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Stiletto A, Vecchio R, Cembalo L, Trestini S. The impact of nutri-score on consumers' preferences for geographical indications. Evidence from a non-hypothetical experiment. Appetite 2024; 199:107400. [PMID: 38735306 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The EU Farm to Fork strategy (F2F) promotes the compulsory adoption of a nutritional front of pack label to improve the diets of the citizens, supporting healthier food choices. In the public debate, Nutri-Score (NS) is the most favored candidate. Although being widely supported, oppositions on the political and producer levels are raised against the NS, due to the economic impact it could have on specific food sector, and specifically on Geographical Indications (GIs). Recent literature has stressed the need to explore it in more detail. The current study contributes to fill this gap by analyzing consumers' monetary preferences for GI products labelled with different NS levels. An incentivized non-hypothetical experiment was conducted on 188 Italian consumers. Different products representing different levels of NS were used. Specifically, a conventional pasta and the Pasta di Gragnano PGI (NS = A), a conventional flatbread (piadina) and the Piadina Romagnola PGI (NSC), and a conventional hard cheese and the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO (NS = D) were considered in the survey. Results reveal that the NS elicits favorable responses and unfavorable reactions in consumers' preferences, aligning with expectations for A and D scores, respectively. The perceived healthiness of the product significantly affects consumers' WTP, increasing it. Results stress the need to have effective communication strategies within the EU to reach the F2F goals. NS diminishes the premium in prices associated with GIs independently from its level, when considering those consumers who value more the GIs. However, the most well-known GIs does not suffer from this negative effect of the NS, as the positive value associated to the GI offset the negative effect of the NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Stiletto
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Vecchio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Cembalo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Samuele Trestini
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
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2
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Magriplis E, Marakis G, Panagiotakos DB, Samona A, Kotopoulou S, Kouretas D, Smiliotopoulos T, Chourdakis M, Zampelas A. The Relation between Consumer Perception and Objective Understanding of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels (FOPNLs); Results from an Online Representative Survey. Nutrients 2024; 16:1751. [PMID: 38892684 PMCID: PMC11174983 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the efficacy of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FOPNLs) as a cost-effective tool for improving dietary choices among Greek consumers. The purpose of the study was to investigate Greek customers' preferences and comprehension of commonly used European FOPNL schemes. METHODS The Hellenic Food Authority and the Agricultural University of Athens performed a representative online survey in March 2022, titled "The Role of Nutritional Labelling in Public Perception and Food Procurement." Consumers responded to a questionnaire separated into two parts. Part one included (i) personal, sociodemographic information, and (ii) subjective opinions on the FOPNL schemes, and part two comprised (iii) an objective understanding of NutriScore and NutrInform Battery, using 15 different foods. Participants were randomly allocated to these groups, and general mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 1389 adults completed the first part of the survey, and 74.8% completed the second part. The Multiple Traffic Lights scheme was the preferred FOPNL, chosen by 48.4% of respondents, compared to 19.7% for NutrInform Battery and 12.3% for NutriScore. However, the mean objective assessment score was highest for NutriScore (5.8 ± 2.3) compared to NutrInform Battery (5.4 ± 1.9). CONCLUSION The results highlight the necessity for comprehensive nutrition education programs by showing a considerable gap between subjective preferences and an objective understanding of nutrition labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuella Magriplis
- Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.K.); (T.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Georgios Marakis
- Hellenic Food Authority, Leoforos Kifissias 124 & Iatridou 2, 11526 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Sciences & Education, Harokopio University, 17776 Athens, Greece;
| | - Aspasia Samona
- Hellenic Food Authority, Leoforos Kifissias 124 & Iatridou 2, 11526 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Sotiria Kotopoulou
- Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.K.); (T.S.); (A.Z.)
- Hellenic Food Authority, Leoforos Kifissias 124 & Iatridou 2, 11526 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Dimitris Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Theodoros Smiliotopoulos
- Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.K.); (T.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Michail Chourdakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Antonis Zampelas
- Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.K.); (T.S.); (A.Z.)
- Hellenic Food Authority, Leoforos Kifissias 124 & Iatridou 2, 11526 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (A.S.)
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Zupo R, Castellana F, Piscitelli P, Crupi P, Desantis A, Greco E, Severino FP, Pulimeno M, Guazzini A, Kyriakides TC, Vasiliou V, Trichopoulou A, Soldati L, La Vecchia C, De Gaetano G, Donati MB, Colao A, Miani A, Corbo F, Clodoveo ML. Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool "Med-Index": an umbrella systematic review on health benefits of mediterranean diet principles and adherence in a planeterranean perspective. J Transl Med 2023; 21:755. [PMID: 37885010 PMCID: PMC10601192 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Med-Index is a one-health front-of-pack (FOP) label, based on Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) principles, developed to summarize information about the nutritional properties and related-health benefits of any food as well as its sustainable production processes, and the associated food company's social responsibility parameters in a new "Planeterranean" perspective. Thus, Med-Index can be adopted in and by any European region and authority as well as worldwide; this is achieved by consumption and cooking of locally available and sourced foods that respect MedDiet principles, both in terms of healthy nutrition and sustainable production. The huge body of scientific evidence about the health benefits of the MedDiet model and principles requires a comprehensive framework to encompass the scientific reliability and robustness of this tool. A systematic review was carried out to examine the association between human health and adherence to MedDiet patterns upon which the "Med-Index" tool was subsequently developed. METHODS MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for eligible publications from 1990 to April 2023. Systematic literature reviews, with or without meta-analysis, of clinical trials and observational studies were screened by two independent investigators for eligibility, data extraction, and quality assessment. English language and the time interval 1990-2023 were applied. A registry code CRD42023464807 was generated on PROSPERO and approved for this search protocol. The corrected covered area (CCA), calculated to quantify the degree of overlap between reviews, gave a slight overlap (CCA = 4%). RESULTS A total of 84 systematic reviews out of 6681 screened records were selected. Eligible reviews included studies with predominantly observational designs (61/84, 72.6%%), of which 26/61 referenced studies of mixed observational and RCT designs, while 23/84 (27.4%) were RCT-only systematic reviews. Seventy-nine different entries were identified for health outcomes, clustered into 10 macro-categories, each reporting a statistically significant association with exposure to the MedDiet. Adherence to MedDiet was found to strongly benefit age-related chronic diseases (21.5%), neurological disorders (19%), and obesity-related metabolic features (12.65), followed by CVDs (11.4%), cancer (10.1%), diabetes (7.5%), liver health (6.3%), inflammation (5%), mortality (5%), and renal health (1.2%). The quality of the studies was moderate to high. CONCLUSION In the context of a "Planeterranean" framework and perspective that can be adopted in any European region and worldwide, MedDiet represents a healthy and sustainable lifestyle model, able to prevent several diseases and reduce premature mortality. In addition, the availability of a FOP, such as Med-Index, might foster more conscious food choices among consumers, paying attention both to human and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Zupo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Castellana
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100, Bari, Italy
| | - Prisco Piscitelli
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), 20123, Milan, Italy.
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Crupi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100, Bari, Italy
| | - Addolorata Desantis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100, Bari, Italy
| | - Enrico Greco
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Paola Severino
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Pulimeno
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Guazzini
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Soldati
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Gaetano
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Colao
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), 20123, Milan, Italy.
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lisa Clodoveo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100, Bari, Italy
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Nutri-Score: Its Benefits and Limitations in Children's Feeding. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:e46-e60. [PMID: 36399776 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is one of the top priorities of public health policies worldwide. One of the recognized means of achieving this objective is to improve the diet quality. The Nutri-Score (N-S) is a [five-color-A, B, C, D, E letters] front-of-pack labeling logo intended to help consumers quickly identify the healthier prepackaged foods within a food category. Available studies have shown that the N-S is an efficient tool to achieve this aim in terms of consumers' awareness, perception, understanding, and purchasing and that its use may help to reduce the prevalence of NCDs. The N-S is currently implemented on a voluntary basis in 7 European countries and a discussion is underway within the European Commission to achieve a harmonized mandatory label. However, no study on the putative impact of the N-S on children's dietary patterns and health is available. The N-S is not applicable to infants' and young children's formulas and to specific baby foods, the compositions of which are already laid down in European Union regulations. The N-S does not replace age-appropriate dietary guidelines. As children consume an increasing number of adult type and processed foods, the relevance of the N-S for children should be evaluated considering the children's high specific requirements, especially in younger children. This is especially necessary for fitting fat and iron requirements, whereas protein-rich foods should be better framed. Moreover, efforts should be made to inform on how to use the N-S and in education on healthy diets.
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Fialon M, Babio N, Salas-Salvadó J, Galan P, Kesse-Guyot E, Touvier M, Deschasaux-Tanguy M, Sarda B, Hercberg S, Khoury N, Nabec L, Julia C. Comparative understanding and preference of Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery in a sample of Spanish consumers. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:293-298. [PMID: 36661062 PMCID: PMC10066476 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpretive front-of-pack labels (FoPLs) are supported by World Health Organization as an important policy tool to promote healthy diets. At present, various FoPLs formats co-exist in the European Union (EU). However, as part of the Farm to Fork strategy published in 2020, the European Commission stated that it would propose a single mandatory FoPL. The aim of this study was to analyze Spanish consumers' preference and objective understanding of Nutri-Score and NutrInform, two FoPLs that are currently the subject of debate in the EU. METHODS In a representative sample of 1026 Spanish adults (50% women, mean age ± SD = 46 ± 14 years), objective understanding was assessed by asking participants to identify the healthiest food products in three food categories (breakfast products, breakfast cereals and added fats). The preference dimensions were tested by asking participants about the perceived helpfulness of the FoPL in discriminating the nutritional quality of food products (subjective understanding) and their overall assessment of the FoPL's ease of use, informativeness, trust and liking (perception). RESULTS In terms of objective understanding, Nutri-Score was significantly associated with an increase in consumers' ability to identify healthier food products across all food categories compared with NutrInform [OR (odds ratio) = 19.1 [14.2-25.7], P < 0.0001]. On the preference dimension, Nutri-Score was perceived as significantly easier to use and was more liked than NutrInform (standardized principal component analysis dimension, respectively, 0.32 ± 1.58 vs. -0.29 ± 1.66, P < 0.0001 and 0.080 ± 1.18 vs. -0.072 ± 1.17, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS This study provides new evidence to support Nutri-Score in comparison with NutrInform in Spanish consumers, on both objective understanding and preference aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Fialon
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Nancy Babio
- Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Galan
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Mathilde Touvier
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Mélanie Deschasaux-Tanguy
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Barthélémy Sarda
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France
| | - Serge Hercberg
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France.,Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Nadine Khoury
- Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
| | - Lydiane Nabec
- Centre de Recherche Réseaux, Innovation, Territoire et Mondialisation (RITM), Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Julia
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, INSERM U1153, INRAE U1125, CNAM, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France.,Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
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6
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Improving the understanding of key nutritional elements to support healthier and more informed food choices: The effect of front-of-pack label bundles. Nutrition 2023; 105:111849. [PMID: 36279716 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111849] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the current open debate at the European level on what would be the best Front-of-Pack Label (FOPL) to support customers' healthier and more informed food choices, little effort has been dedicated to analyzing the potential effects of bundling existing FOPLs. This study aims to compare the effects of consumers' subjective understanding and liking of different types of FOPL bundles. METHODS We performed an experimental design by manipulating the FOPLs' scheme, where different types of FOPL bundles were designed according to the "directiveness" of the FOPLs' scheme. A "mixed" bundle was composed of a non-directive label (i.e., NutrInform Battery) and a directive label (i.e., Keyhole), and a "double-directive" bundle was composed of two directive labels (i.e., Nutri-Score and Keyhole). This study was conducted among a sample of 327 Swedish individuals responsible for purchases recruited through international web panel providers. RESULTS The results showed that a mixed bundle has been more effective than the double-directive bundle and the single-directive label (i.e., the existing FOPL in the investigated market) in allowing consumers to improve their subjective understanding (in terms of comprehensibility, help-to-shop, and complexity reduction) and liking towards the labels. CONCLUSIONS This study extends the current research on bundling in general and on FOPL bundles in particular by providing evidence regarding consumers' subjective understanding and liking of the labels. Additionally, the research provided findings that might be relevant for policymakers by suggesting to investigate bundle of FOPLs to help the consumers' understanding in their process toward healthier and more informed food choices.
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Donini LM, Berry EM, Folkvord F, Jansen L, Leroy F, Şimşek Ö, Fava F, Gobbetti M, Lenzi A. Front-of-pack labels: "Directive" versus "informative" approaches. Nutrition 2023; 105:111861. [PMID: 36401998 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111861] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) aim at communicating to consumers the health value of food items in support of public health policies. Two main types can be discerned: directive and semidirective FOPLs using color schemes (e.g., Nutri-Score) and informative FOPLs (e.g., Nutrinform Battery). Directive approaches tend to show a "wear-out effect" and, additionally, they tend to have various underlying conceptual problems. Usually, their nutritional scores are calculated using changing, arbitrary algorithms and involve a reductionist set of parameters of debatable validity. Thus, they overstate the effects of selected nutritional factors, such as saturated fat and energy, while overlooking the food matrix and the more holistic aspects of nourishment. Moreover, they do not reflect the portion that is consumed, ignore the preparation steps at home, and fail to serve as a useful basis for composing a healthy diet. Also, so long as the nutritional formulations match the algorithmic standards, they tend to allow ultra-processed products. Thus, this might confuse and mislead consumers. Overconfidence in green-colored labels could even result in unbalanced dietary choices, whereas avoidance of red products may eliminate certain foods from the diet that are rich in essential nutrients (e.g., cheese), leading to opposite results than aimed for. The latter is particularly relevant to vulnerable populations, such as the young, pregnant women, and older adults, or for individuals with specific needs. Taken together, directive FOPLs such as Nutri-Score contradict the declared intent of the European Commission to empower consumers to undertake healthy and balanced diets based on easily accessible and robust information. Although informative systems usually also keep the focus on a few selected nutritional parameters, they have are less paternalizing and obviate the need to classify foods as healthy or unhealthy. They also focus attention on the individual portions that are consumed (even if the definition of portion size remains contentious). Given the importance of dietary patterns, rather than individual foods or nutrients, directiveFOPLs of the Nutri-Score type represent a regretful case of nutritionism. Finally, attempts to associate the adoption of a FOPL with an improvement in the health status are few and mainly applied in virtual settings; none of which are longitudinal, nor have they been able to identify a causal link.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elliot M Berry
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Frans Folkvord
- Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands; PredictBy, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Léon Jansen
- Schuttelaar & Partners, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Ömer Şimşek
- Yildiz Technical University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fabio Fava
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Italian Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences (CNBBSV), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- Italian Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences (CNBBSV), Rome, Italy; University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Italian Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences (CNBBSV), Rome, Italy
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8
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Batista MF, de Carvalho-Ferreira JP, Thimoteo da Cunha D, De Rosso VV. Front-of-package nutrition labeling as a driver for healthier food choices: Lessons learned and future perspectives. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:535-586. [PMID: 36514235 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13085] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of front-of-package nutritional labeling (FOPL), identify and characterize the major existing FOPL systems, examine the impact of FOPL systems on consumer behavior, and discuss future perspectives. The searched databases were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and papers in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French were considered. The integrative review method was used, comprising 68 papers. The FOPL system from more than 47 countries from North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia was included in this study. The two main ways to characterize FOPL are the level of interpretation and the type of information provided. Interpretive schemes (such as warning labels, multiple traffic lights, and Nutri-Score) appear to lead to better consumer understanding and support healthier food purchases. However, due to the differences among the results and the specificity of the contexts in which they are used, it is impossible to define one FOPL interpretation scheme superior to the others. Some potential factors that influence the effectiveness of FOPL on consumer attitudes have been identified, such as food taste, as a major intrinsic factor. Extrinsic factors, such as price, food category, cultural diversity, politics, and economics, were also relevant. The lack of availability of similar alternatives, lack of understanding of the importance of FOPL, and lower levels of income and education were also some cognitive and social aspects impairing FOPL effectiveness. Prospects for the United States, Europe, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Frazão Batista
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Nutrition and Food Service Research Center, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, Brazil
| | - Joana Pereira de Carvalho-Ferreira
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, Brazil.,School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Brazil
| | | | - Veridiana Vera De Rosso
- Nutrition and Food Service Research Center, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, Brazil
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9
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Fialon M, Nabec L, Julia C. Legitimacy of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels: Controversy Over the Deployment of the Nutri-Score in Italy. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2574-2587. [PMID: 35219283 PMCID: PMC9818094 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-of-pack nutrition labels (FoPLs) aim at increasing transparency and consumers' awareness of the nutritional composition of pre-packed food products in order to improve the nutritional quality of their food choices. Nevertheless, the legitimacy of the Nutri-Score - the FoPL officially adopted in France and several other European countries - is subject to both technical and political controversy, particularly in Italy. In this study, we investigated how and by whom the legitimacy of the Nutri-Score, recognized by several institutional authorities, could be deconstructed within a specific system of norms, values and beliefs among Italian stakeholders. METHODS A netnography completed with qualitative interviews with eight Italian and French nutrition and public health experts were carried out to highlight the dimensions (pragmatic, normative and cognitive) in which the Nutri-Score's legitimacy is being challenged among the stakeholders involved in FoPLs' implementation in Italy. The degree of influence and the position of these stakeholders on the debate around the Nutri-Score were assessed through the Stakeholder Theory (SHT), using their respective level of power, legitimacy and urgency. Furthermore, we compared the Italian and the French contexts on the issue. RESULTS The direct implication of political parties and media outlets in framing the Italian debate around Nutri-Score as well as the high influence of corporate unions, led to a different political outcome than in France. Results also show that the deconstruction of the legitimacy of the Nutri-Score in Italy pertained mainly to its pragmatic dimension according to the Italian public health experts. Nevertheless, its two other dimensions (normative and cognitive) are also questioned by high-influence stakeholders. CONCLUSION Due to the limited mobilization of scientific expertise over the issue, the debate in Italy stayed centered around the "attack" of the Nutri-Score to the Italian way of life, mixing up concepts such as Made in Italy products and the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Fialon
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Sorbonne Paris Nord University/INSERM U1153/INRAE U1125/CNAM, Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), Paris, France
| | - Lydiane Nabec
- Centre de Recherche Réseaux, Innovation, Territoire et Mondialisation (RITM), Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Julia
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Sorbonne Paris Nord University/INSERM U1153/INRAE U1125/CNAM, Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris (CRESS), Paris, France
- Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
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10
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Kotsiou OS, Fradelos EC, Papathanasiou IV, Malli F, Papagiannis D, Mantzaris DC, Julia C, Hercberg S, Galan P, Fialon M, Gourgoulianis KI. Guideline Daily Amounts Versus Nutri-Score Labeling: Perceptions of Greek Consumers About Front-of-Pack Label. Cureus 2022; 14:e32198. [PMID: 36620800 PMCID: PMC9811601 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition information is becoming more urgent than ever so that consumers can make informed choices when buying food. This study aimed to investigate consumers' perceptions and behavior of the front-of-pack label (FOPL), between two specific labeling systems, the Nutri-Score and the Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA). This is a post hoc analysis of data from a previous, more extensive cross-sectional study conducted from April 2021 to June 2021. A total of 510 participants were included in the study, of whom 49.6% were women. Participants' perceptions were assessed in nine questions on a five-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree). Multivariate variance analysis (MANOVA) was performed to test the effects of the label GDA vs. Nutri-Score on the overall positive and negative perceptions. We found that the Nutri-Score label was significantly more understandable (p=0.003), clear, visible, and preferable (p<0.001) than the GDA label, which required more time to be understood. The findings indicate that the interpretive label, Nutri-Score, was superior to the non-interpretive label GDA, in terms of consumers' perception, more visibility, less time-consuming, and reliability. The FOPL can improve the ability of consumers in Greece to understand the healthfulness of food products.
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11
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Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery: Effects on Performance and Preference in Italian Consumers. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173511. [PMID: 36079769 PMCID: PMC9459720 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In May 2020, the European Commission announced a proposal for a mandatory front-of-pack label (FoPL) for all European Union (EU) countries. Indeed, FoPLs have been recognized by several public institutions as a cost-effective measure to guide consumers toward nutritionally favorable food products. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and consumer preference of two FoPLs currently proposed or implemented in EU countries, the interpretive format Nutri-Score and the non-interpretive format NutrInform Battery, among Italian consumers. The experimental study was conducted in 2021 on a representative sample of 1064 Italian adults (mean age = 46.5 ± 14.1 years; 48% men). Participants were randomized to either Nutri-Score or NutrInform and had to fill out an online questionnaire testing their objective understanding of the FoPL on three food categories (breakfast products, breakfast cereals and added fats) as well as purchase intention, subjective understanding and perception. Multivariable logistic regressions and t-tests were used to analyze the answers. In terms of the capacity of participants to identify the most nutritionally favorable products, Nutri-Score outperformed NutrInform in all food categories, with the highest odds ratio being observed for added fats (OR = 21.7 [15.3−31.1], p < 0.0001). Overall, with Nutri-Score, Italian participants were more likely to intend to purchase nutritionally favorable products than with NutrInform (OR = 5.29 [4.02−6.97], p < 0.0001). Focusing on olive oil, participants of the Nutri-Score group had higher purchase intention of olive oil compared to those in the NutrInform group (OR = 1.92 [1.42−2.60], p < 0.0001) after manipulating the label. The interpretive format Nutri-Score appears to be a more efficient tool than NutrInform for orienting Italian consumers towards more nutritionally favorable food choices.
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12
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Martini D, Marangoni F, Banterle A, Donini LM, Riccardi G, Poli A, Pellegrini N. Relationship between front-of-pack labeling and nutritional characteristics of food products: An attempt of an analytical approach. Front Nutr 2022; 9:963592. [PMID: 36061903 PMCID: PMC9437431 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.963592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoption of supplementary nutrition information, i.e., front-of-pack labeling (FOPL), on pre-packed food products is advocated as a tool to improve the consumers' knowledge of the nutrient content or the nutritional quality of foods, but also to drive products reformulation by the food industry. Ultimately, FOPL should help people to select foods in order to compose an overall balanced diet, which is essential for health. However, the extent to which the different FOPL systems proposed in the European Union (EU) (interpretative or informative) are effectively able to convey the information useful to improve both food choices and dietary habits of the consumers is still under debate and needs to be analyzed in detail. The use of 3 FOPL schemes proposed within the EU (Nutri-Score, Keyhole and NutrInform Battery) to compare products available on the Italian market within different food categories, highlights some critical issues: (1) different FOPL provide to consumers different kinds of information; (2) systems based on similar theoretical approaches can provide conflicting information; (3) the algorithms on which interpretative FOPL are based can give the same summary information for products differing in nutrient composition, impact on the overall dietary balance and therefore on the health of people with different characteristics, physiological/pathological conditions, and nutritional requirements; (4) on the other hand, products with similar nutrient composition can obtain different interpretative FOPL; (5) informative systems are generally more complex and require greater both attention and knowledge from the consumer; (6) FOPL based on 100 g of product overlook the role of portion (and frequency of consumption) in determining the nutrient intake without informing on the contribution of a single food to the overall diet; (7) FOPL based on scoring systems could promote the reformulation of selected products, especially with a composition very close to the threshold limits; (8) for the portion-based informative FOPL systems, the incentive for reformulation could essentially involve the reduction of portion size. Finally, the importance of nutritional education interventions, which are required to encourage the use by consumers of informative FOPL systems, cannot be neglected to improve the quality of diets regardless of the FOPL used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Banterle
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Riccardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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13
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Mazzù MF, Baccelloni A, Finistauri P. Uncovering the Effect of European Policy-Making Initiatives in Addressing Nutrition-Related Issues: A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis on Front-of-Pack Labels. Nutrients 2022; 14:3423. [PMID: 36014929 PMCID: PMC9414449 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decades have been marked by the introduction of front-of-pack labels (FoPL) as an institutional corrective action against obesity and nutrition-related illnesses. However, FoPL-related policy-making initiatives issued by the European Union evolved over time and led to a diversity of labels with different effects on consumers' decisions. As a result, the extant literature adapted to the regulative scenario over the years and investigated the effects of the labels, creating consensus on some topics while being fragmented on others. Similarly, policy-makers adapted some regulations to the evidence supported by the research. With the aim to systematize the overall structure and evolution of the literature on FoPL, investigate the presence of a consensus on specific topics through a co-citation analysis, and examine the evolution of the consensus and co-citation networks over the years and potential research gaps, we report the results of bibliometric and co-citation analyses and a systematic literature review involving 170 papers and a selection of 49 articles published in the last months, for a total of 219 articles, analysed according to three timespans (Period 1 (1989-2011); Period 2 (2012-2016) and Period 3 (2017-2022)). Our findings highlight the interplay of policy development and FoPL research, the presence of few self-reinforcing and well-established co-citation networks based on validated evidence in the literature and the presence of alternative emerging theories that offer different and valid perspectives overlooked by mainstream co-citation research networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Baccelloni
- Department of Communication and Social Research, Sapienza University, Via Salaria 113, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Finistauri
- Department of Business and Management, Luiss University, Viale Romania 32, 00197 Rome, Italy
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14
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Carruba MO, Caretto A, De Lorenzo A, Fatati G, Ghiselli A, Lucchin L, Maffeis C, Malavazos A, Malfi G, Riva E, Ruocco C, Santini F, Silano M, Valerio A, Vania A, Nisoli E. Front-of-pack (FOP) labelling systems to improve the quality of nutrition information to prevent obesity: NutrInform Battery vs Nutri-Score. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1575-1584. [PMID: 34664216 PMCID: PMC9123065 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many systems for classifying food products to adequately predict lower all-cause morbidity and mortality have been proposed as front-of-pack (FOP) nutritional labels. Although the efforts and advances that these systems represent for public health must be appreciated, as scientists involved in nutrition research and belonging to diverse Italian nutrition scientific societies, we would like to draw stakeholders' attention to the fact that some FOP labels risk being not correctly informative to consumers' awareness of nutritional food quality. The European Commission has explicitly called for such a nutrition information system to be part of the European "strategy on nutrition, overweight and obesity-related issues" to "facilitate consumer understanding of the contribution or importance of the food to the energy and nutrient content of a diet". Some European countries have adopted the popular French proposal Nutri-Score. However, many critical limits and inadequacies have been identified in this system. As an alternative, we endorse a new enriched informative label-the NutrInform Battery-promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health and deeply studied by the Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Milan University. Therefore, the present position paper limits comparing these two FOP nutritional labels, focusing on the evidence suggesting that the NutrInform Battery can help consumers better than the Nutri-Score system to understand nutritional information, potentially improving dietary choices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II. Evidence was obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele O Carruba
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonio Caretto
- Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Nutrition, Hospital of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Division of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Claudio Maffeis
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexis Malavazos
- Endocrinology Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Cardiovascular Prevention Service, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Malfi
- Department of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Riva
- Italian Society of Paediatric Nutrition, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruocco
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Silano
- Unità Operativa Alimentazione, Nutrizione e Salute, Dipartimento Sicurezza Alimentare, Nutrizione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Valerio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia University, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Vania
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Neuropsychiatry, La Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Nisoli
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Are Front-of-Pack Labels a Health Policy Tool? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040771. [PMID: 35215421 PMCID: PMC8879020 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To stem the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) have been developed since 1989. Whereas several countries have already adopted one voluntarily, the European Community wants to harmonize an FOPL system that will be mandatory for all member states. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe what could be achieved or not by FOPLs, and to discuss if there is enough evidence to establish whether such labels are effective in modifying purchasing behavior, in directing individual dietary patterns towards a healthy and sustainable diet, and in reformulating food products by the food industry. Non-directive FOPLs, which are still under study, appear to be informative and well-accepted by consumers even if they require a cognitive effort. Conversely, directive FOPLs are supported by several studies, but they are mostly conducted in simulated scenarios and/or performed as retrospective studies. Nevertheless, directive FOPLs are rated as an intuitive tool, and they have demonstrated a high capacity to help consumers rank food products as more or less healthy. In conclusion, directive and non-directive FOPLs convey different messages. No FOPL individually can be considered exhaustive in relation to all the objectives outlined in this narrative review, and therefore, the development of a model synthesizing both messages is advisable. Many questions remain open, such as the possibility of reformulating pre-packaged products, how to deal with traditional products, and the impact on the incidence of NCDs and obesity. In the light of the complexity of factors that condition consumption choices and health, none of the current FOPLs can be considered a health policy tool on its own. The possibility of development remains open, but as the state of the art, these tools do not seem to be able to achieve all the European Community goals together. We can speculate that they could meet these goals only if they are integrated into a multi-tiered, structured health policy intervention.
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Baccelloni A, Giambarresi A, Mazzù MF. Effects on Consumers' Subjective Understanding and Liking of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels: A Study on Slovenian and Dutch Consumers. Foods 2021; 10:2958. [PMID: 34945512 PMCID: PMC8700679 DOI: 10.3390/foods10122958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of the ongoing debate on front-of-pack labels (FOPL), extant research highlights a lack of clear indications on which label is most effective in increasing consumers' knowledge of food nutritional quality, and in favoring informed food choices. In this study, we have compared the effects of two different labels, one nutrient-specific label (i.e., NutrInform Battery) and one summary label (i.e., Nutri-Score), in terms of consumers' "subjective understanding" and "liking". Our work advances prior research on FOPL performance by focusing on two different countries-which have different socio-political contexts and which, from previous studies, present limited evidence on the topic-Slovenia, currently utilizing the Protective Food logo, and the Netherlands, who has recently adopted the Nutri-Score. The study also confirms, in line with previous research, a higher effectiveness of the nutrient-specific label, NutrInform Battery, on all analyzed dimensions in tested countries, when compared to the summary label, Nutri-Score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Baccelloni
- Department of Communication and Social Research, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria, 00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Giambarresi
- Department of Business and Management, LUISS Guido Carli University, Viale Romania, 00197 Rome, Italy;
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SINU Scientific Board, SINU Scientific Committee. "Front-of-pack" nutrition labeling. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:2989-2992. [PMID: 34565661 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Excess intake of energy, sugars, salt and saturated fats is an important causal factor of obesity and related non-communicable diseases. In order to help consumers to make healthy food choices, many European countries have developed proposals for "front-of-pack" food labeling, intended as an integration to the nutritional information provided by the mandatory nutritional declaration. Based on the European strategic program "Farm to Fork", the intention is to achieve a harmonized front-of-pack label proposal by Q4 2022. Among the different proposals, the one which received most attention by experts and greater feedback by the EU member countries is the Nutri-Score, a tool based on an algorithm whereby a "quality" category ranging from A to E is assigned to each single food on a background colored from dark green to dark orange. As an alternative to Nutri-Score, the NutrInform Battery has been developed by Italy in association with a few other EU member states: this proposal is objectively alternative to the Nutri-Score proposal due to a different underlying philosophy, in particular for its informative and educational intent rather than purchase orientation. The present document, prepared by the Scientific Board and reviewed by the Scientific Council of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, represents the scientific-based position of the Society in relation to the general theme of front-of-pack labeling and in particular to the dualism created between the Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery proposals.
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18
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Mazzù MF, Romani S, Baccelloni A, Lavini L. Introducing the Front-Of-Pack Acceptance Model: the role of usefulness and ease of use in European consumers' acceptance of Front-Of-Pack Labels. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2021; 73:378-395. [PMID: 34583617 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1980866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing attention to the utilisation of Front-Of-Pack Labels (FOPLs) as a tool to prompt individuals towards healthier food choices has been observed both in regulatory bodies and academic research. However, few theoretical models have been used to understand their role in consumer decision-making, as well as the antecedents that induce individuals to accept the information provided by the label, and to benchmark FOPL performance in different markets.Through a sequence of two studies conducted in Italy, France and the UK on 2812 primary grocery shoppers, we developed a new theoretical framework, the Front-Of-Pack Acceptance Model, applicable both in contexts in which FOPL are present, and in which they should be introduced. Our findings suggest a structural link between the usefulness and ease of use of the labels and the way consumers form their attitudes and intentions towards buying healthier products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Romani
- Department of Business and Management, LUISS "Guido Carli" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Baccelloni
- Department of Business and Management, LUISS "Guido Carli" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Lavini
- Department of Business and Management, LUISS "Guido Carli" University, Rome, Italy
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Mazzù MF, Romani S, Baccelloni A, Gambicorti A. A cross-country experimental study on consumers' subjective understanding and liking on front-of-pack nutrition labels. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2021; 72:833-847. [PMID: 33657942 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1873918] [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] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Different Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutritional labels have been implemented in order to increase consumers' awareness of food nutritional quality and encourage healthier choices. However, few studies have analysed the effects of FOPLs on consumers' subjective understanding and liking across different socio-cultural contexts. This study tests the effect that the new enriched informative label NutrInform Battery and the summary label Nutri-Score have on subjective comprehension and liking across 2776 respondents of seven European countries (France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain). Main effects regarding socio-demographic differences are also explored according to extant literature and highlighting significant effects of education and income. This study therefore extends the current research on subjective understanding and liking with a cross-country analysis. Findings suggest that NutrInform Battery can help consumers in understanding information in a relevant way, obtaining the highest performance across countries and showing limited impact of socio-cultural differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Romani
- Department of Business and Management, Luiss University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Baccelloni
- Department of Business and Management, Luiss University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antea Gambicorti
- Department of Business and Management, Luiss University, Rome, Italy
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