pages displaying NIPs, ingredients, allergens, country-of-origin and HSRs after excluding products ineligible to display the respective label. We also assessed whether HSRs were differentially available for higher- (healthier) and lower-scoring (less healthy) products, with HSR scores drawn from a comprehensive Australian food composition database, FoodSwitch. A manual inspection of randomly selected product pages (n = 100 for each label type per supermarket), drawn from products displaying the relevant label, was conducted to assess whether the labels were immediately visible to users (i.e. without scrolling or clicking). Differences in labelling prevalence and visibility were compared using chi-squared tests. RESULTS Across both supermarkets, country-of-origin labelling was almost complete (displayed on 93% of food product pages), but NIPs (49%), ingredients (34%) and allergens (53%) were less frequently displayed. HSRs were infrequently displayed (14% across both supermarkets) and more likely to be applied to higher-scoring products (22% on products with ≥ 3.5HSR v 0.4% on products with < 3.5HSR, p < 0.001). One supermarket was far more likely to make NIPs (100% v 2%, p < 0.001), ingredients (100% v 19%, p < 0.001) and allergens (97% v 0%, p < 0.001) information immediately visible, though the other made HSRs more apparent (22% v 75%, p < 0.001). Both supermarkets displayed country-of-origin labels prominently (100% v 86%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Food product labelling varies in online supermarkets in Australia overall and between supermarkets, while the design of online stores resulted in differences in labelling visibility. The near-complete display of country-of-origin labels and differential application of HSRs to higher-scoring products may reflect their use as marketing tools. Our findings highlight an urgent need for food labelling regulations to be updated to better account for online retail food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| | - Tazman Davies
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | | | - Jimmy C Y Louie
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Mark D Huffman
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Global Health Center, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Samuels Building, Samuel Terry Ave, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
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Lee JJ, Srebot S, Ahmed M, Mulligan C, Hu G, L'Abbé MR. Nutritional quality and price of plant-based dairy and meat analogs in the Canadian food supply system. J Food Sci 2023; 88:3594-3606. [PMID: 37458282 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
There has been an increased consumer interest and public health emphasis on plant-based protein foods, resulting in a rise in the availability of highly processed plant-based analogs. The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional quality and the price of plant-based dairy and meat analogs compared to their respective animal-derived products and to examine the association between processing levels and the nutritional quality among these products. Using a branded food composition database, products in cheese, yogurt, milk, and meat categories were examined (n = 3231). Products were categorized as plant-based analogs versus animal-derived products using the ingredient list. Products were examined for their nutrient content, overall nutritional quality using the Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling model, price, and processing levels using the NOVA classification. All plant-based analogs had lower protein and higher total carbohydrate, sugar, and fiber content compared to their respective animal-derived products. Compared to their respective animal-derived products, plant-based milk and meat analogs had lower energy, total fat, and saturated fat content; plant-based yogurt and meat analogs had lower sodium content; and all plant-based dairy analogs had lower calcium content. Plant-based cheese and yogurt analogs were more expensive than animal-based products; however, there was no significant difference among milk and meat products. There was no association between processing levels and overall nutritional quality among dairy and meat products. Plant-based analogs may be part of a healthy and affordable diet to reduce the intakes of nutrients of concern; however, additional compositional guidelines and/or labeling may be needed to highlight the differences in the levels of nutrients to encourage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophia Srebot
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mavra Ahmed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guanlan Hu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gupta S, Mayers E, Schwierking S, Westrick M, Schier H, Sharn AR, Pannell C, Gunther C. Online Grocery Shopping and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer Card (EBT): Perceptions of Head Start Caregivers. Ecol Food Nutr 2023; 62:75-87. [PMID: 36880800 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2023.2187383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of online grocery shopping and the online United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) program among Head Start caregivers. Three focus groups were conducted between December 2019 and January 2020. Most participants hadn't tried online grocery shopping. Concerns included others choosing perishables, receiving wrong items, and inappropriate substitutes. Perceived benefits included saving time, preventing impulse buys, and eating healthier. Results have broad applicability in the current COVID-19 pandemic where online grocery shopping and the online SNAP EBT program have rapidly expanded across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Gupta
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mayers
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sierra Schwierking
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Miranda Westrick
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Heather Schier
- College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy R Sharn
- College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cara Pannell
- College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Sciences, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Carolyn Gunther
- College of Nursing, Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Hodges L, Lowery CM, Patel P, McInnis J, Zhang Q. A Systematic Review of Marketing Practices Used in Online Grocery Shopping: Implications for WIC Online Ordering. Nutrients 2023; 15:446. [PMID: 36678317 PMCID: PMC9866762 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plans to allow participants to redeem their food package benefits online, i.e., online ordering. As grocery shopping online has become more common, companies have developed strategies to market food products to customers using online (or mobile) grocery shopping platforms. There is a significant knowledge gap in how these strategies may influence WIC participants who choose to shop for WIC foods online. This review examines the relevant literature to (1) identify food marketing strategies used in online grocery shopping platforms, (2) understand how these strategies influence consumer behavior and consumer diet, and (3) consider the implications for WIC participants. A total of 1862 references were identified from a systematic database search, of which 83 were included for full-text screening and 18 were included for data extraction and evidence synthesis. The included studies provide policymakers and other stakeholders involved in developing WIC online order processes with valuable information about the factors that shape healthy food choices in the online food retail environment. Findings indicate that some marketing interventions, such as nutrition labeling and food swaps, may encourage healthier food choices in the online environment and could potentially be tailored to reinforce WIC messaging about a healthy diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Hodges
- Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
| | - Caitlin M. Lowery
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Priyanka Patel
- School of Community & Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Joleen McInnis
- University Libraries, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Community & Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
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Jung SE, Palmer F, Shahan M, Ellis A. Changes in grocery shopping behaviors of community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2090881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Eun Jung
- Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Frankie Palmer
- Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Mackinsey Shahan
- Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Amy Ellis
- Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA
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Moran AJ, Headrick G, Perez C, Greatsinger A, Taillie LS, Zatz L, Bleich SN, Rimm EB, Khandpur N. Food marketing practices of major online grocery retailers in the United States, 2019-2020. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:2295-2310.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Headrick G, Khandpur N, Perez C, Taillie LS, Bleich SN, Rimm EB, Moran A. Content Analysis of Online Grocery Retail Policies and Practices Affecting Healthy Food Access. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:219-229. [PMID: 34920967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe policies and practices of online grocery retailers that may affect healthy food access, including retailers participating in the US Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Online Purchasing Pilot. DESIGN Cross-sectional, quantitative content analysis of 21 online grocery retail websites from November 2019 to January 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Data collected using a coding instrument capturing the presence of policies and practices related to (1) online purchasing and delivery access; (2) availability of features that allow price comparisons and provide nutrition information; and (3) data privacy. ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics for features, practices, and policies across online grocery retail websites. RESULTS Most retailers (95%) added fees to online orders. Among pilot retailers, 38% added ≥ 3 fees, and 50% required a minimum order > $15. Few retailers (29%) displayed Nutrition Facts Labels on all products, including 50% of pilot retailers. All retailers collected personal information from shoppers and automatically shared data with affiliated companies. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS High fees, limited access to nutrition information on retailer sites, and lack of data privacy are prevalent in online grocery retail settings, including among Online Purchasing Pilot retailers. Online retail practices may perpetuate disparities in healthy food access by discouraging use through fees and making nutritious food choices difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabby Headrick
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Department of Nutrition, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Crystal Perez
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Caroline Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sara N Bleich
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Eric B Rimm
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Alyssa Moran
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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Maganja D, Miller M, Trieu K, Scapin T, Cameron A, Wu JHY. Evidence Gaps in Assessments of the Healthiness of Online Supermarkets Highlight the Need for New Monitoring Tools: a Systematic Review. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:215-233. [PMID: 35138570 PMCID: PMC9023389 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-01004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Online grocery shopping is increasingly popular, but the extent to which these food environments encourage healthy or unhealthy purchases is unclear. This review identifies studies assessing the healthiness of real-world online supermarkets and frameworks to support future efforts. RECENT FINDINGS A total of 18 studies were included and 17 assessed aspects of online supermarkets. Pricing and promotional strategies were commonly applied to unhealthy products, while nutrition labelling may not meet regulated requirements or support consumer decision-making. Few studies investigated the different and specific ways online supermarkets can influence consumers. One framework for comprehensively capturing the healthiness of online supermarkets was identified, particularly highlighting the various ways retailers can tailor the environment to target individuals. Comprehensive assessments of online supermarkets can identify the potential to support or undermine healthy choices and dietary patterns. Common, validated instruments to facilitate consistent analysis and comparison are needed, particularly to investigate the new opportunities the online setting offers to influence consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| | - Mia Miller
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Tailane Scapin
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Adrian Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, 1 King St, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
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Pomeranz JL, Cash SB, Springer M, Del Giudice IM, Mozaffarian D. Opportunities to address the failure of online food retailers to ensure access to required food labelling information in the USA. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-9. [PMID: 35067257 PMCID: PMC9991769 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The rapid growth in web-based grocery food purchasing has outpaced federal regulatory attention to the online provision of nutrition and allergen information historically required on food product labels. We sought to characterise the extent and variability that online retailers disclose required and regulated information and identify the legal authorities for the federal government to require online food retailers to disclose such information. DESIGN We performed a limited scan of ten products across nine national online retailers and conducted legal research using LexisNexis to analyse federal regulatory agencies' authorities. SETTING USA. PARTICIPANTS N/A. RESULTS The scan of products revealed that required information (Nutrition Facts Panels, ingredient lists, common food allergens and per cent juice for fruit drinks) was present, conspicuous and legible for an average of only 36·5 % of the products surveyed, ranging from 11·4 % for potential allergens to 54·2 % for ingredients lists. More commonly, voluntary nutrition-related claims were prominently and conspicuously displayed (63·5 % across retailers and products). Our legal examination found that the Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission and United States Department of Agriculture have existing regulatory authority over labelling, online sales and advertising, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme retailers that can be utilised to address deficiencies in the provision of required information in the online food retail environment. CONCLUSIONS Information regularly provided to consumers in conventional settings is not being uniformly provided online. Congress or the federal agencies can require online food retailers disclose required nutrition and allergen information to support health, nutrition, equity and informed consumer decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean B Cash
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Springer
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Fernandez MA, Raine KD. Digital Food Retail: Public Health Opportunities. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113789. [PMID: 34836044 PMCID: PMC8624168 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For over two decades, digital food retail services have been emerging alongside advances in mobile technology and improved access to wi-fi. Digitalization has driven changes within the food environment, complicating an already complex system that influences food-related behaviors and eating practices. Digital food retail services support an infrastructure that enhances commercial food systems by extending access to and availability of highly processed foods, further escalating poor dietary intakes. However, digital food retail services are heterogeneous–food delivery apps, online groceries, and meal kits–and can be feasibly adapted to nutrition interventions and personalized to individual needs. Although sparse, new evidence indicates great potential for digital food retail services to address food insecurity in urban areas and to support healthy eating by making it easier to select, plan, and prepare meals. Digital food retail services are a product of the digital transformation that reflect consumers’ constant need for convenience, which must be addressed in future research and interventions. This paper will discuss public health opportunities that are emerging from the global uptake of digital food retail services, with a focus on online groceries, food delivery apps, and meal kits.
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Consavage Stanley K, Harrigan PB, Serrano EL, Kraak VI. Applying a Multi-Dimensional Digital Food and Nutrition Literacy Model to Inform Research and Policies to Enable Adults in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to Make Healthy Purchases in the Online Food Retail Ecosystem. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168335. [PMID: 34444084 PMCID: PMC8394533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture (USDA)-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made substantial changes in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These changes highlight the need to identify the digital literacy skills and capacities of SNAP adults to purchase healthy groceries online. We conducted a scoping review of four electronic databases, Google and Google Scholar to identify studies that measured food and nutrition literacy outcomes for U.S. adults. We applied a multi-dimensional digital food and nutrition literacy (MDFNL) model to assess six literacy levels and components. Of 18 studies published from 2006-2021, all measured functional and interactive literacy but no study measured communicative, critical, translational, or digital literacy. Six studies examined SNAP or SNAP-Education outcomes. Adults with higher food or nutrition literacy scores had better cognitive, behavioral, food security and health outcomes. We suggest how these findings may inform research, policies, and actions to strengthen the multi-dimensional literacy skills of SNAP participants and SNAP-eligible adults to support healthy purchases in the online food retail ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Consavage Stanley
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.H.); (E.L.S.); (V.I.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-540-231-9638
| | - Paige B. Harrigan
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.H.); (E.L.S.); (V.I.K.)
| | - Elena L. Serrano
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.H.); (E.L.S.); (V.I.K.)
- Virginia Family Nutrition Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Vivica I. Kraak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (P.B.H.); (E.L.S.); (V.I.K.)
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Lee JJ, Ahmed M, Zhang T, Weippert MV, Schermel A, L’Abbé MR. The Availability and Quality of Food Labelling Components in the Canadian E-Grocery Retail Environment. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082611. [PMID: 34444771 PMCID: PMC8399674 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although packaged foods sold in retail stores must follow food labelling regulations, there are no e-grocery food labelling regulations to mandate and standardize the availability and presentation of product information. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the availability and quality of food labelling components in the Canadian e-grocery retail environment. Methods: A sample of fresh and pre-packaged products was identified on eight leading grocery retail websites in Canada, to assess the availability and quality of food labelling components. Results: Out of 555 product searches, all products were accompanied by product images with front-of-pack images more readily available (96.0%) than back-of-pack (12.4%) and other side panel images (3.1%). The following mandatory nutrition information was available for 61.1% of the products: nutrition facts table (68.8%), ingredient (73.9%), and allergen (53.8%) information. The majority of the nutrition information was available after scrolling down, clicking additionally on the description page, or viewing only as an image. Date markings were not available; packaging material information was available for 2.0% of the products. Conclusions: There was wide variability and inconsistencies in the presentation of food labelling components in the e-grocery retail environment, which can be barriers in enabling Canadians to make informed purchasing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (J.J.L.); (M.A.); (M.V.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Mavra Ahmed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (J.J.L.); (M.A.); (M.V.W.); (A.S.)
- Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada;
| | - Madyson V. Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (J.J.L.); (M.A.); (M.V.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Alyssa Schermel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (J.J.L.); (M.A.); (M.V.W.); (A.S.)
| | - Mary R. L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (J.J.L.); (M.A.); (M.V.W.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-946-7545
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Online meal ordering services are increasing in popularity in Australia and globally. Meals ordered online for home delivery are typically less healthy than home-made meals, potentially contributing to weight gain. The aim of the present study was to identify the types of consumers who are most likely to engage in online meal ordering. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey including items relating to demographic and lifestyle factors was disseminated via a web panel provider. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2010 Australian adults aged 18+ years. RESULTS More than a quarter of respondents (28 %) engaged in online meal ordering at least once in the previous month. Younger respondents, those with a higher BMI, and those with higher education and income levels were more likely to have done so. Consuming higher levels of sugary drinks and fast-food restaurant patronage were significantly associated with ordering meals online for home delivery. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of this study suggest that the use of online meal ordering services is becoming a common practice in Australia, and it is therefore important to implement evidence-based strategies and policies to encourage individuals to make healthy food choices when using these services.
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Arslain K, Gustafson CR, Rose DJ. Point-of-Decision Prompts Increase Dietary Fiber Content of Consumers' Food Choices in an Online Grocery Shopping Simulation. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3487. [PMID: 33202916 PMCID: PMC7697633 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Only 5% of Americans consume the recommended amount of dietary fiber. In an online simulated shopping experiment, we examined whether a fiber-focused point-of-decision prompt (PDP) would influence consumers to choose food products that were higher in this important nutrient. We hypothesized that participants exposed to the dietary fiber PDP would choose products with more dietary fiber/serving than those who were not exposed to the PDP. The experiment was completed by 753 participants. Participants were randomly assigned to a condition in which they were not exposed to a PDP (the no-PDP condition), a personalized PDP, or PDP without personalization. Choices in the two PDP conditions were not significantly different. Therefore, the PDP conditions were pooled together into one condition and compared with control participants that did not receive the fiber-focused PDP. Across the three product categories, participants in the PDP condition chose products that had a greater amount of dietary fiber/serving (cereal: 22% increase; bread: 22% increase; crackers: 26% increase; p < 0.01) and products that had a greater healthiness rating (cereals (odds ratio (OR): 1.45, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): (1.10, 1.92)), bread (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: (1.09, 1.91)), and crackers (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: (1.25, 2.21)). Overall, the fiber PDP influenced participants to choose healthier products that contained greater amounts of dietary fiber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Arslain
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
| | - Christopher R. Gustafson
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Devin J. Rose
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
- Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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