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Melo G. Fruitful changes? Exploring household fruit purchase decisions following comprehensive food policy regulations in Chile. Appetite 2024; 198:107354. [PMID: 38642723 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107354] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Changes in unprocessed healthy food purchases associated with the implementation of comprehensive food policy remain understudied. This study analyzes whether, following the announcement, modification, and implementation of Chile's Food Labeling and Advertising law targeting highly processed food (occurring in 2012, 2015, and 2016, respectively), households improved their fruit purchase decisions: purchase participation (i.e., buying likelihood) and purchase quantity. Expenditure data from a representative sample of Chilean households were employed, covering two consecutive survey waves conducted in 2011/2012 and 2016/2017. After controlling for socioeconomic factors (e.g., prices and income), results indicate that only purchase participation increased, providing weak support for positive spillover effects of a comprehensive food policy on fruit purchases. Subsample analyses reveal that this increase was driven by college-educated, childless, and low-income households and was stronger for sweeter and more convenient fruits. Considering that households in Chile do not meet health recommendations for daily fruit intake, additional policy efforts targeting healthy, unprocessed food consumption could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Melo
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, USA.
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Moreira PVL, de Arruda Neta ADCP, Ferreira FELL, de Araújo JM, Rodrigues REDA, de Lima RLFC, Vianna RPDT, da Silva Neto JM, O’Flaherty M. Predicting the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Brazil: a modeling study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1275167. [PMID: 38756893 PMCID: PMC11096587 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1275167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims We adopted a modeling approach to predict the likely future prevalence of type 2 diabetes, taking into account demographic changes and trends in obesity and smoking in Brazil. We then used the model to estimate the likely future impact of different policy scenarios, such as policies to reduce obesity. Methods The IMPACT TYPE 2 DIABETES model uses a Markov approach to integrate population, obesity, and smoking trends to estimate future type 2 diabetes prevalence. We developed a model for the Brazilian population from 2006 to 2036. Data on the Brazilian population in relation to sex and age were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and data on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and smoking were collected from the Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL). Results The observed prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Brazilians aged over 25 years was 10.8% (5.2-14.3%) in 2006, increasing to 13.7% (6.9-18.4%) in 2020. Between 2006 and 2020, the observed prevalence in men increased from 11.0 to 19.1% and women from 10.6 to 21.3%. The model forecasts a dramatic rise in prevalence by 2036 (27.0% overall, 17.1% in men and 35.9% in women). However, if obesity prevalence declines by 1% per year from 2020 to 2036 (Scenario 1), the prevalence of diabetes decreases from 26.3 to 23.7, which represents approximately a 10.0% drop in 16 years. If obesity declined by 5% per year in 16 years as an optimistic target (Scenario 2), the prevalence of diabetes decreased from 26.3 to 21.2, representing a 19.4% drop in diabetes prevalence. Conclusion The model predicts an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Brazil. Even with ambitious targets to reduce obesity prevalence, type 2 diabetes in Brazil will continue to have a large impact on Brazilian public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin O’Flaherty
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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3
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de Faria NC, Andrade GMDP, Ruas CM, Claro RM, Braga LVM, Nilson EAF, Anastácio LR. Impact of implementation of front-of-package nutrition labeling on sugary beverage consumption and consequently on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity and related direct costs in Brazil: An estimate through a modeling study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289340. [PMID: 37566577 PMCID: PMC10420370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Intake of sugary beverages has been associated with obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases, thereby increasing the direct health costs related to these diseases. Front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) aims to help consumers understand food composition, thereby improving food choices and preventing the development of such diseases. OBJECTIVE To estimate, over five years, the impact of implementing FoPNL in Brazil on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity in adults who consume sugary beverages and the direct costs related to such problems. METHODS A simulation study to performed to estimate the effect of FoPNL implementation on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity. The VIGITEL research database (2019), published in the 2020 report, was used in this study (the final sample consisted of 12,471 data points representing 14,380,032 Brazilians). The scenarios were considered: base (trend in sugary beverage intake); 1 (base scenario associated with the changes in energy content of the purchased beverages observed after the first phase of the Chilean labeling law (-9.9%); and 2 (scenario 1 associated with reformulation of beverages, total energy reduction of -1.6%). Changes in body weight were estimated using the simulation model of Hall et al. (2011) over five years. A linear trend in the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight in the Brazilian population was considered. The impact of the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight on body mass index was estimated. In addition, the direct health costs related to obesity were estimated. RESULTS Energy consumption from sugary beverages after FoPNL implementation is expected to be reduced by approximately 28 kcal/day (95% CI, -30 to -27) considering scenario 1. In scenarios 1 and 2, without FoPNL, the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight over five years was estimated to be 25.3% and 25.2%, and 64.4% and 64.2%, respectively. By extrapolating the results to the entire Brazilian population, it was observed that the implementation of FoPNL may reduce the prevalence of obesity by -0.32 percentage points and -0.35 percentage points (scenario 1 and 2, respectively) and excess body weight by -0.42 percentage points and -0.48 percentage points (scenarios 1 and 2, respectively) in five years. It is estimated that after five years of implementation, it will be possible to save approximately US$ 5,5 millions (95% CI 4,7 to 8,8) in scenario 1, reaching approximately US$ 6,1 millions (95% CI 5,3 to 9,8) in scenario 2. CONCLUSION The results of this modeling study indicate that FoPNL may reduce prevalence of excess body weight and obesity, representing strategic public policies for obesity prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Cristina de Faria
- Post-Graduate Program in Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Mariano Ruas
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moreira Claro
- Department of Nutrition, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Centre for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health (NUPENS), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luíza Vargas Mascarenhas Braga
- Post-Graduate Program in Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson
- Centre for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health (NUPENS), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Rezende Anastácio
- Post-Graduate Program in Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Forde H, Chavez-Ugalde Y, Jones RA, Garrott K, Kotta PA, Greaves F, Targett V, White M, Adams J. The conceptualisation and operationalisation of 'marketing' in public health research: a review of reviews focused on food marketing using principles from critical interpretive synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1419. [PMID: 37488556 PMCID: PMC10367353 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive public health research reports the nature, scope and effects of various marketing activities used by food and drinks companies to support the sale of their products. Such literature informs the regulation of food marketing that encourages unhealthy eating behaviours and poor diet-related health outcomes. However, it is not clear whether this literature consistently conceptualises and applies marketing, which could in turn influence the approach and efficacy of policies to regulate food marketing. We aimed to understand the conceptualisation and operationalisation of marketing in public health research of food marketing, eventually focusing on the conceptualisation of integrated marketing. METHODS We conducted a review of reviews that drew on scoping review methods and applied principles of critical interpretive synthesis. Five databases of peer-reviewed literature and websites of relevant organisations were searched in June - August 2020. Articles were screened against inclusion criteria to identify reviews examining food marketing in a health context. Informative text segments from included articles were coded using NVivo. Codes were grouped into synthetic constructs and a synthesising argument. RESULTS After screening against inclusion criteria, 60 publications were eligible for inclusion. Informative text segments from 24 publications were coded, after which no new codes were identified. Our synthesising argument was that the understanding of integrated marketing appeared inconsistent across publications, such as by differences in use of underlying conceptual frameworks and in the application of terms such as marketing strategy and tactics. CONCLUSIONS Using our synthesising argument, we suggest ways to improve the future study of food marketing in public health research, for example by using in-depth case studies to understand the integrated operation and effect of multi-component marketing strategies. Improving conceptual clarity in the study of food marketing in public health research has the potential to inform policy that is more reflective of the true nature of marketing, and thus more effective in combating food marketing effects and protecting public health. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The review protocol was made publicly available on Open Science Framework prior to the start of the study (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VSJCW ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Forde
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, First Floor, 5 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Rebecca A Jones
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Kate Garrott
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Prasanti Alekhya Kotta
- Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Felix Greaves
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RP, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Victoria Targett
- Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
- Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Ganderats-Fuentes M, Morgan S. Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling and Its Impact on Food Industry Practices: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112630. [PMID: 37299593 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112630] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has become a major public health concern globally, and the food supply is a significant driver of this trend. Front-of-package (FOP) labels have been implemented in many countries to encourage healthier food choices. This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of FOP label implementation on food manufacturers' practices. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 39 relevant articles from 1990 to 2021. The studies indicated that FOP labels conveying intuitive information influenced product reformulation, whereas those with numerical information without specific guidance had no impact on reducing unhealthy nutrients. The most common outcomes were sodium, sugar, and calorie reduction. Mandatory policies reported higher and more consistent effects on product reformulation compared to voluntary approaches. Voluntary FOP labeling resulted in low uptake and tended to be applied to healthier products. Food manufacturers responded to FOP labeling heterogeneously, depending on the label design and type of enforcement. FOP label implementation can reduce nutrients of concern but food manufacturers behave strategically by labeling healthier choices. This review provides recommendations for maximizing the benefits of using FOP labels to prevent obesity, and findings can inform future public health research and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherry Morgan
- Holman Biotech Commons, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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López-Arana S, Peralta R, Sambra V, Abrigo K, Prado G, Cáceres P, Carvajal B, Gotteland M. Development and Relative Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Intake among Pregnant Women in Santiago, Chile: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112518. [PMID: 37299481 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) among pregnant women are scarce and have produced mixed results. One of the major challenges is to accurately assess NNS intake, especially in countries that have implemented policies to prevent obesity and where many foods and beverages have been progressively reformulated to partially or totally replace sugar with NNSs. This study aimed to develop and assess the relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for use in pregnant women. We developed an FFQ to examine the intake of seven NNSs (acesulfame-k, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, steviol glycosides, and D-tagatose). This questionnaire was piloted in 29 pregnant women (median age = 31.2 y; 25th-75th percentile: 26.9-34.7) to assess NNS intake over the previous month, compared to 3-day dietary records (3-DR). The validity of this dietary method was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, Lin´s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland-Altman plots. Spearman's correlations between the FFQ on NNSs and 3-DR ranged from 0.50 for acesulfame K to 0.83 for saccharin. CCC ranged between 0.22 and 0.66. The Bland-Altman plots showed an overestimation of saccharin, sucralose, and steviol glycosides intake by the FFQ on NNSs compared with 3-DR, and an underestimation of acesulfame K and aspartame. Overall, the NNSs most frequently consumed were sucralose, and none of the participants exceeded the acceptable daily intake for any of the NNSs evaluated. The FFQ on NNSs seems to be reasonably valid in the assessment of NNSs among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra López-Arana
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Rebeca Peralta
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Av. El Líbano 5524, Macúl, Santiago 7830490, Chile
| | - Verónica Sambra
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Karen Abrigo
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Gabriel Prado
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Paola Cáceres
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Bielka Carvajal
- Department of Women and Newborn's Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Martin Gotteland
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Av. El Líbano 5524, Macúl, Santiago 7830490, Chile
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Lee JJ, Ahmed M, Ng A(P, Mulligan C, Flexner N, L’Abbé MR. Nutrient intakes and top food categories contributing to intakes of energy and nutrients-of-concern consumed by Canadian adults that would require a 'high-in' front-of-pack symbol according to Canadian labelling regulations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285095. [PMID: 37200252 PMCID: PMC10194982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Canada recently mandated front-of-pack (FOP) labelling regulations, where foods meeting and/or exceeding recommended thresholds for nutrients-of-concern (i.e., saturated fat, sodium, and sugars) must display a 'high-in' FOP nutrition symbol. However, there is limited research on the amounts and sources of foods consumed by Canadians that would require a FOP symbol. The objective was to examine the intakes of nutrients-of-concern from foods that would display a FOP symbol and to identify the top food categories contributing to intakes for each nutrient-of-concern. Using the first day 24-hour dietary recall from the nationally representative 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition (CCHS), Canadian adults' intakes of nutrients-of-concern from foods that would display a FOP symbol was examined. Foods were assigned to 1 of 62 categories to identify the top food categories contributing to intakes of energy and nutrient-of-concern that would display a FOP symbol for each nutrient-of-concern. Canadian adults (n = 13,495) consumed approximately 24% of total calories from foods that would display a FOP symbol. Foods that would display a FOP symbol for exceeding thresholds for nutrients-of-concern accounted for 16% of saturated fat, 30% of sodium, 25% of total sugar, and 39% of free sugar intakes among Canadian adults. The top food category contributing intakes of each nutrient-of-concern that would display a FOP symbol were nutrient-specific: Processed meat and meat substitutes for saturated fat; Breads for sodium; and Fruit juices & drinks for total and free sugars. Our findings show that Canadian FOP labelling regulations have the potential to influence the intakes of nutrients-of-concern for Canadian adults. Using the findings as baseline data, future studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of FOP labelling regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J. Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mavra Ahmed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alena (Praneet) Ng
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadia Flexner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary R. L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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O’Mahony S, O’Donovan CB, Collins N, Burke K, Doyle G, Gibney ER. Reformulation of Processed Yogurt and Breakfast Cereals over Time: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3322. [PMID: 36834017 PMCID: PMC9964677 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poor diet is responsible for a quarter of European non-communicable disease (NCD)-related deaths. The reformulation of sugar, salt, and saturated fat in processed packaged foods offers an opportunity to reduce consumption of nutrients of concern and also support a reduction in energy intake. To date, there have been no publications measuring progress in food reformulation by compiling published evidence for a food category. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, characterize and summarise the findings of studies analysing the reformulation of processed yogurt and breakfast cereals. The review answered the research question: "What is the impact of food reformulation on the nutrient quality of yogurt and breakfast cereals available in the retail environment?" The research protocol was defined based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases were searched in May 2022. Thirteen studies, published between 2010 and 2021 and completed across seven countries were eligible for inclusion. There were sufficient eligible studies to identify trends in sodium, salt, and sugar reduction in breakfast cereals. However, there was minimal or no reduction in energy, which may bring into question the use of food reformulation as part of an overall health strategy for obesity reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead O’Mahony
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare B. O’Donovan
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nuala Collins
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin Burke
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gerardine Doyle
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Geary Institute of Public Policy, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen R. Gibney
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Ares G, Antúnez L, Curutchet MR, Giménez A. Warning labels as a policy tool to encourage healthier eating habits. Curr Opin Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2023.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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Zancheta Ricardo C, Duran AC, Grilo MF, Rebolledo N, Díaz-Torrente X, Reyes M, Corvalán C. Impact of the use of food ingredients and additives on the estimation of ultra-processed foods and beverages. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1046463. [PMID: 36704802 PMCID: PMC9872514 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1046463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), defined by the NOVA classification, has been associated with obesity and other health outcomes. However, some authors have criticized the UPF definition because it is somewhat subjective. Most studies identify UPF using food descriptions; nevertheless, NOVA developers described a list of ingredients, including substances not commonly used for cooking and "cosmetic additives" that could be used to identify UPF. Assessing the impact of the use of different UPF definitions is particularly relevant with respect to children's diet, because several dietary policies target this age group. Thus, our study compared the frequency of UPF among foods and beverages and their share in the diet of Chilean preschoolers using three different methods of identifying UPF. Methods We used cross-sectional 24-h dietary recall data from 962 preschoolers enrolled in the Food and Environment Chilean Cohort (FECHIC) in 2016. All foods and beverages consumed were classified according to NOVA, considering their description (classic method), the presence of ingredients markers of UPF (ingredient marker method), and the presence of markers plus all cosmetic additives (food additive method). We also estimated the caloric share and quintiles of UPF consumption using the three methods. We used kappa coefficients, consistency-of-agreement intra-class correlation (CA-ICC), absolute agreement intra-class correlation (AA-ICC), and weighted kappa coefficients for assessing agreement between methods. Results The proportion of UPF products were 65% in the "classic," 67% in the "ingredient marker," and 73% in the "food additive" method, and kappa coefficients between methods varied from 0.79 to 0. 91. The caloric share of UPF was 47, 52, and 58% with "classic," "ingredient marker," and "food additive" methods, respectively. Consistency-of-agreement was higher than the absolute agreement between the methods (CA-ICC = 0.81; AA-ICC = 0.74). For quintiles of UPF consumption, we found weighted kappa of 0.65 as measure of agreement between "classic" and "ingredient marker," and 0.51 between "classic" and "food additive" methods. Conclusion Searching for all possible markers of UPF in the list of ingredients increased the proportion of food products identified as UPF compared to the classic method. These differences affected the estimated caloric share of UPF in Chilean preschoolers' diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Zancheta Ricardo
- Doctoral Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Clara Duran
- Center for Food Studies and Research, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil,Center for Epidemiological Studies in Nutrition and Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Natalia Rebolledo
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Marcela Reyes
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile,*Correspondence: Camila Corvalán,
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Bhawra J, Kirkpatrick SI, Hall MG, Vanderlee L, Thrasher JF, Jáuregui de la Mota A, Hammond D. A five-country study of front- and back-of-package nutrition label awareness and use: patterns and correlates from the 2018 International Food Policy Study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:275-286. [PMID: 36284083 PMCID: PMC11077451 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002257] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify correlates of nutrition label awareness and use, particularly subgroup differences among consumers. Two label types were assessed: (1) nutrition facts tables (NFt) in Australia, Canada, Mexico, UK, and USA and (2) front-of-package (FOP) labels, including mandatory Guideline Daily Amounts (Mexico), voluntary Health Star Ratings (Australia) and voluntary Traffic Lights (UK). DESIGN Respondents were recruited using Nielsen Consumer Insights Global Panel (n 21 586) and completed online surveys in November-December 2018. Linear regression and generalised linear mixed models examined differences in label use and awareness between countries and label type based on sociodemographic, knowledge-related and dietary characteristics. SETTING Australia, Canada, Mexico, UK and USA. PARTICIPANTS Adults (≥18 years). RESULTS Respondents from the USA, Canada and Australia reported significantly higher NFt use and awareness than those in Mexico and the UK. Mexican respondents reported the highest level of FOP label awareness, whereas UK respondents reported the highest FOP label use. NFt use was higher among females, 'minority' ethnic groups, those with higher nutrition knowledge and respondents with 'adequate literacy' compared with those with 'high likelihood of limited literacy'. FOP label use was higher among those with a 'high likelihood of limited literacy' compared with 'adequate literacy' across countries. CONCLUSIONS Lower use of mandatory Guideline Daily Amount labels compared with voluntary FOP labelling systems provides support for Mexico's decision to switch to mandatory 'high-in' warning symbols. The patterns of consumer label use and awareness across sociodemographic and knowledge-related characteristics suggest that simple FOP labels may encourage broader use across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bhawra
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Faculty of Community
Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto,
ON, Canada
| | - Sharon I Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
ONN2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marissa G Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public
Health, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC,
USA
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (Centre
NUTRISS) and Institut Sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF),
Université Laval, Québec,
Canada
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold
School of Public Health, University of South Carolina,
Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
ONN2L 3G1, Canada
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Saavedra-Garcia L, Meza-Hernández M, Diez-Canseco F, Taillie LS. Reformulation of Top-Selling Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods and Beverages in the Peruvian Food Supply after Front-of-Package Warning Label Policy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:424. [PMID: 36612748 PMCID: PMC9819345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Front-of-package warning label (FOPWL) policies incentivize the food industry to reduce the content of regulated nutrients in products. We explored changes in the content of nutrients of concern (sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium) and the percentage of products in the Peruvian food supply that would carry a FOPWL before and after Peru’s implementation of FOPWLs. Longitudinal data on the top-selling foods and beverages (n = 94) were collected at three time points: three months before the implementation of the policy, four months after, and two years after. Using the nutritional information declared on products’ labels, we compared quantities of nutrients of concern and the percentage of foods that would carry a FOPWL at each time point. Between the first and the third data collection, a decrease in the median sugar content of beverages was observed (from 9.0 to 5.9 g/100 mL, p = 0.005), accompanied by an increase in the use of nonnutritive sweeteners. This change drove the reduction of the percentage of beverages that would carry a FOPWL (from 59 to 31%, p = 0.011). Among foods, decreases were observed in saturated fat (from 6.7 to 5.9 g/100 g, p = 0.002). The percentage of foods that would carry a FOPWL according to their nutritional profile declined from before to after implementation of the policy (from 82 to 62%, p < 0.001). The study shows that the industry reformulated products in Peru after implementation of its FOPWL policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Saavedra-Garcia
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Mayra Meza-Hernández
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Francisco Diez-Canseco
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
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13
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de Araújo JM, Eufrosino de Alencar Rodrigues R, da Costa Pereira de Arruda Neta A, Leite Lima Ferreira FE, Lira Formiga Cavalcanti de Lima R, Pinheiro de Toledo Vianna R, Vasconcelos Leitão Moreira L, Moreira da Silva Neto J, Moreira PVL. The direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular diseases in Brazil. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278891. [PMID: 36548305 PMCID: PMC9778932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular diseases (such as coronary heart disease and stroke) by sex and age group, attributed to the excessive consumption of salt, saturated fat and trans fat in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data for estimating the Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) corresponding to the consumption of salt, saturated fat and trans-fat were obtained from the Household Budget Survey 2017-2018. The calculation of direct costs for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was made from the accounting sum of costs with hospitalizations and outpatient care found in the National Health System (Hospital Information System and Outpatient Information System), from 2017 to 2019, including the costs of treatment, such as medical consultations, medical procedures, and drugs. Regarding the indirect costs, they were measured by the loss of human capital, given the premature death, resulting in loss of productivity. To define the attributable costs, they were multiplied by the PAF. RESULTS Higher burden of CVD attributable to the consumption of salt, saturated fat and trans fat were observed in younger individuals, which progressively decreased with advancing age, but still generated economic costs in the order of US$ 7.18 billion, in addition to 1.53 million productive years of life lost (YLL) to premature death, if considering salt as an inducer. Although attributable burden of CVD is higher among younger individuals, the highest costs are associated with males aged 45 to 74 years old for direct costs and 45 to 64 years old for indirect costs. CONCLUSION The attributable fractions to consumption of salt are the ones that cause the most effects on CVD, followed by saturated fat and trans fat, with direct and indirect costs being higher for males.
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Forde H, Penney TL, White M, Levy L, Greaves F, Adams J. Understanding Marketing Responses to a Tax on Sugary Drinks: A Qualitative Interview Study in the United Kingdom, 2019. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2618-2629. [PMID: 35219285 PMCID: PMC9818127 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.5465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries implement fiscal policies to reduce the health impacts of sugary drinks. Few studies have fully examined the responses of industry to these policies, and whether they support or undermine health benefits of sugary drinks taxes. We aimed to explore the changes that sugary drinks companies may make to their marketing, and underlying decision-making processes, in response to such a tax. METHODS Following introduction of the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) in 2018, we undertook one-to-one semi-structured interviews with UK stakeholders with experience of the strategic decision-making or marketing of soft drinks companies. We purposively recruited interviewees using seed and snowball sampling. We conducted telephone interviews with 6 representatives from each of industry, academia and civil society (total n=18), which were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Four transcripts were double-coded, three were excluded from initial coding to allow comparison; and findings were checked by interviewees. RESULTS Themes were organised into a theoretical framework that reveals a cyclical, iterative and ongoing process of soft drinks company marketing decision-making, which was accelerated by the SDIL. Decisions about marketing affect a product's position, or niche, in the market and were primarily intended to maintain profits. A product's position is enacted through various marketing activities including reformulation and price variation, and non-marketing activities like lobbying. A soft drinks company's selection of marketing activities appeared to be influenced by their internal context, such as brand strength, and external context, such as consumer trends and policy. For example, a company with low brand strength and an awareness of trends for reducing sugar consumption may be more likely to reformulate to lower-sugar alternatives. CONCLUSION The theoretical framework suggests that marketing responses following the SDIL were coordinated and context-dependent, potentially explaining observed heterogeneity in responses across the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Forde
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tarra L. Penney
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
- Global Food Systems and Policy Research, School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Levy
- The Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Chester, UK
- Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Felix Greaves
- Public Health England, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Mulligan C, Lee JJ, Vergeer L, Ahmed M, L'Abbé MR. Evaluating the potential implications of canadian front-of-pack labelling regulations in generic and branded food composition databases. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1866. [PMID: 36203128 PMCID: PMC9535871 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14269-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canada proposed the implementation of mandatory front-of-pack (FOP) labelling regulations, whereby foods meeting or exceeding thresholds for nutrients-of-concern (i.e., total sugars, saturated fat, sodium) must display a ‘high-in’ FOP symbol (FOP). The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential implications of the proposed regulations using Canadian generic and branded food composition databases. Methods A generic food composition database of products consumed by Canadians, Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) 2015 (n = 3,677), and a branded food composition database of packaged foods and beverages, Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2017 (n = 17,521), were used to evaluate the number and proportion of foods that would display a FOP symbol based on the details of the proposed FOP labelling regulations published in 2018. Results Overall, 35.5% (n = 1,306) of products in CNF 2015 and 63.9% (n = 11,193) of products in FLIP 2017 would display a FOP symbol for at least one nutrient-of-concern exceeding proposed thresholds. Soups, Combination Dishes, and Desserts categories in CNF 2015 and Combination dishes, Soups, and Meats categories in FLIP 2017 would have the highest proportion of products that would display a FOP symbol. Although displaying a FOP symbol for one nutrient was most common in both CNF 2015 (n = 992; 27.0%) and FLIP 2017 (n = 7,296, 41.6%), the number (i.e., 0–3) and type (i.e., saturated fat, sodium, total sugar) of nutrients displayed varied by food category. Conclusion While the generic database, containing both packaged and unpackaged foods, revealed a low prevalence of foods that would display a FOP symbol, the branded database showed that the proposed FOP labelling regulations would identify over 60% of packaged foods with excess contents of nutrients-of-concern. Considering the high prevalence of packaged foods in Canada that would meet or exceed the thresholds of nutrients-of-concern, the proposed FOP labelling regulations should be implemented in a timely manner to help consumers easily identify foods high in nutrients-of-concern and encourage manufacturer-driven product reformulations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14269-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer J Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mavra Ahmed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, M5S 1A8, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Castronuovo L, Tiscornia MV, Guarnieri L, Martins E, Gomes FS, Allemandi L. Efficacy of different front-of-package labeling systems in changing purchase intention and product healthfulness perception for food products in Argentina. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e137. [PMID: 36177304 PMCID: PMC9512682 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To identify the front-of-package scheme—Multiple Traffic Light (MTL), Nutri-Score (NS), and black octagon Warning System (WS)—most effective in reducing purchase intention and perceived product healthfulness of drinking yogurts, cookies and cheese spreads, and to assess the joint influence of nutrient claims on the effects. Methods. Randomized-controlled experiment. A within-subjects factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of three independent factors on perceived product healthfulness and purchase intention. A total of 704 adults in Argentina were shown three mock-up products and asked to indicate which product they would buy choosing between pairs of products from different categories and to rate product healthfulness on a 7-point Likert scale. Results. The WS was the most effective in reducing purchase intention in drinking yogurts (OR:0.16, 95%CI: 0.09;0.28), cookies (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18) and cheese spreads (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18), and the perception of healthfulness (WS Mean score 3,63 vs No label 4,24, p<0.001), regardless of the participants’ gender, age, and level of education. NS was inefficacious in reducing product healthfulness perception, while MTL had significantly increased how healthful the product was perceived (p<0.001). Nutrient claims increased purchase intention and perception of healthfulness, thus reducing the effectiveness of front-of-package labels (p<0.001). Conclusions. In line with growing evidence, our findings support that WS perform better than NS and MTL in reducing purchase intention and healthfulness perception of products with excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with the greatest burden of diseases. Front-of-package WS are expected to facilitate the population in Argentina to make healthier decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Castronuovo
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Victoria Tiscornia
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leila Guarnieri
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique Martins
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabio S Gomes
- Pan American Health Organization Washington DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Lorena Allemandi
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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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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18
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Bablani L, Ni Mhurchu C, Neal B, Skeels CL, Staub KE, Blakely T. Effect of voluntary Health Star Rating labels on healthier food purchasing in New Zealand: longitudinal evidence using representative household purchase data. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2022; 5:227-234. [PMID: 36619324 PMCID: PMC9813620 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) aims to promote healthier diets by altering consumer food purchasing behaviour. We quantify the impact of the voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) FoPL adopted by New Zealand (NZ) in 2014, on (i) the quantity of foods purchased by HSR scores and food groups and (ii) the quantities of different nutrients purchased. We used Nielsen HomeScan household purchasing panel data over 2013-2019, linked to Nutritrack packaged food composition data. Fixed effects analyses were used to estimate the association of HSR with product and nutrient purchasing. We controlled for NZ-wide purchasing trends and potential confounding at the household and product level. In 2019, HSR-labelled products accounted for 24% (2890) of 12 040 products in the dataset and 32% of purchasing volume. Of HSR-labelled products, 1339 (46%) displayed a rating of 4.0-5.0 stars and 556 (19%) displayed a rating of 0.5-2.0 stars. We found little or no association between HSR labelling and the quantities of different foods purchased. Introduction of HSR was, however, associated with lower sodium (-9%, 95% CI -13% to -5%), lower protein (-3%, 95% CI -5% to 0%) and higher fibre (5%, 95% CI 2% to 7%) purchases when purchased products carrying an HSR were compared with the same products prior to introduction of the programme. Robust evidence of HSR labelling changing consumer purchasing behaviour was not observed. The positive effect on nutrient purchasing of HSR-labelled foods likely arises from reformulation of products to achieve a better HSR label.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxman Bablani
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- National Institute for Health Innovation, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher L Skeels
- Department of Economics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin E Staub
- Department of Economics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tony Blakely
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Sugar Content and Warning Criteria Evaluation for Popular Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Taipei, Taiwan. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163339. [PMID: 36014844 PMCID: PMC9415069 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugar intake may increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental caries. In Taiwan, people frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This study explored the energy and sugar content of Taiwanese SSBs and evaluated them using the Chilean warning label system (>70 kcal/100 mL and >5 g sugar/100 mL) and the World Health Organization (WHO) sugar guideline (≤25 g sugar). A total of 341 SSBs with volumes ≤600 mL were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in sugar per serving among different types of SSBs, but a great variation in portion size (i.e., package size for individual consumption) was noted. The energy and sugar ratios per serving were lower in soft drinks and coffee and tea containing >1 serving than in those containing only one serving. The calorie and sugar ratios per portion were higher in all types of SSBs containing >1 serving per portion than in those containing exactly one serving. Approximately 70.0% of Taiwanese SSBs were classified as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria, and 41.6% of SSBs exceeded the WHO guideline. Moreover, 40.8% of SSBs that were not considered as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria contained >25 g sugar per portion. For individual consumption, it is more clear that nutrition labeling is based on portion rather than serving. Evaluating SSBs on sugar/portion rather than sugar/100 mL will help consumers make better choices.
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Contreras-Manzano A, Jáuregui A, Vargas-Meza J, Nieto C, Granich-Armenta A, de Lourdes Alemán Escobar M, G-Olvera A, Cruz-Casarrubias C, Munguía A, Barquera S. Objective understanding of front of pack warning labels among Mexican children of public elementary schools. A randomized experiment. Nutr J 2022; 21:47. [PMID: 35864545 PMCID: PMC9306177 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Warning Labels (WL) highlight excessive amounts of critical nutrients in order to discourage consumption of unhealthful packaged food products. This study aimed to evaluate among Mexican school children, the objective understanding of traditional and numeric WL (aimed at small products) considered by the Mexican regulation, and whether cartoon characters influenced the understanding of WL. We also tested some communication strategies to facilitate the correct use of the WL. Methods We carried out a randomized experiment in July 2019 in public elementary schools from Morelos, Mexico. Participants aged 6–13 years, were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) Nutrient Facts Panel (NF) (n = 120), 2) Nutrient Facts Panel with cartoon characters (NF + C) (n = 83), considered the control groups, 3) Warning Labels (WL) (n = 109), and 4) Warning Labels with cartoon characters (WL + C) (n = 96). After allocation, children assigned to both WL groups (WL or WL + C), were randomly required to watch two posters simultaneously or a video explaining how to correctly interpret WLs. Logistic regression models adjusted by sex, age and cluster (school) were fitted. Results The percentage of children correctly choosing the healthiest or the unhealthiest option was higher for WL groups (56.8, 95%CI; 40.8–72.8) compared to NF groups (24.3, 95%CI; 20.4–28.3, p < 0.05). The understanding of traditional WL was higher (28.7, 95%CI: 22.8–35.4) than the numeric WL (19, 95%CI: 14.2–25.0, p < 0.05). But, correct answers for identifying healthy and unhealthy products were higher for numeric WL than for NF groups. Cartoon characters reduced the percentage of correct answers for choosing unhealthiest products (WL + C: 48.9, 95%CI: 25.6–72.4 vs WL: 58.7, 95%CI: 36.4–81.1, p < 0.05). The video was 2.23 times more helpful than the posters to the correct interpretation of the WL (p < 0.05). Conclusions In scholar Mexican children, traditional and numeric WL were useful to identify healthier and unhealthier packaged products in comparison to NF, suggesting that both WL formats may effectively communicate the excessive content of nutrients of concern among children. Cartoon characters may reduce the objective understanding of the WL, underscoring the need to regulate advertising directed to children along with the implementation of front-of-pack labeling. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12937-022-00791-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Jorge Vargas-Meza
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Adriana Granich-Armenta
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Armando G-Olvera
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ana Munguía
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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21
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Pinheiro AC, Quintiliano-Scarpelli D, Flores JA, Álvarez C, Suárez-Reyes M, Palacios JL, Quevedo TP, de Oliveira MRM. Food Availability in Different Food Environments Surrounding Schools in a Vulnerable Urban Area of Santiago, Chile: Exploring Socioeconomic Determinants. Foods 2022; 11:foods11070901. [PMID: 35406988 PMCID: PMC8997463 DOI: 10.3390/foods11070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the food environment is used to identify areas with gaps in the availability of healthy foods and can be used as a public policy assessment tool. In recent decades, Chile has implemented several strategies and regulations to improve food environments, with encouraging results. Little is known about the scope of these measures in socially vulnerable environments. This study is part of a project that seeks to build an integrated intervention model for healthy school environments in a vulnerable area of Santiago, Chile. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods around schools and the relationship between it and socioeconomic determinants of the school community in the Chilean context. A cross-sectional study to measure the food environment of informal markets (street food), formal markets (stores), and institutions (schools) was conducted in and around 12 schools (100 m surrounding schools) in a vulnerable urban area of Santiago, Chile. A lack of healthy foods was observed, which was related to some socio-economic determinants and the multidimensional poverty was the most relevant. The diagnosis of food environments around schools can represent an important target for governments to implement policies focused at improving the availability of healthy foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Christina Pinheiro
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina-Clinica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
- PhD Program in Nursing, Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (A.C.P.); (D.Q.-S.)
| | - Daiana Quintiliano-Scarpelli
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina-Clinica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
- Correspondence: (A.C.P.); (D.Q.-S.)
| | | | - Claudio Álvarez
- IT Innovation Center for Social Apps, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile;
| | - Mónica Suárez-Reyes
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile;
| | - José Luis Palacios
- Center for Studies in Food Science and Technology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile;
| | - Tito Pizarro Quevedo
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile;
| | - Maria Rita Marques de Oliveira
- PhD Program in Nursing, Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil;
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
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22
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Yoon L, Corvalán C, Pereira A, Shepherd J, Michels KB. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and breast composition in a longitudinal study of Chilean girls. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:3. [PMID: 34998441 PMCID: PMC8742361 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01495-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frequent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has been associated with indirect markers of breast cancer risk, such as weight gain in adolescents and early menarche. How SSB intake relates to breast composition in adolescent girls has not been explored. Methods We evaluated the association between prospective intake of SSB and breast density in a cohort of 374 adolescent girls participating in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study in Santiago, Chile. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the association between average daily SSB intake quartiles and breast composition (absolute fibroglandular volume [aFGV], percent fibroglandular volume [%FGV], total breast volume [tBV]). Models were adjusted for potential confounding by BMI Z-score, age, daily energy intake (g/day), maternal education, hours of daily television watching after school, dairy intake (g/day), meat intake (g/day), waist circumference, and menarche. To examine the sensitivity of the association to the number of dietary recalls for each girl, analyses were further stratified by girls with one dietary recall and girls with > one dietary recall. Results A total of 881 dietary recalls were available for 374 girls prior to the breast density assessment. More than 60% of the cohort had > one dietary recall available. In multivariable analyses, we found no association between SSB intake quartile and aFGV (Q2 vs Q1 β: − 5.4, 95% CI − 15.1, 4.4; Q3 vs Q1 β: 1.3, 95% CI − 8.6, 11.3; Q4 vs Q1 β: 3.0, 95% CI − 7.1, 13). No associations were noted for %FGV and tBV. Among girls with at least one dietary recall, we found no significant associations between SSB intake quartiles and %FGV, aFGV, or tBV. Conclusion Overall, we observed no evidence that SSB intake was associated with breast density in adolescent Chilean girls. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01495-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Yoon
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Pereira
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - John Shepherd
- Epidemiology and Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Karin B Michels
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. .,Institute for Prevention and Cancer Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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23
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Valero-Morales I, Tan M, Pei Y, He FJ, MacGregor GA. 24-hour sodium and potassium excretion in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e199. [PMID: 36406293 PMCID: PMC9668047 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the 24-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretions in the Americas. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed seeking for studies conducted between 1990 and 2021 in adults living in any sovereign state of the Americas in Medline, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, and Lilacs. The search was first run on October 26th, 2020 and was updated on December 15th, 2021. Of 3 941 abstracts reviewed, 74 studies were included from 14 countries, 72 studies reporting urinary sodium (27 387 adults), and 42 studies reporting urinary potassium (19 610 adults) carried out between 1990 and 2020. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results Mean excretion was 157.29 mmol/24h (95% CI, 151.42-163.16) for sodium and 57.69 mmol/24h (95% CI, 53.35-62.03) for potassium. When only women were considered, mean excretion was 135.81 mmol/24h (95% CI, 130.37-141.25) for sodium and 51.73 mmol/24h (95% CI, 48.77-54.70) for potassium. In men, mean excretion was 169.39 mmol/24h (95% CI, 162.14-176.64) for sodium and 62.67 mmol/24h (95% CI, 55.41-69.93) for potassium. Mean sodium excretion was 150.09 mmol/24h (95% CI, 137.87-162.30) in the 1990s and 159.79 mmol/24h (95% CI, 151.63-167.95) in the 2010s. Mean potassium excretion was 58.64 mmol/24h (95% CI, 52.73-64.55) in the 1990s and 56.33 mmol/24/h (95% CI, 48.65-64.00) in the 2010s. Conclusions These findings suggest that sodium excretions are almost double the maximum level recommended by the World Health Organization and potassium excretions are 35% lower than the minimum requirement; therefore, major efforts to reduce sodium and to increase potassium intakes should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Valero-Morales
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthBarts and The London School of Medicine & DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited KingdomWolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
- Isabel Valero-Morales,
| | - Monique Tan
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthBarts and The London School of Medicine & DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited KingdomWolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yu Pei
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthBarts and The London School of Medicine & DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited KingdomWolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Feng J He
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthBarts and The London School of Medicine & DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited KingdomWolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Graham A MacGregor
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthBarts and The London School of Medicine & DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited KingdomWolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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24
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Zancheta Ricardo C, Corvalán C, Smith Taillie L, Quitral V, Reyes M. Changes in the Use of Non-nutritive Sweeteners in the Chilean Food and Beverage Supply After the Implementation of the Food Labeling and Advertising Law. Front Nutr 2021; 8:773450. [PMID: 34859036 PMCID: PMC8630583 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.773450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reductions on the sugars content of the food supply have been described after the initial implementation Chilean Labeling Law, but it is unclear if sugars were replaced by non-caloric sweeteners (NNS). We evaluated changes in the NNSs use in foods and beverages after the initial implementation of the labeling law. We used longitudinal data on packaged foods and beverages collected in six major supermarkets and three candy distributors in Santiago, Chile, in January-February 2015/2016 and in January-February 2017. We included in the analysis beverages, dairy-based beverages, yogurts, breakfast cereals, desserts and ice creams, candies and sweet confectioneries, and sweet spreads with a market share ≥1% of their food groups (n = 999). We compared the use of any NNS, the number of different NNSs used, and the combined use of NNSs and ingredients adding sugars using non-parametric tests for matched samples. We evaluated the association between a reduction in sugars and starting NNS use in the post-implementation period using negative binomial regression. The use of any NNS increased from 37.9 to 43.6% (p < 0.001) after the law's implementation, NNSs increased among beverages, dairy-based beverages, yogurts, and desserts and ice creams (p < 0.05), driven mostly by increases in sucralose and stevia use (p < 0.05). We found that reformulated products that reduced the amount of sugars below the law's cutoff were more likely to start using an NNS in the post-implementation period (prevalence ratio: 12.1; 95%CI: 7.2-20.2; p < 0.001). Our results suggest that NNSs likely replaced sugars after the initial implementation of the law. Further analyses should explore how these changes may impact NNS consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Vilma Quitral
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Reyes
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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25
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Lacy-Nichols J, Williams O. "Part of the Solution": Food Corporation Strategies for Regulatory Capture and Legitimacy. Int J Health Policy Manag 2021; 10:845-856. [PMID: 34634883 PMCID: PMC9309978 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For decades, the food industry has sought to deflect criticisms of its products and block public health legislation through a range of offensive and defensive strategies. More recently, food corporations have moved on to present themselves as "part of the solution" to the health problems their products cause. This strategic approach is characterised by appeasement, co-option and partnership, and involves incremental concessions and attempts to partner with health actors. This paper details how corporate practices have evolved and changed over the past two decades and gives some definition to what this new political economy signifies for the wider behaviours of corporations producing and selling harmful commodities. METHODS This paper draws on public health and political science literature to classify the food industry's "part of the solution" strategy into three broad components: regulatory responses and capture; relationship building; and market strategies. We detail the key characteristics and consequences of each component. RESULTS The three components of the food industry's "part of the solution" strategy all involve elements of appeasement and co-option. They also improve the political environment and resources of the food industry. Regulatory responses offer incremental concessions that seek to maintain corporate influence over governance processes and minimise the threat of regulations; relationship building fosters access to health and government stakeholders, and opportunities to acquire and maintain channels of direct influence; and market strategies to make products and portfolios healthier bolster the market share and revenue of food corporations while improving their public image. CONCLUSION Rather being a signal of lost position and power, the food industry's repositioning as "part of the solution" has created a highly profitable political economy of 'healthy' food production, alongside continued production of unhealthy commodities, a strategy in which it is also less burdensome and conflictual for corporations to exercise political power and influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lacy-Nichols
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Owain Williams
- School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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26
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Pérez-Escamilla R, Vilar-Compte M, Rhodes E, Sarmiento OL, Corvalan C, Sturke R, Vorkoper S. [Implementación de políticas de prevención y control de la obesidad infantil en Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica: lecciones para la investigación y la práctica transfronterizas]. Obes Rev 2021; 22 Suppl 5:e13347. [PMID: 34708536 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, EE. UU
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Instituto de Investigaciones para el Desarrollo con Equidad (EQUIDE), Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Elizabeth Rhodes
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, EE. UU.,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, EE. UU
| | - Olga L Sarmiento
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila Corvalan
- Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rachel Sturke
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, EE. UU
| | - Susan Vorkoper
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, EE. UU
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27
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Pérez-Escamilla R, Vilar-Compte M, Rhodes E, Sarmiento OL, Corvalan C, Sturke R, Vorkoper S. Implementation of childhood obesity prevention and control policies in the United States and Latin America: Lessons for cross-border research and practice. Obes Rev 2021; 22 Suppl 3:e13247. [PMID: 33951275 PMCID: PMC8365637 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progress has been made in the development and widespread implementation of effective interventions to address childhood obesity, yet important challenges remain. To understand how the United States and Latin American countries achieved success in implementing obesity policies and programs (PAPs) and identify improvement opportunities using implementation science principles. We identified three comparative case studies: (1) front-of-food package labeling (Mexico and Chile); (2) Open Streets/play streets (Colombia and the United States); and (3) the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Brazil and the United States). Information from multiple sources (e.g., scientific and gray literature and key informant interviews) was synthesized to describe barriers, facilitators, and progress of PAPs across RE-AIM framework dimensions. Evidence-based advocacy along with political will and evidence of scalability and impact were key for successful launch and implementation of all PAPs. Diverse adaptations of PAP design and implementation had to be done across contexts. Stronger process and impact monitoring and evaluation systems that track equity indicators are needed to maximize the population benefits of these PAPs. Implementation science offers an important contribution toward addressing knowledge gaps, enhancing obesity policy dialogue, and producing transferable lessons across the Americas and, therefore, should be used for research and evaluation during PAP development and throughout the implementation and maintenance phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- EQUIDE Research Institute for Equitable Development, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Rhodes
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Camila Corvalan
- Institute of Nutrition, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rachel Sturke
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Vorkoper
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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28
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TV advertising and dietary intake in adolescents: a pre- and post- study of Chile's Food Marketing Policy. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:60. [PMID: 33947436 PMCID: PMC8097821 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The first phase of a comprehensive marketing policy was implemented in Chile in 2016. The policy restricted child-directed marketing of foods and beverages considered high in energy, total sugars, sodium or saturated fat (“high-in”). The objective of this study was to examine the role of high-in TV food advertising as a mediator in the association between policy implementation and consumption of high-in foods and beverages between 2016 and 2017. Methods Dietary data were from 24-hour diet recalls collected in 2016 and 2017 in a cohort of 12–14 y children (n = 721). Television use was assessed concurrently and linked to analyses of food advertisements on broadcast and paid television to derive individual-level estimates of exposure to high-in food advertising. A multilevel mediation analysis examined direct and indirect effects of the policy through advertising exposure. Results Following the policy implementation, high-in advertising exposure was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). High-in food intake decreased in adolescents with lower levels, but not higher levels, of high-in advertising at baseline. We did not find evidence of mediation by changes in high-in ad exposure. Conclusions Adolescents’ exposure to high-in TV advertising decreased after the 2016 implementation of the Chilean Food Labeling and Marketing Law. However, evidence that changes in advertisement mediated dietary changes was not found. Further research is needed to understand how marketing changes will relate to dietary changes after full implementation of the law and in the long term. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01126-7.
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29
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Jensen ML, Carpentier FD, Adair L, Corvalán C, Popkin BM, Taillie LS. Examining Chile's unique food marketing policy: TV advertising and dietary intake in preschool children, a pre- and post- policy study. Pediatr Obes 2021; 16:e12735. [PMID: 33105522 PMCID: PMC8073213 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chilean government implemented the first phase of a comprehensive marketing policy in 2016, restricting child-directed marketing of products high in energy, total sugars, sodium or saturated fat (hereafter "high-in"). OBJECTIVES To examine the role that high-in TV food advertising had in the effect of the policy on consumption of high-in products between 2016 and 2017. METHODS Dietary data were obtained from 24-hour diet recall measured in 2016 (n = 940) and 2017 (n = 853), pre- and post-policy, from a cohort of 4 to 6 years children. Television use was linked to analyses of food advertisements to derive individual-level estimates of exposure to advertising. A multilevel mediation analysis examined direct and indirect effects of the policy through advertising exposure. RESULTS Children's high-in food consumption and advertising exposure declined significantly from 2016 to 2017 (P < .01). Consumption changes were not significantly mediated by changes in advertising exposure, which might suggest other elements of the Chilean Law potentially driving decreases in consumption to a greater extent than TV ads. CONCLUSIONS Preschoolers' exposure to high-in advertising and consumption of high-in products decreased post-policy. Further research is needed to understand how marketing changes will relate to dietary changes after full implementation of the law and in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Jensen
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Nutrition, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Macul, Chile
| | - Barry M. Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Global Food Research Program, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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30
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Silva ARCS, Braga LVM, Anastácio LR. A comparison of four different Nutritional Profile models in their scoring of critical nutrient levels in food products targeted at Brazilian children. NUTR BULL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Abstract
Introduction Objective: to analyze the impact of front-of-pack warning labeling (FOP-L) on food purchase patterns in Chilean families with children under 14 years of age after the implementation of the Law on nutritional labeling in Chile. Methods: a cross-sectional study in 468 parents/tutors from 11 schools in Santiago. The questionnaire investigated FOP-L perception, food purchase patterns, and the influence of children on the selection of foods purchased by the family. Results: mostly mothers are responsible for household food purchases (62.0 %). Parents with a higher schooling level had a greater knowledge of the regulation (p < 0.05). In all, 66.3 % did not consider label information before the law was implemented. The FOP-L considered most important was "High in sugars" (18.0 %); 49.5 % stopped buying some foods due to the presence of a FOP-L; 75.0 % of parents reported that their children accompanied them at the supermarket. A lower probability of food purchase pattern change was observed in families that did not consider the FOP-L an important tool (OR: 5.85; p < 0.001), did not understand the meaning of the FOP-L (OR: 2.99; p = 0.020), had not the habit of reading nutritional labeling prior to law implementation (OR: 2.63; p < 0.001), or had a child who requested specific foods (OR: 2.91; p = 0.009). Conclusion: factors associated with buying food with FOP-L included: not considering their presence important, lack of understanding, not having the habit of reading labels on packaged foods prior to the Law, and having a child requesting food at the supermarket.
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32
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Bablani L, Ni Mhurchu C, Neal B, Skeels CL, Staub KE, Blakely T. The impact of voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling on packaged food reformulation: A difference-in-differences analysis of the Australasian Health Star Rating scheme. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003427. [PMID: 33216747 PMCID: PMC7679009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL) of packaged foods can promote healthier diets. Australia and New Zealand (NZ) adopted the voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) scheme in 2014. We studied the impact of voluntary adoption of HSR on food reformulation relative to unlabelled foods and examined differential impacts for more-versus-less healthy foods. METHODS AND FINDINGS Annual nutrition information panel data were collected for nonseasonal packaged foods sold in major supermarkets in Auckland from 2013 to 2019 and in Sydney from 2014 to 2018. The analysis sample covered 58,905 unique products over 14 major food groups. We used a difference-in-differences design to estimate reformulation associated with HSR adoption. Healthier products adopted HSR more than unhealthy products: >35% of products that achieved 4 or more stars displayed the label compared to <15% of products that achieved 2 stars or less. Products that adopted HSR were 6.5% and 10.7% more likely to increase their rating by ≥0.5 stars in Australia and NZ, respectively. Labelled products showed a -4.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): -6.4% to -1.7%, p = 0.001] relative decline in sodium content in NZ, and there was a -1.4% [95% CI: -2.7% to -0.0%, p = 0.045] sodium change in Australia. HSR adoption was associated with a -2.3% [-3.7% to -0.9%, p = 0.001] change in sugar content in NZ and a statistically insignificant -1.1% [-2.3% to 0.1%, p = 0.061] difference in Australia. Initially unhealthy products showed larger reformulation effects when adopting HSR than healthier products. No evidence of a change in protein or saturated fat content was observed. A limitation of our study is that results are not sales weighted. Thus, it is not able to assess changes in overall nutrient consumption that occur because of HSR-caused reformulation. Also, participation into labelling and reformulation is jointly determined by producers in this observational study, impacting its generalisability to settings with mandatory labelling. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed that reformulation changes following voluntary HSR labelling are small, but greater for initially unhealthy products. Initially unhealthy foods were, however, less likely to adopt HSR. Our results, therefore, suggest that mandatory labelling has the greatest potential for improving the healthiness of packaged foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxman Bablani
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Kevin E. Staub
- Department of Economics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tony Blakely
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Reformulation of Packaged Foods and Beverages in the Colombian Food Supply. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113260. [PMID: 33114419 PMCID: PMC7692620 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113260] [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: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Public discussion, advocacy, and legislative consideration of policies aimed at reducing consumption of processed foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes and mandatory front-of-package (FOP) warning labels, may stimulate product reformulation as a strategy to prevent regulation. In Colombia, there have been major legislative pushes for SSB taxes and FOP labels, although neither has passed to date. In light of the ongoing policy debate and successful implementation of similar policies in Peru and Chile, we explored manufacturer reformulation in the Colombian food supply. We compared the quantities of nutrients of concern (including sugar, sodium, and saturated fat) from the nutrition facts panels of the same 102 packaged foods and 36 beverages from the top-selling brands in Colombia between 2016 and 2018. Our analyses showed a substantial decrease in median sugar content of beverages, from 9.2 g per 100 mL to 5.2 g per 100 mL, and an increase in the percentage of beverages containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), from 33% to 64% (p = 0.003). No meaningful changes in the quantities of nutrients of concern among foods were observed. Our findings suggest little reformulation has occurred in Colombia in the absence of mandatory policies, except for the substitution of sugar with NNS among beverages.
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Quintiliano Scarpelli D, Pinheiro Fernandes AC, Rodriguez Osiac L, Pizarro Quevedo T. Changes in Nutrient Declaration after the Food Labeling and Advertising Law in Chile: A Longitudinal Approach. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2371. [PMID: 32784370 PMCID: PMC7468860 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chile has implemented several strategies to decrease the burden of obesity and chronic diseases. The Food Labeling and Advertising Law (Law 20.606) requires a front-of-package "high in" warning label when energy and nutrients of concern (ENC) (total sugar, saturated fats, sodium) exceed established limits. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Law 20.606 on the ENC declaration of packaged foods in Chile, before and after the law implementation. We analyzed food nutritional labeling declarations from 70% of the most consumed packaged foods in Chile. Data collection was conducted in 2013 and 2019 in Santiago. Pictures from all sides of the package were taken from 476 products, classified into 16 food groups. All food groups had changes in the ENC declaration during the study period. Total sugar content showed the highest reduction (-15.0%; p = 0.001). Dairy, confitures and similar and sugary beverages had the greatest reduction in energy and total sugar content (p < 0.01). Energy, total sugar and sodium front of package "high in" simulation was significantly reduced in dairy, sugary beverages, flour-based foods, confitures and similar, fish and seafoods, fats and oils, spices, condiments and sauces and sugars (p < 0.05). We observed that companies reformulated products to adapt to the new regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Quintiliano Scarpelli
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina-Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile;
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Lobstein T, Neveux M, Landon J. Costs, equity and acceptability of three policies to prevent obesity: A narrative review to support policy development. Obes Sci Pract 2020; 6:562-583. [PMID: 33082998 PMCID: PMC7556431 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity prevention policies are a priority for many governments and intergovernmental agencies. Policy makers not only use systematic reviews of effectiveness but also consider contextual issues including cost and cost‐effectiveness, equity, rights, acceptability and feasibility. To support their work, the present narrative review examines three contextual issues (costs, equity and acceptability) in relation to three policies for obesity prevention: sweetened beverage taxes, front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling and restrictions on advertising to children. Literature searches led to over 1100 documents, of which 125 informed the present review. Beverage taxes were found likely to be highly cost‐effective, moderately favourable for health equity, supported by the public (depending on the use of revenues) and by health professionals and civil society groups and opposed by commercial interests. Depending on the design, front‐of‐pack nutritional labelling is likely to be highly cost‐effective, moderately favourable for health equity, supported by the public, health professionals and civil society groups, and opposed by commercial interests. Restrictions on child‐directed advertising are likely to be highly cost‐effective in the longer term, moderately favourable for health equity, supported by the public, health professionals and civil society groups and opposed by commercial interests (unless voluntary). The evidence base needs strengthening, but the authors find that all three policies merit consideration by governmental authorities, and should be implemented to reduce obesity risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lobstein
- Policy Department World Obesity Federation London UK.,The Boden Institute, Charles Perkins Centre The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Margot Neveux
- Policy Department World Obesity Federation London UK
| | - Jane Landon
- Policy Department UKPH Consultancy London UK
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Reyes M, Smith Taillie L, Popkin B, Kanter R, Vandevijvere S, Corvalán C. Changes in the amount of nutrient of packaged foods and beverages after the initial implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labelling and Advertising: A nonexperimental prospective study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003220. [PMID: 32722710 PMCID: PMC7386631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In June 2016, the first phase of the Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law that mandated front-of-package warning labels and marketing restrictions for unhealthy foods and beverages was implemented. We assess foods and beverages reformulation after this initial implementation. METHODS AND FINDINGS A data set with the 2015 to 2017 nutritional information was developed collecting the information at 2 time periods: preimplementation (T0: January-February 2015 or 2016; n = 4,055) and postimplementation (T1: January-February 2017; n = 3,025). Quartiles of energy and nutrients of concern (total sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, per 100 g/100 mL) and the proportion of products with energy and nutrients exceeding the cutoffs of the law (i.e., products "high in") were compared pre- and postimplementation of the law in cross-sectional samples of products with sales >1% of their specific food or beverage groups, according to the Euromonitor International Database; a longitudinal subsample (i.e., products collected in both the pre- and postimplementation periods, n = 1,915) was also analyzed. Chi-squared, McNemar tests, and quantile regressions (simple and multilevel) were used for comparing T0 and T1. Cross-sectional analysis showed a significant decrease (T0 versus T1) in the proportion of product with any "high in" (from 51% [95% confidence interval (CI) 49-52] to 44% [95% CI 42-45]), mostly in food and beverage groups in which regulatory cutoffs were below the 75th percentile of the nutrient or energy distribution. Most frequent reductions were in the proportion of "high in" sugars products (in beverages, milks and milk-based drinks, breakfast cereals, sweet baked products, and sweet and savory spreads; from 80% [95% CI 73-86] to 60% [95% CI 51-69]) and in "high in sodium" products (in savory spreads, cheeses, ready-to-eat meals, soups, and sausages; from 74% [95% CI 69-78] to 27% [95% CI 20-35]). Conversely, the proportion of products "high in" saturated fats only decreased in savory spreads (p < 0.01), and the proportion of "high in" energy products significantly decreased among breakfast cereals and savory spreads (both p < 0.01). Quantile analyses showed that most of the changes took place close to the cutoff values, with only few exceptions of overall left shifts in distribution. Longitudinal analyses showed similar results. However, it is important to note that the nonexperimental nature of this study does not allow to imply causality of these findings. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that, after initial implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labelling and Advertising, there was a significant decrease in the amount of sugars and sodium in several groups of packaged foods and beverages. Further studies should clarify how food reformulation will impact dietary quality of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Reyes
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Barry Popkin
- Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Kanter
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (Sciensano), Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Basto-Abreu A, Torres-Alvarez R, Reyes-Sánchez F, González-Morales R, Canto-Osorio F, Colchero MA, Barquera S, Rivera JA, Barrientos-Gutierrez T. Predicting obesity reduction after implementing warning labels in Mexico: A modeling study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003221. [PMID: 32722682 PMCID: PMC7386611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2019, Mexico approved a law to establish that nonalcoholic beverages and packaged foods that exceed a threshold for added calories, sugars, fats, trans fat, or sodium should have an "excess of" warning label. We aimed to estimate the expected reduction in the obesity prevalence and obesity costs in Mexico by introducing warning labels, over 5 years, among adults under 60 years of age. METHODS AND FINDINGS Baseline intakes of beverages and snacks were obtained from the 2016 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey. The expected impact of labels on caloric intake was obtained from an experimental study, with a 10.5% caloric reduction for beverages and 3.0% caloric reduction for snacks. The caloric reduction was introduced into a dynamic model to estimate weight change. The model output was then used to estimate the expected changes in the prevalence of obesity and overweight. To predict obesity costs, we used the Health Ministry report of the impact of overweight and obesity in Mexico 1999-2023. We estimated a mean caloric reduction of 36.8 kcal/day/person (23.2 kcal/day from beverages and 13.6 kcal/day from snacks). Five years after implementation, this caloric reduction could reduce 1.68 kg and 4.98 percentage points (pp) in obesity (14.7%, with respect to baseline), which translates into a reduction of 1.3 million cases of obesity and a reduction of US$1.8 billion in direct and indirect costs. Our estimate is based on experimental evidence derived from warning labels as proposed in Canada, which include a single label and less restrictive limits to sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. Our estimates depend on various assumptions, such as the transportability of effect estimates from the experimental study to the Mexican population and that other factors that could influence weight and food and beverage consumption remain unchanged. Our results will need to be corroborated by future observational studies through the analysis of changes in sales, consumption, and body weight. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we estimated that warning labels may effectively reduce obesity and obesity-related costs. Mexico is following Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in implementing warning labels to processed foods, but other countries could benefit from this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Basto-Abreu
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Rossana Torres-Alvarez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Francisco Reyes-Sánchez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Romina González-Morales
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Francisco Canto-Osorio
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - M. Arantxa Colchero
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Gillon-Keren M, Kaufman-Shriqui V, Goldsmith R, Safra C, Shai I, Fayman G, Berry E, Tirosh A, Dicker D, Froy O, Gordon E, Chavia Ben-Yosef A, Nitsan L, Altman H, Blaychfeld-Magnazi M, Endevelt R. Development of Criteria for a Positive Front-of-Package Food Labeling: The Israeli Case. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1875. [PMID: 32585990 PMCID: PMC7353345 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to shape the food environment are aimed at reducing diet-related co-morbidities. Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) may support the consumers to make an informed decision at the point of purchase and encourage industry to reformulate food products. The Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented a unique FOPL system, using two colors: A mandatory warning (red) label alongside a voluntary positive (green) label. An independent Scientific Committee, from academia, the healthcare system, and MOH was appointed to determine the core principles for the positive FOPL. The criteria were based on the Mediterranean diet principles, with adjustments to the Israeli dietary habits, focusing on the health advantages of the food and considering its processing level. The food products eligible for positive FOPL are foods in their natural form or with added spices or herbs, or those that underwent minimal processing, with no food additives. Based on population consumption data, 19.8% of food products were eligible for positive FOPL; of them, 54% were fruits and vegetables, 20% dairy, and 14% grains. An evaluation plan is needed to assess the degree of acceptance of the positive FOPL by the industry, retailers, and the public, and its impact on food consumption and on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Gillon-Keren
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petah Tikva 4920235, Israel; (M.G.-K.); (G.F.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education Technology and the Arts, Tel Aviv 6250769, Israel
| | - Vered Kaufman-Shriqui
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Rebecca Goldsmith
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Carmit Safra
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Iris Shai
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
| | - Gila Fayman
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petah Tikva 4920235, Israel; (M.G.-K.); (G.F.)
- Israeli National Council of Diabetes, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv 6744325, Israel
| | - Elliot Berry
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9222507, Israel;
| | - Amir Tirosh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 5266202, Israel;
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Dror Dicker
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Internal Medicine D, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 4937211, Israel
| | - Oren Froy
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel;
| | - Eli Gordon
- Food Control Services, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv 6473912, Israel; (E.G.); (A.C.B.-Y.)
| | - Anat Chavia Ben-Yosef
- Food Control Services, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv 6473912, Israel; (E.G.); (A.C.B.-Y.)
| | - Lesley Nitsan
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Hava Altman
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Moran Blaychfeld-Magnazi
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Ronit Endevelt
- Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (R.G.); (C.S.); (L.N.); (H.A.); (M.B.-M.)
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Sambra V, López-Arana S, Cáceres P, Abrigo K, Collinao J, Espinoza A, Valenzuela S, Carvajal B, Prado G, Peralta R, Gotteland M. Overuse of Non-caloric Sweeteners in Foods and Beverages in Chile: A Threat to Consumers' Free Choice? Front Nutr 2020; 7:68. [PMID: 32626722 PMCID: PMC7311776 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity among Chilean adults and children is one of the highest worldwide. To fight the constant increase of non-communicable diseases and the growing sales of sugar-sweetened beverages, the Chilean government recently enacted a new Law of Food Labeling and Advertising imposing the application of front-of-package warning labels in foodstuffs whose composition exceeds limits for critical nutrients including sugar. Accordingly, food companies have been reformulating their products, incorporating non-caloric sweeteners (NCSs) in partial or total replacement of sucrose. The number of NCS-containing foods and beverages, therefore, has been increasing in the last years. This study aims to identify the NCS-containing products from different food/beverage categories currently available on the Chilean market. Nineteen supermarkets and 13 food web pages were visited by trained dietitians to carry out a systematic search of ingredient information from the different food categories. Overall, 1,489 products were analyzed, of which 815 (55.5%) contained at least one NCS, being this proportion particularly high, compared to other countries. 67.1% of the dairy products, 31.5% of the cereal products, 49% of the processed fruits, 74.3% of the non-alcoholic beverages, and 46.2% of sweets and other desserts contained NCS. Considering the food categories more specifically oriented to children, NCSs were present in 98.8% of powder juices, 98.3% of the flavored milks, 91.2% of jellies, and 79% of the dairy desserts. Sucralose and steviol glycosides were the most widely used NCSs, these sweeteners being present, alone or mixed with other, in 73.5 and 39.7% of the NCS-containing products, respectively, while the use of saccharin and cyclamate was low. In addition, 80 tabletop NCSs were available in the local market, 91.2% of them being sucralose and steviol glycosides (alone or combined). The high number of food products containing steviol glycosides makes very plausible that the daily consumption of this NCS in the pediatric populations could exceed its acceptable daily intake (ADI). The fact that there are no NCS-free foods alternatives for certain food categories, especially for children, is worrying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Sambra
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra López-Arana
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Cáceres
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Abrigo
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Collinao
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandra Espinoza
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sabrina Valenzuela
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bielka Carvajal
- Department of Women and Newborn's Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Prado
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rebeca Peralta
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Gotteland
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Nutritional Quality of Food and Beverages Offered in Supermarkets of Lima According to the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051508. [PMID: 32455890 PMCID: PMC7285082 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to determine the foods and beverages offered in the city of Lima, Peru, that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels (octagons) according to the thresholds for the two phases (6 and 39 months after the approval) for nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fat) included in the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that evaluated the nutritional composition of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a supermarket chain in Lima. Of all the processed and ultra-processed foods captured, foods that report nutritional information and do not require reconstitution to be consumed were included. A descriptive analysis was carried out by food categories to report the nutrient content and the percentage of foods that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels. Results: A total of 1234 foods were evaluated, according to the initial thresholds that became effective 6 months after the law was implemented; 35.9% of foods had two octagons; 34.8% had one octagon; 15.8% had no octagons; 12% had three octagons; and no products had four octagons. At 39 months, when the final and more restrictive thresholds become effective, 4.8% did not have octagons. The majority of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a Peruvian supermarket chain carry at least one octagon, and more than 10% of them carry octagons for three of the four nutrients of concern.
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Croker H, Packer J, Russell SJ, Stansfield C, Viner RM. Front of pack nutritional labelling schemes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent evidence relating to objectively measured consumption and purchasing. J Hum Nutr Diet 2020; 33:518-537. [PMID: 32364292 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front of pack labelling (FOPL) provides visible nutritional information and appears to influence knowledge and reformulation. However, a recent Cochrane review found limited and inconsistent evidence for behaviour change. The present review aimed to examine studies published subsequent the Cochrane review, focusing on prepackaged foods, examining the impact of FOPL on purchasing and consumption. METHODS Controlled experimental/intervention and interrupted time series (ITS) studies were included, with no age/geography restrictions. Exposures were FOPL with objectively measured consumption/purchasing outcomes. Thirteen databases were searched (January 2017 to April 2019) and forward citation searching was undertaken on the included studies. Purchasing data from experimental studies were meta-analysed. Two series of meta-analyses were undertaken; combined FOPL versus no-FOPL and specific FOPL scheme versus no-FOPL. Outcomes were sugar (g 100 g-1 ), calories (kcal 100 g-1 ), saturated fat (g 100 g-1 ) and sodium (mg 100 g-1 ). RESULTS We identified 14 studies, reporting consumption (experimental; n = 3) and purchasing (n = 8, experimental; n = 3, ITS). Meta-analysis of experimental studies showed sugar and sodium content of purchases was lower for combined FOPL versus no-FOPL (-0.40 g sugar 100 g-1 , P < 0.01; -24.482 mg sodium 100 g-1 , P = 0.012), with a trend for lower energy and saturated fat (-2.03 kcal 100 g-1 , P = 0.08; -0.154 g saturated fat 100 g-1 , P = 0.091). For specific FOPL, products purchased by 'high in' FOPL groups had lower sugar (-0.67 g sugar 100 g-1 , P ≤ 0.01), calories (-4.43 kcal 100 g-1 , P < 0.05), sodium (-33.78 mg 100 g-1 , P = 0.01) versus no-FOPL; Multiple Traffic Light had lower sodium (-34.94 mg 100 g-1 , P < 0.01) versus no-FOPL. Findings regarding consumption were limited and inconsistent. FOPL resulted in healthier purchasing in ITS studies. CONCLUSIONS This review provides evidence from experimental and 'real-life' studies indicating that FOPL encourages healthier food purchasing. PROSPERO CRD42019135743.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Croker
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Packer
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon J Russell
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - C Stansfield
- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordinating (EPPI-)Centre, Social Science Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - R M Viner
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Antúnez L, Alcaire F, Giménez A, Ares G. Can sodium warnings modify preferences? A case study with white bread. Food Res Int 2020; 134:109239. [PMID: 32517900 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that the inclusion of front of pack nutritional warnings is a potentially effective strategy to encourage consumers to avoid products with high content of nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases. In this context, the present work aimed at exploring consumers' reaction towards sodium reduction in the context of the implementation of warnings in three scenarios: package evaluation, tasting and intention to re-purchase the product after tasting, using white bread as case study. A total of 171 consumers participated in the study that encompassed four parts. Firstly, consumers received two bread samples with different salt content (2.00% and 1.38% salt) under blind conditions and were asked to rate their overall liking and to indicate the one they preferred. Then, they were asked to look at four bread packages differing in graphic design and the presence of warnings. They had to rate their expected liking and to indicate the one they would purchase. Finally, consumers were asked to try the bread they had previously chosen, to assess their overall liking and to indicate their willingness to purchase it again. Salt content significantly affected consumer hedonic reaction towards the breads. Two consumer segments with different preference for the salt content in bread were identified: 58% of consumers preferred the bread with 2.00% salt while 42% preferred breads with 1.38% salt. However, when looking at the packages the majority of consumers in both groups selected bread packages that did not feature warnings. In addition, after having tried the bread, most consumers were willing to buy the bread they had previously chosen again, which is promising in terms of reaching sustainable changes towards lower salt levels. Results from the present work suggest that, in the case of bread, nutritional warnings have potential to shift consumers' preferences to lower sodium content, even after trying the products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Antúnez
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP. 91000 Pando, Canelones, Uruguay.
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP. 91000 Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Ana Giménez
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP. 91000 Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP. 91000 Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
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Rojas-Rivas E, Antúnez L, Cuffia F, Otterbring T, Aschemann-Witzel J, Giménez A, Ares G. Time orientation and risk perception moderate the influence of sodium warnings on food choice: Implications for the design of communication campaigns. Appetite 2020; 147:104562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Nutritional Content, Labelling and Marketing of Breakfast Cereals on the Belgian Market and Their Reformulation in Anticipation of the Implementation of the Nutri-Score Front-Of-Pack Labelling System. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040884. [PMID: 32218115 PMCID: PMC7230794 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Breakfast cereals are frequently consumed in Belgium, especially among children. We investigated the nutritional content, labelling and marketing of breakfast cereals and the changes in nutrient content and reformulation in anticipation of the implementation of the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label. Design: Pictures were taken of cereal packages. The WHO-Europe nutrient profiling tool was used to classify cereals into ‘permitted’/‘not-permitted’ to be marketed to children, while the nutritional quality was assessed using Nutri-Score. The proportion of cereals with nutrition and health claims and/or promotional characters on the front-of-pack was compared between permitted and not-permitted cereals and between different Nutriscore categories using Chi-squared tests. The average nutrient contents per 100g were compared between 2017 and 2018 using paired t-tests. Setting: Belgium. Participants: All breakfast cereals in the major supermarkets (n = 7) in 2017 and 2018. Results: Overall, 330 cereals were included. About 77.2% of cereals were not permitted to be marketed to children but, of those, 22.0% displayed promotional characters. More claims (68.9% of all claims) were found on ‘not-permitted’ compared with ‘permitted’ cereals, particularly nutrition claims. Most claims were displayed on cereals with the allocated Nutri-Score A (42.0%) and C (37.0%). A significant reformulation of cereals was found between 2017 and 2018, with reductions in total sugar (−5%) (p < 0.001) and sodium (−20%) (p = 0.002) and increases in fibre (+3%) (p = 0.012) and proteins (+2%) (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Breakfast cereals on the Belgian market are predominantly unhealthy and frequently carry claims and promotional characters. Minimal reformulation occurred over one year. Policy recommendations include restrictions on claims and marketing for not-permitted cereals.
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Soares-Wynter S, Aiken-Hemming SA, Hollingsworth B, Miles DR, Ng SW. Applying Nutrient Profiling Systems to Packaged Foods and Drinks Sold in Jamaica. Foods 2020; 9:foods9010065. [PMID: 31936193 PMCID: PMC7022911 DOI: 10.3390/foods9010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Chile stage III nutrient profiling systems (NPSs) were applied to packaged beverages/foods sold in Jamaica to: (a) identify products with excess nutrients of concern (NOC) under each NPS; (b) assess differences between these NPS, and (c) discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each NPS when applied to Jamaica’s food supply. Data on 6261 branded multi-ingredient packaged products were collected from the city of Kingston in 2018; of these, 4739 products, comprised of 3423 foods (from 15 food groups) and 1316 beverages (from four beverage groups), provided sufficient information. Products containing excessive NOC under each NPS were identified and the proportions of categories with excess NOC were compared using correlation coefficients. Also assessed were the mean nutrient values among the subset of products exceeding versus not exceeding both NPSs using tests of significance. A larger proportion of packaged beverages and foods exceeds thresholds under PAHO versus Chile Stage III. Additionally, a larger percentage of foods, like fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and seafood, would be considered as having excess sugar or sodium under PAHO versus Chile. This is the first study in the Caribbean that applies two existing NPSs to packaged products. The results can help to determine an appropriate NPS for use in Jamaica as the basis for food and nutrition policies, to help consumers make improved food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Soares-Wynter
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (S.S.-W.); (S.-A.A.-H.)
| | - Stacey-Ann Aiken-Hemming
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (S.S.-W.); (S.-A.A.-H.)
| | - Bridget Hollingsworth
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (B.H.); (D.R.M.)
| | - Donna R. Miles
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (B.H.); (D.R.M.)
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (B.H.); (D.R.M.)
- Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-962-6188
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Effect of Formulation, Labelling, and Taxation Policies on the Nutritional Quality of the Food Supply. Curr Nutr Rep 2019; 8:240-249. [DOI: 10.1007/s13668-019-00289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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