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Coates E, Pentieva K, Verhagen H. The Prevalence and Compliance of Health Claims Used in the Labelling and Information for Prepacked Foods within Great Britain. Foods 2024; 13:539. [PMID: 38397515 PMCID: PMC10887619 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the EU and Great Britain (GB), all health claims (HCs) on food must be authorised before use and should comply with Regulation 1924/2006. In GB, all HCs, authorised or not, are listed in the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register. This study reviews the prevalence and compliance of HCs on prepacked foods sold within three GB supermarkets and via their grocery shopping websites. In June 2023, food labels and online product information of 440 products were evaluated across three food categories-dairy and dairy alternatives; fruit juices, fruit juice drinks and fruit smoothies; and teas and infusions. In store, 26.3% of products carried an HC and 28.3% online. The prevalence of HCs was higher when compared with data from 2016. Overall compliance was high, in store (94.3%) and online (90.0%), with no statistically significant difference in overall HC compliance between in store and online products (p = 0.724). The HC violations observed in the present study were due to non-compliant wording of HCs or use of non-authorised HCs. This study demonstrates changes in the HC landscape and the need for continued monitoring of the prevalence and compliance of HCs as consumer trends alter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Coates
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (E.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (E.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Hans Verhagen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (E.C.); (K.P.)
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Food Safety & Nutrition Consultancy, 3703 EE Zeist, The Netherlands
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Bedran P, Bou-Mitri C, Merhi S, Doumit J, Fares JEH, Farhat AG. The compliance of nutrition claims on pita bread in Lebanon and risk on public health: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nutr 2022; 8:32. [PMID: 35430802 PMCID: PMC9014642 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mislabeling is a type of fraud, that can lead to major health concerns, especially when used on staple foods like bread. This study aimed to assess the compliance of nutrition claims on pre-packaged Pita bread in Mount Lebanon with national (LIBNOR; NL 661:2017) and international (CODEX; CAC/GL -2–1985) standards. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted and Lebanese bread samples (n = 75) were collected from all the registered bakeries in Mount Lebanon directorate (n = 25). The claim compliance assessment was based on values of the nutrition facts panel and standard nutrient analyses, following official methods. Results Of all assessed breads, 84% carried nutrition claims, and 25.3% carried health claims. Among nutrition claims, 70.7% had non-addition claims, 56.0% had nutrient content claims, and 1.3% had comparative claims. The results showed a high prevalence of nutrition claims with majority non-compliant. Based on the nutrition facts panel, only 32.4% of the sugar related claims, 45.5% of the fiber claims, and 54.4% of salt claims were eligible to make those statements. Based on the chemical nutrient analyses, only 47.0% of sugar claims, 16.1% of fiber claims, and 37.5% of salt claims were compliant. All the claims related to protein (n = 7) were compliant. Conclusions These results suggest the urgent need to develop clear guidelines for the effective implementation of the current standard; in order to prevent mislead consumers from making poor decisions at the point-of-sale, which might affect their overall health and efforts towards proper nutrition.
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Pereira RC, Souza Carneiro JDD, de Angelis Pereira MC. Evaluating nutrition quality of packaged foods carrying claims and marketing techniques in Brazil using four nutrient profile models. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 59:1520-1528. [PMID: 35250075 PMCID: PMC8882526 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-021-05162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the nutrient profile of packaged foods marketed in Brazil, giving insights into healthiness of the Brazilian supermarket packaged food environment, considering different food categories and levels of industrial food processing and presence of nutrition and health claims and marketing strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the labels of pre-packed foods marketed in a home-shopping website. A stratified random sample (n = 335) was obtained to be analysed by four nutrient profile models: Food Standards Australia New Zealand's Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion, UK Nutrient Profile from the Food Standards Agency, Nutrient profile model from Pan American Health Organization, and Nutrition Score from Unilever Food & Health Research (Unilever). Overall, the models shown agreement, besides some differences in the levels of approval. Ultra-processed foods were less healthy. Pass rates for products carrying nutrition and/or health claims have evidenced the presence of these claims may be indicative of slightly better nutritional quality. This did not apply for products with and without marketing techniques. These findings highlight the need for improvement of the supermarket packaged food environment in scenarios like Brazil by increasing efforts to reformulate products to make them healthier, together with appropriate food labelling regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Corrêa Pereira
- Department of Agricultural Science, Federal Institute of Minas Gerais, Bambuí, MG Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Lavras, PO box 3037, Lavras, MG 37200-900 Brazil
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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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Krušič S, Hribar M, Hafner E, Žmitek K, Pravst I. Use of Branded Food Composition Databases for the Exploitation of Food Fortification Practices: A Case Study on Vitamin D in the Slovenian Food Supply. Front Nutr 2022; 8:775163. [PMID: 35059424 PMCID: PMC8763681 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.775163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health concern, which can be addressed with voluntary or mandatory food fortification. The aim of this study was to determine if branded food composition databases can be used to investigate voluntary fortification practices. A case study was conducted using two nationally representative cross-sectional datasets of branded foods in Slovenia, collected in 2017 and 2020, and yearly sales data. Using food labeling data we investigated prevalence of fortification and average vitamin D content, while nutrient profiling was used to investigate overall nutritional quality of the foods. In both datasets, the highest prevalence of vitamin D fortification was observed in meal replacements (78% in 2017; 100% in 2020) and in margarine, corresponding to high market share. Other food categories commonly fortified with vitamin D are breakfast cereals (5% in 2017; 6% in 2020), yogurts and their imitates (5% in 2017; 4% in 2020), and baby foods (18% in both years). The highest declared average content of vitamin D was observed in margarine and foods for specific dietary use (7-8 μg/100g), followed by breakfast cereals (4 μg/100g), while the average content in other foods was below 2 μg/100g. Only minor differences were observed between 2017 and 2020. Major food-category differences were also observed in comparison of the overall nutritional quality of the fortified foods; higher overall nutritional quality was only observed in fortified margarine. Our study showed that branded food composition databases are extremely useful resources for the investigation and monitoring of fortification practices, particularly if sales data can also be used. In the absence of mandatory or recommended fortification in Slovenia, very few manufacturers decide to add vitamin D, and even when this is the case, such products are commonly niche foods with lower market shares. We observed exceptions in imported foods, which can be subject to fortification policies introduced in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Krušič
- Nutrition Institute, Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Hribar
- Nutrition Institute, Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Edvina Hafner
- Nutrition Institute, Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Žmitek
- Nutrition Institute, Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- VIST—Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition Institute, Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- VIST—Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Martini D, Del Bo’ C, Serafini M, Porrini M, Pellegrini N, Angelino D. Breakfast Cereals Carrying Fibre-Related Claims: Do They Have a Better Nutritional Composition Than Those without Such Claims? Results from the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) Study. Foods 2021; 10:foods10092225. [PMID: 34574336 PMCID: PMC8467444 DOI: 10.3390/foods10092225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition claims (NCs) on food packaging are, from one side, an informative tool about the nutritional characteristics of the product. From another side, they could bias the consumer in perceiving such products as healthier than those without claims. In order to investigate whether products with NCs have a better nutritional composition that those without claims, the present study aimed to compare the nutrition facts of 376 breakfast cereals, with and without fibre-related NCs, available in 13 Italian retailer online stores. Among these products, 73 items claimed to be a "source of fibre" and 109 "high in fibre". In addition to a higher fibre content, products "high in fibre" showed higher protein and fat contents but lower carbohydrate, sugar and salt contents compared to both "source of fibre" and without fibre-related NC items. Overall, a high variability in nutritional values was also observed within products with the same type of fibre-related NC. In conclusion, the results suggested that fibre-related NCs should not be considered as a marker of a better nutritional composition of breakfast cereals, and thus consumers should be educated to carefully read the entire nutritional information reported in the food labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (C.D.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Cristian Del Bo’
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (C.D.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Mauro Serafini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.S.); (D.A.)
| | - Marisa Porrini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (C.D.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-043-255-8183
| | - Donato Angelino
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.S.); (D.A.)
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Davidović D, Paunović K, Zarić D, Jovanović A, Vasiljević N, Stošović D, Tomanić M. Nutrition and Health Claims Spectra of Pre-Packaged Foods on Serbian Supermarket Shelves: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:2832. [PMID: 34444992 PMCID: PMC8398323 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and health claims (NHCs) are a powerful tool that influence consumers' final decision on the choice of food products. The purposes of this repeated cross-sectional study were to (i) assess the prevalence of pre-packaged food products containing nutrition and health claims among different food categories, (ii) to determine the type of NHCs labelled on the examined food products, and (iii) to evaluate the trend in the use of NHCs in comparison to the 2012 survey. The survey was conducted immediately before the full enforcement of the new national legislation on NHCs in 2020. It comprised 3141 pre-packaged food products from 10 product categories. In total, 21.2% of food products contained any claim (19.4% contained any nutrition claim; 8.2% contained any health claim). In comparison to the 2012 survey, we observed a rising trend in the presence of NHCs; the use of nutrition claims on food products increased three times and the use of health claims increased 1.3 times in the 2020 survey. Bearing in mind that NHCs are a powerful tool guiding consumers' food purchase decisions, NHCs should be supported by precise legislation and strict surveillance by the public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Davidović
- Institute for Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (K.P.); (A.J.); (N.V.); (M.T.)
| | - Katarina Paunović
- Institute for Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (K.P.); (A.J.); (N.V.); (M.T.)
| | - Danica Zarić
- Innovation Centre of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ana Jovanović
- Institute for Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (K.P.); (A.J.); (N.V.); (M.T.)
| | - Nadja Vasiljević
- Institute for Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (K.P.); (A.J.); (N.V.); (M.T.)
| | - Dragana Stošović
- Centre for Hygiene and Human Ecology, Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut”, Dr Subotića 5, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milena Tomanić
- Institute for Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (K.P.); (A.J.); (N.V.); (M.T.)
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Cruz-Casarrubias C, Tolentino-Mayo L, Vandevijvere S, Barquera S. Estimated effects of the implementation of the Mexican warning labels regulation on the use of health and nutrition claims on packaged foods. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:76. [PMID: 34112183 PMCID: PMC8194035 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of health and nutrition claims on front-of-pack labels may impact consumers' food choices; therefore, many countries have established regulations to avoid misinformation. This study describes the prevalence of health and nutrition claims on the front-of-pack of food products in retail stores in Mexico and estimate the potential effects of the Official Mexican Standards 051 (new regulation that includes specifications for implementing warning labels and other packaging elements such as health and nutrition claims on less healthy foods) on the prevalence of these claims. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in which health and nutrition claims, nutrition information panels, and the list of ingredients of all foods and beverages available in the main retail stores in Mexico City were collected. The products were grouped by level of processing according to the NOVA food system classification. Claims were classified using the internationally harmonized INFORMAS taxonomy. According to the criteria of the new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation, the effect on the reduction on the prevalence of health and nutrition claims was estimated by type of food and by energy and nutrients of concern thresholds. RESULTS Of 17,264 products, 33.8% displayed nutrition claims and 3.4% health claims. In total, 80.8% of all products in the Mexican market were classified as "less healthy"; 48.2% of products had excess calories, 44.6% had excess sodium, and 40.7% excess free sugars. The new regulation would prevent 39.4% of products with claims from displaying health and nutrition claims (P < 0.001); the largest reduction is observed for ultra-processed foods (51.1%, P < 0.001). The regulation thresholds that resulted in the largest reduction of claims were calories (OR 0.62, P < 0.001) and non-sugar sweeteners (OR 0.54, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation will prevent most processed and ultra-processed foods from displaying health and nutrition claims and will potentially improve information on packaging for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera. C.P, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera. C.P, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico.
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Population health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simón Barquera
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad No. 655, Colonia Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera. C.P, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
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Vergeer L, Franco-Arellano B, Tjong GB, Bernstein JT, L’Abbé MR. The Level of Processing, Nutritional Composition and Prices of Canadian Packaged Foods and Beverages with and without Gluten-Free Claims. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041183. [PMID: 33918418 PMCID: PMC8066194 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the healthfulness and cost of gluten-free (GF) foods, relative to non-GF alternatives, in Canada. This study compared the extent of processing, nutritional composition and prices of Canadian products with and without GF claims. Data were sourced from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2013 (n = 15,285) and 2017 (n = 17,337) databases. Logistic regression models examined the association of NOVA processing category with GF claims. Calorie/nutrient contents per 100 g (or mL) were compared between GF and non-GF products. Generalized linear models compared adjusted mean prices per 100 g (or mL) of products with and without GF claims. The prevalence of GF claims increased from 7.1% in 2013 to 15.0% in 2017. GF claims appeared on 17.0% of ultra-processed foods, which were more likely to bear GF claims products than less-processed categories. Median calories and sodium were significantly higher in GF products; no significant differences were observed for saturated fat or sugars. Compared to non-GF products, adjusted mean prices of GF products were higher for 10 food categories, lower for six categories and not significantly different for six categories. Overall, GF claims are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada; however, they are often less healthful and more expensive than non-GF alternatives, disadvantaging consumers following GF diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (L.V.); (B.F.-A.); (G.B.T.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Beatriz Franco-Arellano
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (L.V.); (B.F.-A.); (G.B.T.); (J.T.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
| | - Gabriel B. Tjong
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (L.V.); (B.F.-A.); (G.B.T.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Jodi T. Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (L.V.); (B.F.-A.); (G.B.T.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Mary R. L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (L.V.); (B.F.-A.); (G.B.T.); (J.T.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-946-7545
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Mediano Stoltze F, Busey E, Taillie LS, Dillman Carpentier FR. Impact of warning labels on reducing health halo effects of nutrient content claims on breakfast cereal packages: A mixed-measures experiment. Appetite 2021; 163:105229. [PMID: 33789168 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chile recently implemented a food labeling law that requires packaged foods with sugar, saturated fats, sodium, and/or calorie content that exceeds government-defined thresholds to carry a front-of-package warning for each excessive nutrient. This law does not prohibit the use of nutrient content (NC) marketing claims on packages, as long as the claims do not directly contradict the warnings. Yet, having NC claims alongside nutrient warnings might send mixed messages confusing consumers about the overall healthiness of a product. The present study tests the co-occurrence of warning labels and NC claims in breakfast cereal packages on product perceptions and behavioral intentions of Chilean adults in a 3 (warnings: none, high calorie, high calorie/high sugar) × 3 (NC claims: none, fiber/wholegrain, low fat/cholesterol-free) mixed-measures experiment. Fiber-related claims had a main effect leading to more positive ratings of the product, compared to having no NC claims or fat-related claims. These positive ratings extended beyond perceptions of the fiber content to perceptions of overall healthiness, naturalness, quality, vitamin content, and intentions to purchase and recommend the product-a health halo effect. No significant interaction between warnings and NC claims was found. However, warnings had a main effect on perceptions irrespective of the presence of NC claims, with one warning significantly reducing ratings, dampening any halo effects, and two warnings further dampening any effects. These findings indicate that warning labels can mitigate, but not eliminate the influences of NC claims on consumer perceptions of product healthiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Mediano Stoltze
- Carolina Population Center and Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3365, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Emily Busey
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 8120, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center and Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Francesca R Dillman Carpentier
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3365, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Miklavec K, Hribar M, Kušar A, Pravst I. Heart Images on Food Labels: A Health Claim or Not? Foods 2021; 10:foods10030643. [PMID: 33803706 PMCID: PMC8002900 DOI: 10.3390/foods10030643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Health claims on food labels are used by food manufacturers to inform consumers about the health effects of a product, and such claims can have notable effects on consumer preferences. According to regulatory definitions, health claims can be either worded or presented as images, but it is not clear under which conditions an image on a food label should be considered a health claim. This question has important practical implications, as the use of health claims is strictly regulated. The objective of this study was to determine how commonly images of the heart are used on food labels, and to investigate consumers’ perceptions of products labelled with heart images, using different degrees of health relationships. Both a food supply study (N = 10,573 foods) and experiments with consumers (N = 1000) were performed in Slovenia. The use of heart imagery on food products was very common (9%). The consumer study was conducted using a web panel. Structure of the study population was comparable with Slovenian adult population (18–65 years), according to gender and age. The questionnaire was split into conjoint analysis with constructed elements, a choice-based task with real-life elements and a consumers’ association task. The experiments showed that a heart image as part of the brand name itself—without an additional (worded) health claim—did not cause most consumers to relate it to health. However, consumers tended to strongly relate an image of the heart as part of a brand with health benefits, where the image was accompanied by a worded health claim or if the heart image was designed specifically to imply health benefits. We can conclude that the use of heart images was very common on food products, but references to health were less common. Without a health-related context, heart images could not be considered as a health claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Miklavec
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (M.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Maša Hribar
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (M.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Anita Kušar
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (M.H.); (A.K.)
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (M.H.); (A.K.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- VIST–Higher School of Applied Sciences, Gerbičeva cesta 51A, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-590-68871; Fax: +386-310-07981
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Kušar A, Žmitek K, Lähteenmäki L, Raats MM, Pravst I. Comparison of requirements for using health claims on foods in the European Union, the USA, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 20:1307-1332. [PMID: 33565710 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition is recognized as one of the leading factors influencing the growing incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Despite society experiencing a global rise in obesity, specific populations remain at risk of nutrient deficiencies. The food industry can use health claims to inform consumers about the health benefits of foods through labeling and the broader promotion of specific food products. As health claims are carefully regulated in many countries, their use is limited due to considerable investments required to fulfill the regulatory requirement. Although health claims represent a driving force for innovation in the food industry, the risk of misleading of consumers need to be avoided. The health claim scientific substantiation process must be efficient and transparent in order to meet the needs of companies in the global market, but should be based on strong scientific evidence and plausible mechanisms of actions, to ensure highest level of consumer protection. The objective of this review is to compare the possibilities for using health claims on foods in the European Union, the USA, Canada, and Australia and New Zealand. In particular, we focused on differences in the classification of claims, on the scientific substantiation processes and requirements for health claims use on foods in the selected regions. Reduction of disease risk (RDR) claims are associated with relatively similar procedures and conditions for use, whereas several notable differences were identified for other types of claims. In all cases, RDR claims must be approved prior their introduction to the market, and only a few such claims have been authorized. Much greater differences were observed concerning other types of claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kušar
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Žmitek
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,VIST - Higher School of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Liisa Lähteenmäki
- MAPP Centre, Department of Management, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Monique M Raats
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,VIST - Higher School of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Angelino D, Rosi A, Ruggiero E, Nucci D, Paolella G, Pignone V, Pellegrini N, Martini D. Analysis of Food Labels to Evaluate the Nutritional Quality of Bread Products and Substitutes Sold in Italy: Results from the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) Study. Foods 2020; 9:foods9121905. [PMID: 33419252 PMCID: PMC7766686 DOI: 10.3390/foods9121905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bread is one of the most common staple foods, despite the increasing consumption of the so-called “bread substitutes”. The aim of the present work is to survey the nutritional quality intended as a nutrition declaration of 339 pre-packed bread products and 1020 bread substitutes sold in the major retailers present on the Italian market. Comparisons of energy, macronutrient, and salt content within product types, and between regular and gluten-free (GF) products and products with or without nutrition claim (NC) and health claim (HC) declarations, were performed. A high inter-product variability was detected. The median energy contents were 274 (interquartile range 255–289) and 412 (380–437) kcal/100 for bread products and substitutes, respectively. Irrespective of the category, GF products had lower amounts of energy than their gluten-containing counterpart (p < 0.001), whereas products carrying NC had lower energy, sugar and salt amounts than the products without these declarations on the pack (p < 0.001 for all). A strong positive correlation was observed between energy and carbohydrate in bread (rho = 0.73, p < 0.001), but not in substitutes (rho = 0.033, p = 0.29). The present work highlighted a high variability in the apparent nutritional quality of bread products and substitutes sold on the Italian market, and suggested that bread alternatives should not be considered tout court as substitutes from a nutritional point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Angelino
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Alice Rosi
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Emilia Ruggiero
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
| | - Daniele Nucci
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35100 Padua, Italy;
| | - Gaetana Paolella
- Department of Chemistry and Biology A. Zambelli, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | | | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0432-558183
| | - Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Consumers' Implicit and Explicit Recall, Understanding and Perceptions of Products with Nutrition-Related Messages: An Online Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218213. [PMID: 33172128 PMCID: PMC7664426 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess consumers' implicit and explicit recall, understanding and perceptions of products with a nutrition claim and a symbol depicting 'health,' and to determine whether these perceptions differed among Nutrition Facts table (NFt) users vs. nonusers. In an online survey, participants (n = 1997) were randomized to one of eight conditions in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, consisting of a label with a claim (present/absent) a heart-shaped symbol depicting 'health' (present/absent) for a healthier or less healthy soup. Participants were shown a label for 10 s and asked whether they recalled seeing a claim. If participants answered yes, they were then asked to describe their response using open-ended questions. Participants also rated the product's perceived nutritional quality and purchase intentions using seven-point Likert scales. In the claim condition, most participants (75%) were able to recall the presence of a claim, while 12% incorrectly mentioned the presence of a claim when there was none. Claims likely attracted consumers' attention and increased perceived nutritional quality, although with limited influence among NFt users (23%). The symbol depicting 'health' did not enhance perceived nutritional quality or purchase intentions. Although most participants (77%) made their decisions implicitly using the front of labels, those who used the NFt had a better understanding of the nutritional quality of products.
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Ropero AB, Blain N, Beltrá M. Nutrition Claims Frequency and Compliance in a Food Sample of the Spanish Market: The BADALI Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2943. [PMID: 32992866 PMCID: PMC7599968 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition claims (NCs) have been shown to affect customers' perceptions and behaviour. In Europe, they are regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The aim of this work was to analyse the prevalence and compliance of NCs according to this regulation in Spain. For this purpose, we used the BADALI database, which included 3197 foods present in the Spanish market. Our results show that 36.1% of all foods carried NCs, at a rate of 3.3 NCs/food. The prevalence was very heterogeneous among food groups. Nuts and seeds, legumes and non-alcoholic beverages were the groups with the highest prevalence. Micronutrients, fat, fibre and sugars were the nutrients most referred to in NCs. Overall, the compliance was low, with 49.2% NCs correct. Fibre and proteins were the nutrients with most correct NCs. Vegetables and non-alcoholic beverages were the food groups with the highest proportion of correct NCs. The main reason for incorrect NCs was because the amount of the nutrient was not stated in the label. The results of our study reveal that the aim of the European Commission to ensure a high level of protection for consumers regarding NCs has not been fulfilled. Therefore, we consider it crucial that European institutions invest in guaranteeing regulation compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Ropero
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain; (N.B.); (M.B.)
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16
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Evaluation of nutritional quality of biscuits and sweet snacks sold on the Italian market: the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) study. Public Health Nutr 2020; 23:2811-2818. [PMID: 32635953 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020000853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed at surveying the nutritional quality of prepacked biscuits and sweet snacks sold on the Italian market, and at identifying whether the product type and other information reported on the pack could discriminate the overall quality of products analysed. DESIGN Data on energy, nutrient and salt content of the products from two different categories of prepacked sweet cereal products (i.e. biscuits and sweet snacks) were collected from thirteen retailers present on the Italian market. Based on the product type, nutrition and health claim (NHC) and gluten-free (GF) declaration, a comparison of nutrient profile within each category was performed. SETTING This work is part of the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) study that aims at systematically investigating the overall quality of the prepacked foods sold on the Italian market. RESULTS A total of 1290 products were analysed (63 % biscuits and 37 % sweet snacks). After comparing different product types within each category, a high intra-type product variability was evidenced, which was more pronounced for biscuits. Overall, NHC-carrying products seemed to have a better nutrition profile than those without claims, except for salt content. Conversely, a comparison between GF and gluten-containing products did not show consistent results within the two categories analysed. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high intra-type variability within each category, the different characteristics and regulated information reported on the pack do not seem to be a clear marker of the overall nutritional quality of biscuits and snacks.
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17
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What makes a beverage healthy? A qualitative study of young adults’ conceptualisation of sugar-containing beverage healthfulness. Appetite 2020; 150:104675. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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The nutritional content of children's breakfast cereals: a cross-sectional analysis of New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:1589-1598. [PMID: 31847924 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019003537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) content, serving size and package size of children's ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (RTEC) available in five different Western countries. DESIGN NIP label information was collected from RTEC available for purchase in major supermarket chains. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests were applied to detect differences between countries on manufacturer-declared serving size, total energy (kJ), total protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, total sugar, Na and fibre content. The Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) was used to evaluate the number of products deemed to be 'unhealthy'. SETTING Supermarkets in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. PARTICIPANTS Children's breakfast cereals (n 636), including those with and without promotional characters. RESULTS The majority of children's RTEC contained substantial levels of total sugar and differences were apparent between countries. Median sugar content per serving was higher in US cereals than all other countries (10·0 v. 7·7-9·1 g; P < 0·0001). Median fat and saturated fat content were lowest in Australia and New Zealand RTEC, while the Na content of RTEC was 60-120 % higher in the USA and Canada than in Australia and the UK (all P ≤ 0·01). CONCLUSIONS Across all countries, there was a high proportion of RTEC marketed for children that had an unhealthy nutrient profile. Strategies and policies are needed to improve the nutrient value of RTEC for children, so they provide a breakfast food that meets nutrition guidelines.
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Costa-Font M, Revoredo-Giha C. Importance of Health Claims in the Adoption of New Breakfast Cereal Products in the UK. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11123076. [PMID: 31861098 PMCID: PMC6950165 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular breakfast consumption has the potential to prevent the prevalence of NCDs and to improve the nutritional profile of diets. Given consumers' interest in improving their diets, food suppliers are interested in introducing new cereal products making different health claims to capture consumers' attention. The purpose of this study is threefold: first, it aims to understand whether UK food suppliers are working to increase the availability of breakfast cereals with healthy and nutritious attributes; second, it explores which companies are leading the launch of these products; and third, it assesses to what extent health and nutrition claims made by breakfast cereals have an impact on their market success. The study employs an assembled database combining data from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) and Kantar Worldpanel Dataset (KWDS) for the UK. A hazard-based duration model was used to analyse the success of the new products launched in the UK market in 2011 following them up to 2015. Our results reveal that UK suppliers broadened the number of breakfast cereals on offer in the period 2000 to 2018, with a particular focus on multigrain cereals, porridge and granola. Health and nutrition claims were added to 27% of these products. Although consumers welcome healthy alternatives such as muesli, the impact of positional claims on the success of newly developed breakfast cereals is claim-specific. No clear pattern regarding the impact of health and nutrition claims is identified. However, other elements such as celiac-friendly ingredients and UK origin do have a positive impact on the success of breakfast cereals.
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Making Sense of Information Overload: Consumer Ranking of Nutritional Claims in Cereal Based Products. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122858. [PMID: 31766514 PMCID: PMC6949996 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a result of increased consumer awareness, demand for healthier food products is increasing day by day. Consumers seek healthier versions of food products which they relate to reduced presence of unhealthy components or increased presence of healthy ones. As a result, the food industry has not only increased the variety of products available but also uses nutritional claims to signal the presence of more substances. As an average consumer at the supermarket devotes just a few seconds to selecting each product, they are only able or willing to process that information that immediately attracts their attention or that is felt to be more important to them. This paper analyses how consumers rank different nutritional claims for two processed cereal products. Five claims were chosen to reflect the current market landscape of availability, and that relates to both “healthy” (i.e., fiber) and “unhealthy” (i.e., fat) substances. We use a direct ranking preference method with data from a survey conducted with consumers in a Spanish region in 2017. Results show that the ranking of claims differs between the two products (biscuits and pastries) and across consumers. However, consumers prefer those that show reduced presence of unhealthy substances above those that highlight the presence of healthy ones. Therefore, policy to maximize the impact of nutritional labelling should be product-specific.
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Gamboa-Gamboa T, Blanco-Metzler A, Vandevijvere S, Ramirez-Zea M, Kroker-Lobos MF. Nutritional Content According to the Presence of Front of Package Marketing Strategies: The Case of Ultra-Processed Snack Food Products Purchased in Costa Rica. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2738. [PMID: 31726678 PMCID: PMC6893602 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The industry uses nutrition and health claims, premium offers, and promotional characters as marketing strategies (MS). The inclusion of these MS on ultra-processed products may influence child and adolescent purchase behavior. This study determined the proportion of foods carrying claims and marketing strategies, also the proportion of products with critical nutrients declaration, and nutritional profile differences between products that carry or not claims and MS on the front-of-package (FoP) of ultra-processed food products sold in Costa Rica. Data were obtained from 2423 photographs of seven food groups consumed as snacks that were sold in one of the most widespread and popular hypermarket chains in Costa Rica in 2015. Ten percent of products lacked a nutrition facts panel. Sodium was the least reported critical nutrient. Energy and critical nutrients were significantly highest in products that did not include any nutrition or health claim and in products that included at least one MS. Forty-four percent and 10% of all products displayed at least one nutrition or at least one health claim, respectively, and 23% displayed at least one MS. In conclusion, regulations are needed to restrict claims and marketing on ultra-processed food packages to generate healthier food environments and contribute to the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity in Costa Rica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Gamboa-Gamboa
- School of Public Health, Universidad de Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, San Jose 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Adriana Blanco-Metzler
- Costa Rican Institute of Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), Curridabat, Cartago 4-2250, Costa Rica;
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City 1188, Guatemala; (M.R.-Z.); (M.F.K.-L.)
| | - Maria F. Kroker-Lobos
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City 1188, Guatemala; (M.R.-Z.); (M.F.K.-L.)
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Benson T, Lavelle F, McCloat A, Mooney E, Bucher T, Egan B, Dean M. Are the Claims to Blame? A Qualitative Study to Understand the Effects of Nutrition and Health Claims on Perceptions and Consumption of Food. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11092058. [PMID: 31480787 PMCID: PMC6769963 DOI: 10.3390/nu11092058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and Health Claims (NHCs) have been found to influence perceptions of food and consumption behaviour. While previous quantitative research has identified factors that may explain these effects, the current study aimed to address the dearth of in-depth exploration as to the underlying reasons why and how claims may impact upon perceptions and behaviour and the relationships between key factors. Seventy-eight participants took part in 10 focus groups. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and Nvivo 11 was used for thematic analysis. Six themes were developed from the data: 1. Target populations for NHCs; 2. Influence of NHCs on purchasing behaviour; 3. Characteristics/perceptions of products displaying NHCs; 4. Believability of NHCs; 5. Superior yet superficial knowledge; 6. Consumption of products displaying NHCs. Knowledge was a key factor influencing how much individuals believe claims (Believability of NHCs) and their perceptions (Characteristics/perceptions of products displaying NHCs). These perceptions and the characteristics of products displaying claims also impacted believability, as well as purchasing behaviour and consumption. Future research should be cognisant of the role of knowledge and characteristics or perceptions of products in the relationship between NHCs and consumer behaviour, and modelling of these relationships would allow their relative strength to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Benson
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - Fiona Lavelle
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - Amanda McCloat
- Department of Home Economics, St. Angela's College, Sligo F91 C634, Ireland
| | - Elaine Mooney
- Department of Home Economics, St. Angela's College, Sligo F91 C634, Ireland
| | - Tamara Bucher
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Bernadette Egan
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Moira Dean
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia.
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Tracking Kids' Food: Comparing the Nutritional Value and Marketing Appeals of Child-Targeted Supermarket Products Over Time. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081850. [PMID: 31404967 PMCID: PMC6722619 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marketing unhealthy foods negatively impacts children’s food preferences, dietary habits and health, prompting calls for regulations that will help to create an “enabling” food environment for children. One powerful food marketing technique is product packaging, but little is known about the nature or quality of child-targeted food products over time. This study assesses how child-targeted supermarket foods in Canada have transformed with respect to nutritional profile and types of marketing appeals (that is, the power of such marketing). Products from 2009 (n = 354) and from 2017 (n = 374) were first evaluated and compared in light of two established nutritional criteria, and then compared in terms of marketing techniques on packages. Overall, child-targeted supermarket foods did not improve nutritionally over time: 88% of child-targeted products (across both datasets) would not be permitted to be marketed to children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and sugar levels remained consistently high. Despite this poor nutritional quality, the use of nutrition claims increased significantly over time, as did the use of cartoon characters and appealing fonts to attract children’s attention. Character licensing—using characters from entertainment companies—remained consistent. The findings reveal the critical need to consider packaging as part of the strategy for protecting children from unhealthy food marketing. Given the poor nutritional quality and appealing nature of child-oriented supermarket foods, food product packaging needs to be included in the WHO’s call to improve the restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children.
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Sussman RL, McMahon AT, Neale EP. An Audit of the Nutrition and Health Claims on Breakfast Cereals in Supermarkets in the Illawarra Region of Australia. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071604. [PMID: 31311152 PMCID: PMC6683094 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and health claims can promote healthier food choices but may lead to consumer confusion if misused. Regular monitoring of claims is therefore required. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of nutrition and health claims carried on breakfast cereals in supermarkets, and to assess claim compliance with regulations. Nutrition and health claims on breakfast cereal products across five supermarkets in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia, were recorded in a cross-sectional audit. Prevalence of claim type and claim compliance was determined. Claims were compared across categories of breakfast cereal. Almost all (95.7%) products audited carried at least one nutrition or health claim; nutrition content (n = 1096) was more prevalent than health claims (n = 213). Most claims (91.6%) were compliant with regulations. Additionally, claim prevalence and type differed according to breakfast cereal category, with the highest proportion of claims appearing on ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘muesli’ products. There is a high prevalence of nutrition and health claims on breakfast cereals, with most claims compliant with regulations. Research should investigate consumer interpretation of claims and the impact of applying nutrient profiling for all claims to assist consumers to make informed health choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romi L Sussman
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne T McMahon
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth P Neale
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, New South Wales, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, New South Wales, Australia.
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25
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García AL, Morillo-Santander G, Parrett A, Mutoro AN. Confused health and nutrition claims in food marketing to children could adversely affect food choice and increase risk of obesity. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:541-546. [PMID: 30530844 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in the UK and to explore the use of health and nutrition claims. DESIGN This cross-sectional study was carried out in a wide range of UK food retailers. Products marketed to children above the age of 1 year containing any of a range of child friendly themes (i.e. cartoons, toys and promotions), and terms suggesting a nutritious or healthy attribute such as 'one of 5-a-day', on product packaging were identified both in stores and online. Information on sugar, salt and fat content, as well as health and nutrition claims, was recorded. The Ofcom nutrient profiling model (NPM) was used to assess if products were healthy. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty-two products, including breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, fruit-based drinks, dairy products and ready meals, were sampled. The use of cartoon characters (91.6%), nutrition claims (41.6%) and health claims (19.6%) was a common marketing technique. The one of 5-a-day claim was also common (41.6%), but 75.4% (103) of products which made this claim were made up of less than 80 g of fruit and vegetables. Sugar content (mean±SD per 100 g) was high in fruit snacks (48.4±16.2 g), cereal bars (28.9±7.5 g) and cereals (22.9±8.0 g). Overall, 41.0% of the products were classified as less healthy according to the Ofcom NPM. CONCLUSION A large proportion of products marketed to children through product packaging are less healthy, and claims used on product packaging are confusing. Uniform guidance would avoid confusion on nutritional quality of many popular foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada L García
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gabriela Morillo-Santander
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison Parrett
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonina N Mutoro
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Aerts G, Smits T. Child-targeted on-pack communications in Belgian supermarkets: associations with nutritional value and type of brand. Health Promot Int 2019; 34:71-81. [PMID: 28973405 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dax057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Persuasive on-pack marketing strategies, such as colourful images and games, affect children's preferences and requests. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of these child-directed (i.e. aimed at children) strategies on food packages at a Belgian retailer. Although previous research already demonstrated the frequency of most of these techniques directed at children, this paper extends to food pricing and facing strategies (i.e. the number of items from the same product aligned next to each other in the supermarket shelves) which were unstudied till now. Moreover, the association between the use of these strategies, the products' (un)healthiness and their type of brand (national vs. private) is investigated. The content analysis found that 372 food products contained one or more child-directed marketing strategies on-pack, all these communications were coded; the products could be classified in 15 food categories. On average, 3.9 (Min = 1; Max = 8) food promotion techniques were used per package. Unhealthiness of products was rated according to Food Standards Agency (FSA) Nutrient Profile UK. We found that 89.2% of all products with child-directed strategies were considered to be unhealthy. The presence of marketing strategies was associated with higher product unhealthiness, but did not differ much between types of brand. Overall, these findings suggest that (unhealthy) foods aimed at children typically feature many on-pack persuasive communications, which implies that policy makers should (continue to) monitor this. These findings highlight the need for further research to investigate the impact of on-pack communications on children's consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goele Aerts
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute for Media Studies, Parkstraat 45 Box 3603, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Smits
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute for Media Studies, Parkstraat 45 Box 3603, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Ansorena D, Cama S, Alejandre M, Astiasarán I. Health-related messages in the labeling of processed meat products: a market evaluation. Food Nutr Res 2019; 63:3358. [PMID: 31105508 PMCID: PMC6503640 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v63.3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food labeling is an important communication tool for the exposure of nutrition information in foods. Objective The presence of labeling messages related to nutrients, health properties, allergens, and additives in meat products marketed in Spain was analyzed in this work. The data collection was done through the web pages of six Spanish meat industries, and 642 products were gathered. The following labeling information was collected: the presence of nutrition claims, the presence of health claims, messages indicating the absence of additives, and those reporting the absence or presence of allergenic substances. Results A total of 1,254 messages were found with the following distribution: 72% were related to the presence/absence of allergens, 19% were nutrition claims, 8% were messages related to the absence of additives, and only 0.4% were health claims. Fat was the nutrient most frequently referred in the nutrition claims, accounting for a 63.5% of this type of claims, with the expression ‘low-fat’, as the most used (42% of total nutrition claims). Prevalence of processed meat products that showed nutrition claims was 29%, whereas the percentage of products that showed information about allergenic compounds was 83%. Conclusion This work provides information about the presence of health-related messages in a high number of meat products, which could be useful as a tool for marketing purposes or for consumer trends evaluation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ansorena
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandivel Cama
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Alejandre
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iciar Astiasarán
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Franco-Arellano B, Kim MA, Vandevijvere S, Bernstein JT, Labonté MÈ, Mulligan C, L'Abbé MR. Assessment of Packaged Foods and Beverages Carrying Nutrition Marketing against Canada's Food Guide Recommendations. Nutrients 2019; 11:E411. [PMID: 30781351 PMCID: PMC6412409 DOI: 10.3390/nu11020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Canadians' food purchases consist largely of packaged processed and ultra-processed products, which typically fall outside the "core" foods recommended by Canada's Food Guide (CFG). Almost half of packaged products in Canada carry nutrition marketing (i.e., nutrient content and health claims). This study assessed whether packaged foods carrying nutrition marketing align with recommendations outlined in the 2007 CFG. Label data (n = 9376) were extracted from the 2013 Food Label Information Program (FLIP). Label components (including nutrition marketing) were classified using the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) labelling taxonomy. The Health Canada Surveillance Tool (HCST) was used to assess the alignment of products to CFG. Each food or beverage was classified into one of five groups (i.e., Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, "Others"). Products in Tier 1, 2 or water were considered "in line with CFG". Most products in the analyzed sample were classified as Tier 2 (35%) and Tier 3 (27%). Although foods with nutrition marketing were significantly more likely to align to CFG recommendations (p < 0.001), many products not "in line with CFG" still carried nutrition marketing. This study provides important baseline data that could be used upon the implementation of the new CFG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Franco-Arellano
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Min Ah Kim
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Jodi T Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Labonté
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- School of Nutrition & Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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A label survey to identify ingredients potentially containing GM organisms to estimate intake exposure in Brazil. Public Health Nutr 2018; 21:2698-2713. [PMID: 29970209 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980018001350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify ingredients from products and by-products derived from GM crops in packaged food products and to analyse the presence of these ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A search of the scientific literature to identify the use of products and by-products derived from GM crops in foods in Brazil and a study of food labels in a supermarket belonging to one of the ten largest supermarket chains in Brazil. SUBJECTS To identify the ingredients present in packaged food products and their nomenclatures, the labels of all packaged food products available for sale in a supermarket were analysed. Subsequently, the presence of potential GM ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population was analysed. RESULTS A total of twenty-eight GM crops' by-products with applications in the food industry (from soyabeans, corn, cotton and a yeast) were identified. Such by-products are presented as food ingredients or additives on food labels with 101 distinct nomenclatures. Most of the variety (63·8 %) and the quantity (64·5 %) of the foods most commonly consumed by Brazilians may contain a least one GM ingredient. CONCLUSIONS The presence of at least one potential GM ingredient was observed in more than half of the variety of foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population. Such ingredients were identified with distinct nomenclatures and incomplete descriptions, which may make it difficult to identify potential GM foods and confuse consumers when making food choices.
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Franco-Arellano B, Labonté MÈ, Bernstein JT, L'Abbé MR. Examining the Nutritional Quality of Canadian Packaged Foods and Beverages with and without Nutrition Claims. Nutrients 2018; 10:E832. [PMID: 29954102 PMCID: PMC6073495 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient content claims, health claims, and front-of-pack symbols (henceforth referred to as “nutrition claims” in the present study) are often found on food labels in Canada. However, it is currently unknown whether foods and beverages (F&Bs) carrying nutrition claims have a more favourable nutritional profile than those without such claims. This study examined differences in the global nutritional quality, as determined by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (FSANZ-NPSC), of Canadian F&B bearing nutrition claims as compared to those without, as well as in their nutritional composition. Data (n = 15,184) was obtained from the University of Toronto 2013 Food Label Information Program. Forty-two percent of F&Bs carrying nutrition claims (n = 2930/6990) were found to be ineligible to carry claims based on the FSANZ-NPSC, in comparison to 66% of F&Bs without (n = 5401/8194, p < 0.001). Sugars and sweets, and miscellaneous products were the food categories with larger proportions of foods carrying nutrition claims not meeting the FSANZ-NPSC eligibility criteria. F&Bs with nutrition claims had fewer calories, less saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and higher content of protein and fibre than comparable products without nutrition claims (p < 0.05 in all cases). In conclusion, nearly half of F&Bs carrying nutrition claims in Canada did not meet the FSANZ-NPSC threshold, although Canadian products carrying nutrition claims have an overall “healthier” profile than their counterparts without such claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Franco-Arellano
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Ève Labonté
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jodi T Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
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The Impact of Nutrition and Health Claims on Consumer Perceptions and Portion Size Selection: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10050656. [PMID: 29789472 PMCID: PMC5986535 DOI: 10.3390/nu10050656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and health claims on foods can help consumers make healthier food choices. However, claims may have a ‘halo’ effect, influencing consumer perceptions of foods and increasing consumption. Evidence for these effects are typically demonstrated in experiments with small samples, limiting generalisability. The current study aimed to overcome this limitation through the use of a nationally representative survey. In a cross-sectional survey of 1039 adults across the island of Ireland, respondents were presented with three different claims (nutrition claim = “Low in fat”; health claim = “With plant sterols. Proven to lower cholesterol”; satiety claim = “Fuller for longer”) on four different foods (cereal, soup, lasagne, and yoghurt). Participants answered questions on perceived healthiness, tastiness, and fillingness of the products with different claims and also selected a portion size they would consume. Claims influenced fillingness perceptions of some of the foods. However, there was little influence of claims on tastiness or healthiness perceptions or the portion size selected. Psychological factors such as consumers’ familiarity with foods carrying claims and belief in the claims were the most consistent predictors of perceptions and portion size selection. Future research should identify additional consumer factors that may moderate the relationships between claims, perceptions, and consumption.
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The Health Halo Trend in UK Television Food Advertising Viewed by Children: The Rise of Implicit and Explicit Health Messaging in the Promotion of Unhealthy Foods. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15030560. [PMID: 29558457 PMCID: PMC5877105 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the creative content within food marketing to children is strongly advocated by public health authorities, but few studies address the prevalence of health-related messaging in television adverts. Food and beverage adverts (n = 18,888 in 2008, n = 6664 in 2010) from UK television channels popular with children were coded and analyzed. Physical-activity depiction displayed an 18.8 percentage point increase from 2008 (4.4%) to 2010 (23.2%). Of the food adverts containing physical-activity depiction in 2010, 81.1% were for non-core foods. The appearance of health claims in food adverts in 2010 increased 4.1 percentage points from 2008 levels (20.7% to 24.8%) where the majority of food adverts featuring health and nutrition claims were for non-core foods (58.3%). Health-related (e.g., health/nutrition, weight loss/diet) appeals were used in 17.1% of food adverts during peak child-viewing times, rising to 33.0% of adverts shown on dedicated children's channels in 2010. Implicit (physical activity) and explicit (health claims) health messages are increasingly prevalent in UK television food advertising viewed by children, and are frequently used to promote unhealthy foods. Policy makers in the UK should consider amendments to the existing statutory approach in order to address this issue.
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Franco-Arellano B, Bernstein JT, Norsen S, Schermel A, L'Abbé MR. Assessing nutrition and other claims on food labels: a repeated cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian food supply. BMC Nutr 2017; 3:74. [PMID: 32153852 PMCID: PMC7050703 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-017-0192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2010, nutrition claims were investigated in Canadian foods; however, many nutrition and other claims have been introduced since then. This study aimed to determine: i) the proportion of foods carrying claims in 2013, ii) the types and prevalence of nutrition claims (nutrient content claims, health claims, general health claims) and other claims displayed on labels in 2013, iii) and trends in use of nutrition claims between 2010 and 2013. Methods Repeated cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) of Canadian foods (2010/11 n = 10,487; 2013 n = 15,342). Regulated nutrition claims (nutrient content, health claims) were classified according to Canadian regulations. A decision tree was used to classify non-regulated general health claims (e.g., front-of-pack claims). Other claims (e.g., gluten-free) were also collected. Proportions of claims in 2013 were determined and χ2 was used to test significant differences for different types of claims between 2010 and 2013. Results Overall, 49% of products in 2013 displayed any type of claim and 46% of foods in FLIP 2013 carried a nutrition claim (nutrient content claim, health claim, general health claim). Meal replacements and fruits/fruits juices were the categories with the largest proportion of foods with claims. At least one approved nutrient content claim was carried on 42.9% of products compared to 45.5% in 2010 (p < 0.001). Health claims, specifically disease risk reduction claims, were slightly lower in 2013 (1.5%) compared to 1.7% in 2010 (p = 0.225). General health claims, specifically front-of-pack claims, were carried on 20% of foods compared to 18.9% in 2010 (p = 0.020). Other claims, specifically gluten-free, were present on 7.3% of foods. Conclusions Nutrition and other claims were used on half of Canadian prepackaged foods in 2013. Many claims guidelines and regulations have been released since 2010; however, little impact has been seen in the prevalence of such claims in the food supply. Claims related to nutrients of public health priority, such as sugars and sodium, were not commonly used on food labels. Monitoring trends in the use of nutrition and other claims is essential to determine if their use on food labels reflects public health objectives, or instead are being used as marketing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Franco-Arellano
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Rm 315, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2 Canada
| | - Jodi T Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Rm 315, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2 Canada
| | - Sheida Norsen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Rm 315, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2 Canada
| | - Alyssa Schermel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Rm 315, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2 Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, FitzGerald Building, 150 College Street, Rm 315, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2 Canada
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Does the Valuation of Nutritional Claims Differ among Consumers? Insights from Spain. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9020132. [PMID: 28208811 PMCID: PMC5331563 DOI: 10.3390/nu9020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence in the market of food products with nutritional claims is increasing. The objective of this paper is to assess consumers’ valuation of some nutritional claims (‘high in fiber’ and ‘reduced saturated fat’) in a European country and to test for differences among consumers. An artefactual non-hypothetical experiment was carried out in a realistic setting (mock/real brick-and-mortar supermarket) with a sample of 121 Spanish consumers stratified by gender, age, and body mass index. A latent class model was specified and estimated with the data from the experiment. Results indicate that consumers positively valued both nutritional claims, but the valuation was heterogeneous, and three consumer segments were detected. Two of them positively valued both nutritional claims (named ‘nutritional claim seekers’), while the third segment’s valuation was negative (named ‘nutritional claim avoiders’). This last segment is characterized by being younger males with university studies who give the least importance to health, natural ingredients, and the calorie/sugar/fat content when shopping. They pay less attention to nutritional information, and they stated that they use this information to a lesser extent. These consumers showed the least interest in healthy eating, and they reported that they do not have health problems related to their diet.
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Protocol for a Randomized Trial Assessing Consumer Evaluations of Pre-Packaged Foods that Systematically Vary by Nutrition Information and Product Attributes. BMC Nutr 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40795-016-0119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Abstract
Nutrition and health claims are displayed to influence consumers' food choices. This study assessed the extent and nature of nutrition and health claims on the front-of-pack of 'healthy' and 'less-healthy' packaged foods in New Zealand. Foods from eight categories, for which consumption may affect the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, were selected from the 2014 Nutritrack database. The internationally standardised International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) taxonomy was used to classify claims on packages. The Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) was used to classify products as 'healthy' or 'less healthy'. In total, 7526 products were included, with 47 % (n 3557) classified as 'healthy'. More than one-third of products displayed at least one nutrition claim and 15 % featured at least one health claim on the front-of-pack. Claims were found on one-third of 'less-healthy' products; 26 % of those products displayed nutrition claims and 7 % featured health claims. About 45 % of 'healthy' products displayed nutrition claims and 23 % featured health claims. Out of 7058 individual claims, the majority (69 %) were found on 'healthy' products. Cereals displayed the greatest proportion of nutrition and health claims (1503 claims on 564 products), of which one-third were displayed on 'less-healthy' cereals. Such claims could be misleading consumers' perceptions of nutritional quality of foods. It needs to be explored how current regulations on nutrition and health claims in New Zealand could be further strengthened (e.g. using the NPSC for nutrition claims, including general health claims as per the INFORMAS taxonomy) to ensure consumers are protected and not misled.
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Kaur A, Scarborough P, Hieke S, Kusar A, Pravst I, Raats M, Rayner M. The nutritional quality of foods carrying health-related claims in Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. Eur J Clin Nutr 2016; 70:1388-1395. [PMID: 27406158 PMCID: PMC5153454 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2016.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Backgroung/Objectives: Compares the nutritional quality of pre-packaged foods carrying health-related claims with foods that do not carry health-related claims. Subject/Methods: Cross-sectional survey of pre-packaged foods available in Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom in 2013. A total of 2034 foods were randomly sampled from three food store types (a supermarket, a neighbourhood store and a discounter). Nutritional information was taken from nutrient declarations present on food labels and assessed through a comparison of mean levels, regression analyses and the application of a nutrient profile model currently used to regulate health claims in Australia and New Zealand (Food Standards Australia New Zealand's Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion, FSANZ NPSC). Results: Foods carrying health claims had, on average, lower levels, per 100 g, of the following nutrients, energy—29.3 kcal (P<0.05), protein—1.2 g (P<0.01), total sugars—3.1 g (P<0.05), saturated fat—2.4 g (P<0.001), and sodium—842 mg (P<0.001), and higher levels of fibre—0.8 g (P<0.001). A similar pattern was observed for foods carrying nutrition claims. Forty-three percent (confidence interval (CI) 41%, 45%) of foods passed the FSANZ NPSC, with foods carrying health claims more likely to pass (70%, CI 64%, 76%) than foods carrying nutrition claims (61%, CI 57%, 66%) or foods that did not carry either type of claim (36%, CI 34%, 38%). Conclusions: Foods carrying health-related claims have marginally better nutrition profiles than those that do not carry claims; these differences would be increased if the FSANZ NPSC was used to regulate health-related claims. It is unclear whether these relatively small differences have significant impacts on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kaur
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - P Scarborough
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Hieke
- European Food Information Council (EUFIC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Kusar
- Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - I Pravst
- Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Raats
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - M Rayner
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Poor nutrition-related policies and practices of global food companies under the spotlight. Public Health Nutr 2016; 19:955-7. [PMID: 27026624 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980016000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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39
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Hieke S, Kuljanic N, Pravst I, Miklavec K, Kaur A, Brown KA, Egan BM, Pfeifer K, Gracia A, Rayner M. Prevalence of Nutrition and Health-Related Claims on Pre-Packaged Foods: A Five-Country Study in Europe. Nutrients 2016; 8:137. [PMID: 26950149 PMCID: PMC4808866 DOI: 10.3390/nu8030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is part of the research undertaken in the EU funded project CLYMBOL ("Role of health-related CLaims and sYMBOLs in consumer behaviour"). The first phase of this project consisted of mapping the prevalence of symbolic and non-symbolic nutrition and health-related claims (NHC) on foods and non-alcoholic beverages in five European countries. Pre-packaged foods and drinks were sampled based on a standardized sampling protocol, using store lists or a store floor plan. Data collection took place across five countries, in three types of stores. A total of 2034 foods and drinks were sampled and packaging information was analyzed. At least one claim was identified for 26% (95% CI (24.0%-27.9%)) of all foods and drinks sampled. Six percent of these claims were symbolic. The majority of the claims were nutrition claims (64%), followed by health claims (29%) and health-related ingredient claims (6%). The most common health claims were nutrient and other function claims (47% of all claims), followed by disease risk reduction claims (5%). Eight percent of the health claims were children's development and health claims but these were only observed on less than 1% (0.4%-1.1%) of the foods. The category of foods for specific dietary use had the highest proportion of NHC (70% of foods carried a claim). The prevalence of symbolic and non-symbolic NHC varies across European countries and between different food categories. This study provides baseline data for policy makers and the food industry to monitor and evaluate the use of claims on food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hieke
- European Food Information Council, rue Paul-Emile Janson 6, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Nera Kuljanic
- European Food Information Council, rue Paul-Emile Janson 6, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Krista Miklavec
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Asha Kaur
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.
| | - Kerry A Brown
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Bernadette M Egan
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Katja Pfeifer
- Institute for Consumer and Behavioural Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Azucena Gracia
- Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mike Rayner
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.
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Pravst I, Kušar A. Consumers' Exposure to Nutrition and Health Claims on Pre-Packed Foods: Use of Sales Weighting for Assessing the Food Supply in Slovenia. Nutrients 2015; 7:9353-68. [PMID: 26569301 PMCID: PMC4663602 DOI: 10.3390/nu7115474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insights into the use of health-related information on foods are important for planning studies about the effects of such information on the consumer’s understanding, purchasing, and consumption of foods, and also support further food policy decisions. We tested the use of sales data for weighting consumers’ exposure to health-related labeling information in the Slovenian food supply. Food labeling data were collected from 6342 pre-packed foods available in four different food stores in Slovenia. Consumers’ exposure was calculated as the percentage of available food products with particular food information in the food category. In addition, 12-month sales data were used to calculate sales weighted exposure as a percentage of sold food products with certain food information in the food category. The consumer’s in-store and sales-weighted exposure to nutrition claims was 37% and 45%, respectively. Exposure to health claims was much lower (13%, 11% when sales-weighted). Health claims were mainly found in the form of general non-specific claims or function claims, while children’s development and reduction of disease risk claims were present on only 0.1% and 0.2% of the investigated foods, respectively. Sales data were found very useful for establishing a reliable estimation of consumers’ exposure to information provided on food labels. The high penetration of health-related information on food labels indicates that careful regulation of this area is appropriate. Further studies should focus on assessing the nutritional quality of foods labeled with nutrition and health claims, and understanding the importance of such labeling techniques for consumers’ food preferences and choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Pravst
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Anita Kušar
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
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