1
|
Contreras-Manzano A, White CM, Nieto C, Quevedo KL, Vargas-Meza J, Hammond D, Thrasher JF, Barquera S, Jáuregui A. Self-reported decreases in the purchases of selected unhealthy foods resulting from the implementation of warning labels in Mexican youth and adult population. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:64. [PMID: 38877496 PMCID: PMC11177525 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-of-package nutritional warning labels (WLs) are designed to facilitate identification and selection of healthier food choices. We assessed self-reported changes in purchasing different types of unhealthy foods due to WLs in Mexico and the association between the self-reported reductions in purchases of sugary beverages and intake of water and sugar-sweetened beverages. METHODS Data came from 14 to 17 year old youth (n = 1,696) and adults ≥ 18 (n = 7,775) who participated in the Mexican arm of the 2020-2021 International Food Policy Study, an annual repeat cross-sectional online survey. Participants self-reported whether the WLs had influenced them to purchase less of each of nine unhealthy food categories due to WLs. Among adults, a 23-item Beverage Frequency Questionnaire was used derive past 7-day intake of water and sugary beverages analyzed to determine the relationship between self-reported reductions in purchasing sugary drinks due to the WLs. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the percentage of participants who self-reported reducing purchases within each food group, and overall. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with this reduction were investigated as well. RESULTS Overall, 44.8% of adults and 38.7% of youth reported buying less of unhealthy food categories due to the implementation of WL, with the largest proportion reporting decreased purchases of cola, regular and diet soda. A greater impact of WLs on the reported purchase of unhealthy foods was observed among the following socio-demographic characteristics: females, individuals who self-identified as indigenous, those who were overweight, individuals with lower educational levels, those with higher nutrition knowledge, households with children, and those with a significant role in household food purchases. In addition, adults who reported higher water intake and lower consumption of sugary beverages were more likely to report reduced purchases of sugary drinks due to the WLs. Adults who reported greater water intake and lower sugary beverages intake were significantly more likely to report buying fewer sugary drinks due to the WLs. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that implementation of WLs has reduced perceived purchases of unhealthy foods in Mexico. These results underscore the potential positive impact of the labeling policy particularly in subpopulations with lower levels of education and among indigenous adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Contreras-Manzano
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- National Council for Humanities, Science and Technology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Kathia L Quevedo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jorge Vargas-Meza
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- El Poder del Consumidor A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mora-Plazas M, Higgins ICA, Gomez LF, Hall MG, Parra MF, Bercholz M, Murukutla N, Taillie LS. Impact of nutrient warning labels on Colombian consumers' selection and identification of food and drinks high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303514. [PMID: 38857209 PMCID: PMC11164358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303514] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the impact of nutrient warnings on product selection and ability to identify food products high in nutrients of concern in Colombia. METHODS In an online experiment (May-June 2023), Colombian adults were randomized to a nutrient warning, guideline daily amounts (GDA), Nutri-Score, or no-label condition (n = 8,004). Participants completed selection tasks between two fruit drinks labeled according to their condition, one high in sugar and one not. Next, participants answered questions about products high in sugar, sodium, and/or saturated fat ("high-in" product). Finally, they selected which label would most discourage them from consuming a high-in product. RESULTS Fewer participants (17%) exposed to the nutrient warning indicated they would purchase the high-sugar fruit drink compared to Nutri-Score (27%, Holm-adjusted (adj) p<0.001) and no label conditions (31%, adj p<0.001); there were no differences between the nutrient warning and GDA label (14%, adj p = 0.087). Compared to the nutrient warning, the GDA label was slightly more effective at helping consumers identify which drink was high in sugar (89% versus 92%, adj p<0.001), while the Nutri-Score and no-label conditions were less effective. Compared to all other conditions, nutrient warnings were more effective at helping participants identify that products were high in nutrients of concern, were more effective at decreasing intentions to purchase these high-in products and were perceived as more effective. Nutrient warnings were most often selected as the label that most discouraged consumption. CONCLUSIONS Nutrient warnings are a promising policy to help consumers identify and discourage consumption of products high in nutrients of concern. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registration: NCT05783726.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Mora-Plazas
- Departamento de Nutrición Humana, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, United States of America
| | - Isabella Carolyn Aida Higgins
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Luis Fernando Gomez
- Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, United States of America
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maria Fernanda Parra
- Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, United States of America
| | - Maxime Bercholz
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Matthews ED, Kurnat-Thoma EL. U.S. food policy to address diet-related chronic disease. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1339859. [PMID: 38827626 PMCID: PMC11141542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1339859] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor diet is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. due to the direct relationship with diet-related chronic diseases, disproportionally affects underserved communities, and exacerbates health disparities. Evidence-based policy solutions are greatly needed to foster an equitable and climate-smart food system that improves health, nutrition and reduces chronic disease healthcare costs. To directly address epidemic levels of U.S. diet-related chronic diseases and nutritional health disparities, we conducted a policy analysis, prioritized policy options and implementation strategies, and issued final recommendations for bipartisan consideration in the 2023-24 Farm Bill Reauthorization. Actional recommendations include: sugar-sweetened beverage taxation, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fruit and vegetable subsidy expansion, replacement of ultra-processed foods (UPF) with sustainable, diverse, climate-smart agriculture and food purchasing options, and implementing "food is medicine."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily D. Matthews
- Emergency Department, Holy Cross Hospital, Holy Cross Health, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Emma L. Kurnat-Thoma
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Precision Policy Solutions, LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miller C, Ettridge K, Pettigrew S, Wittert G, Coveney J, Wakefield M, Roder D, Durkin S, Martin J, Kay E, Dono J. Warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice: evaluation of 27 different labels on health effects, sugar content, energy and exercise equivalency. Public Health 2024; 230:138-148. [PMID: 38547760 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.01.026] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Front-of-pack warning labels may reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, potentially mitigating negative health outcomes. Comparisons between different warning label types to inform future research and policy directions are lacking. This study compared 27 warning labels across six message types for their potential to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. DESIGN AND METHODS A national sample of regular soda (n = 2578) and juice (n = 1048) consumers aged 14-60 years participated in an online survey. Participants evaluated randomly allocated labels; one from each of six warning label sets (health-graphic, sugar-pictogram, sugar-text, exercise equivalents, health-text, energy information) on four measures of perceived effectiveness (PE: overall effectiveness, discourage from drinking, emotional response, persuasive potential). Participants could also provide open comments. A general linear model compared differences in mean scores across label sets for each measure of PE. RESULTS PE ratings differed significantly between label sets. Labels clearly quantifying sugar content (sugar-teaspoons) received consistently high PE ratings, whereas 'high in sugar' labels did not. Health-graphic labels were rated highly across all PE measures except persuasive potential. Exercise labels only rated highly on persuasive potential. Health-text results were mixed, and energy labels were consistently low. CONCLUSIONS Simple, factual labels were easily interpreted and perceived as most effective. Labels quantifying sugar content were consistently high performers and should be advanced into policy to help decrease overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Miller
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - K Ettridge
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - S Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - G Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Coveney
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D Roder
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - S Durkin
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Martin
- Food for Health Alliance, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Kay
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; College of Education Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Dono
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Quevedo KL, Jáuregui A, Nieto C, Contreras-Manzano A, White CM, Vanderlee L, Barquera S, Corvalán C, Hammond D. Sociodemographic differences in nutrition labels effect on Chilean and Mexican youth. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2024; 48:e33. [PMID: 38576841 PMCID: PMC10993807 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2024.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine sociodemographic differences in the awareness, understanding, use and effect of nutrition labels among Mexican and Chilean youth. Methods Online surveys among youth (10-17 years) were obtained in 2019 (n=2631). Participants reported their awareness, understanding, and use of their country-specific nutrition facts tables (NFT) and front-of-pack labels (FOPL) (Chile: warning labels [WLs]; Mexico: guideline daily amounts [GDA]). Additionally, participants reported their perceived healthfulness of a sweetened fruit drink after viewing one of six versions of it with different FOPL (no-label control, Health Star Rating, WLs, GDAs, Traffic Light, or Nutri-Score) during an experimental task. Results Higher self-reported nutrition knowledge was associated with higher NFT and FOPL awareness, understanding, and use, except for WL use. WLs were the most effective FOPL in decreasing the perceived healthfulness of the sweetened fruit drink compared to a no-label condition and other FOP labels. In Chile, the effect of GDA differed by income adequacy, while in Mexico Nutri-Score differed by age. Conclusions Results suggest that nutrition label awareness, use, understanding, and impact differ across demographics, favoring higher income and nutrition knowledge. Despite this, WLs are likely to have a positive impact on nutrition-related knowledge and behaviors among Mexican and Chilean youth, independently of their socio-demographic groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathia Larissa Quevedo
- Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaCuernavacaMexicoInstituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaCuernavacaMexicoInstituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaCuernavacaMexicoInstituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Alejandra Contreras-Manzano
- Consejo Nacional de HumanidadesCiencias y TecnologíasMexico CityMexicoConsejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Christine M. White
- University of WaterlooWaterlooCanadaUniversity of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- Université LavalQuebecCanadaUniversité Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simón Barquera
- Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaCuernavacaMexicoInstituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Camila Corvalán
- Universidad de ChileSantiagoChileUniversidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Hammond
- University of WaterlooWaterlooCanadaUniversity of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Fan Y, Zhang M, Wu S, Li H. The neural model of front-of-package label processing. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:374-388. [PMID: 37604108 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad060] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Front-of-package (FOP) labels have been adopted in many countries to battle the obesity pandemic and its serious health consequences by providing clearer and easier-to-understand nutrition and health information. The effectiveness of FOP labels has been generally confirmed, with some contextual and individual factors modifying their effectiveness. Existing theories (eg, the dual-process theory) and shifting priorities for self-control, provide some explanations for the FOP label effect. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the processing of FOP labels remain unknown. Here, a new model, namely, the neural model of FOP label processing, has been proposed to fill this gap by providing an integrated account of FOP label processing while simultaneously considering multiple important situational and individual factors in the same framework. This neural model is built on the core eating network (ie, the ventral reward pathway and the dorsal control pathway) for food cue processing and actual food consumption. The new model explains how FOP labels may facilitate attention, influence the core eating network, and thus alter food choices. It also demonstrates how motivation may modify FOP label processing in 2 ways: affecting attention (the indirect way) and changing the process of evaluating the food (the direct way). It further explains how some contextual and individual factors (eg, ego depletion, time pressure, and health knowledge) influence the process. Thus, the neural model integrates evidence from behavioral, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging studies into a single, integrated account, deepening understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms of FOP label processing. This model might facilitate consensus on the most successful FOP label. Moreover, it could provide insights for consumers, food industries, and policy makers and encourage healthy eating behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Manlu Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuhuan Wu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huiyan Li
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Visme S, Korevaar DA, Gras-Le Guen C, Flamant A, Bevacqua M, Stanzelova A, Trinh NTH, Ciobanu DA, Carvalho AA, Kyriakoglou I, Fuentes M, Refes Y, Briand-Huchet E, Sellier AL, Harrewijn I, Cohen JF, Chalumeau M. Inconsistency Between Pictures on Baby Diaper Packaging in Europe and Safe Infant Sleep Recommendations. J Pediatr 2024; 264:113763. [PMID: 37778411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the level of inconsistency between pictures on baby diaper packaging and safe infant sleep recommendations (SISRs) in Europe. STUDY DESIGN We attempted to identify all packaging of baby diapers sold in 11 European countries for infants weighing less than 5 kg through internet searches from July 2022 through February 2023. For each type of package, we extracted whether there was a picture depicting a baby, whether the baby was sleeping, and whether the picture of the sleeping baby was inconsistent with ≥1 of 3 SISRs: (i) nonsupine sleeping position, (ii) soft objects or loose bedding, or (iii) sharing a sleep surface with another person. Data were aggregated at the country level, and a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to obtain summary estimates. The outcome was the summary estimate of the proportion of pictures that were inconsistent with SISRs. RESULTS We identified 631 baby diaper packaging types of which 49% (95% CI: 42-57; n = 311) displayed a picture of a sleeping baby. Among those 311 packages, 79% (95% CI 73-84) were inconsistent with ≥1 SISR, including a nonsupine sleeping position, 45% (95% CI 39-51), soft objects or loose bedding such as pillows or blankets, 51% (95% CI 46-57), and sharing a sleep surface with another person, 10% (95% CI 4-18). CONCLUSIONS Pictures on baby diaper packaging in Europe are often inconsistent with SISRs. The prevention of sudden unexpected death in infancy requires action from manufacturers and legislators to stop parents' exposure to misleading images that may lead to dangerous practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie de Visme
- Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; CHU de Nantes, INSERM, Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergencies, CIC1413, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Daniel A Korevaar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christèle Gras-Le Guen
- Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; CHU de Nantes, INSERM, Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergencies, CIC1413, Nantes Université, Nantes, France; CHU de Nantes, Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergencies, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Alix Flamant
- Department of General Pediatrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium; Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Martina Bevacqua
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Stanzelova
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Independent Researcher, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nhung T H Trinh
- Department of Pharmacy, PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dalia-Alexandra Ciobanu
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Children's Hospital "Doctor Victor Gomoiu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Araújo Carvalho
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Paediatric Department, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ifigeneia Kyriakoglou
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Fuentes
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of Pediatric Emergencies, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yacine Refes
- Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Briand-Huchet
- Naître et Vivre, National Association for the Support of Bereaved Parents and the Fight Against Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy, Paris, France
| | | | - Inge Harrewijn
- Department of Neonatal Pediatrics and Intensive Care, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Eyles H, Dodd S, Garton KK, Jiang Y, Gontijo de Castro T. New Zealand household purchases of sugar-sweetened, artificially sweetened, and unsweetened beverages: 2015-2019. Public Health Nutr 2023; 27:e22. [PMID: 38115219 PMCID: PMC10830360 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002793] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess annual household purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (AFSBs), and unsweetened beverages (USBs) by household composition and income, and over time. DESIGN Observational cohort study using beverage purchasing data linked to a supermarket database. ANOVA was used to compare total household purchase volumes (L) and the contribution of beverages purchased by category, household composition (size), household income (four categories from New Zealand (NZ) < $30 000 to > $90 000), and over time (trend from 2015 to 2019). SETTING Aotearoa NZ. PARTICIPANTS ∼1800 households in the NielsenIQ Homescan® market research panel. RESULTS In 2019, the mean (sd) annual household purchase volume and relative contribution to total beverage volume of SSBs were 72·3 (93·0) L and 33 %, respectively. Corresponding values for AFSBs were 32·5 (79·3) L (15 %), and USBs were 112·5 (100·9) L (52 %). Larger households purchased more of all beverage types except AFSBs. Total purchases were similar by income, but households earning < $NZ 30 000 purchased fewer AFSBs and USBs (but not SSBs) than households earning > $NZ 90 000. Total and USB purchases were unchanged over time, but SSBs dropped by 5·9 L (P-trend = 0·04), and AFSBs increased by 5·3 L (P-trend = 0·00). CONCLUSIONS USBs contributed the most to household beverage purchases. Total purchases were higher for larger households and similar by income, including for SSBs. The reduction over time was too small for health benefits. Findings support policies and interventions to reduce SSB consumption and highlight the importance of focusing on equitable outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Eyles
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sah Dodd
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly K Garton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yannan Jiang
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, City Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Teresa Gontijo de Castro
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Medical Sciences, Grafton Campus, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Arellano-Gómez LP, Jáuregui A, Nieto C, Contreras-Manzano A, Quevedo KL, White CM, Thrasher JF, Davis RE, Hammond D, Barquera S. Effects of front-of-package caffeine and sweetener disclaimers in Mexico: cross-sectional results from the 2020 International Food Policy Study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3278-3290. [PMID: 37781769 PMCID: PMC10755452 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002100] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Front-of-package warning labels introduced in Mexico in 2020 included disclaimers that caution against allowing children to consume products with non-sugary sweeteners and caffeine. We examined the awareness and use of the disclaimers among Mexican adults and youth 1 month after the regulation was implemented. We also investigated their impact on the perceived healthfulness of industrialised beverages designed for children. DESIGN Data on the awareness and use of the disclaimers were analysed. Two between-subjects experiments examined the effect of a sweetener disclaimer (Experiment 1, youth and adults) or a caffeine disclaimer (Experiment 2, only adults) on the perceived healthfulness of industrialised beverages. Interactions between experimental conditions and demographic characteristics were tested. SETTING Online survey in 2020. PARTICIPANTS Mexican adults (≥18 years, n 2108) and youth (10-17 years, n 1790). RESULTS Most participants (>80 %) had seen the disclaimers at least rarely, and over 60 % used them sometimes or frequently. The sweetener disclaimer led to a lower perceived healthfulness of a fruit drink (adults: 2·74 ± 1·44; youth: 2·04 ± 0·96) compared with the no-disclaimer condition (adults: 3·17 ± 1·54; youth: 2·32 ± 0·96) (t's: >4·0, P values: <0·001). This effect was larger among older adults and male youth. The caffeine disclaimer did not affect adult's perceived healthfulness of a caffeinated drink (t = 0·861, P value = 0·3894). CONCLUSIONS There were high awareness and use of the sweeteners and caffeine disclaimers shortly after the warning labels were implemented. The sweetener disclaimer appears to be helping consumers modify their perceptions regarding industrialised beverages for children. Findings may help decision-makers improve the regulation and better target communication strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patricia Arellano-Gómez
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
- Department of Psychology, Education and Health, Nutrition and Food Sciences, ITESO Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Contreras-Manzano
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
- National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kathia Larissa Quevedo
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Rachel E Davis
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, USA
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, 62100, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Contreras-Manzano A, White CM, Nieto C, Quevedo KL, Vargas-Meza J, Hammond D, Thrasher JF, Barquera S, Jáuregui A. Self-reported decreases in the purchases of selected unhealthy foods resulting from the implementation of warning labels in Mexican youth and adult population. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.22.23298843. [PMID: 38045333 PMCID: PMC10690347 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.23298843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Front-of-package nutritional warning labels (WLs) are designed to facilitate identification and selection of healthier food choices. We assessed self-reported changes in purchasing different types of unhealthy foods due to WLs in Mexico and the association between the self-reported reductions in purchases of sugary beverages and intake of water and sugar-sweetened beverages. Methods Data came from 14-17 year old youth (n=1,696) and adults ≥18 (n=7,775) who participated in the Mexican arm of the 2020-2021 International Food Policy Study, an annual repeat cross-sectional online survey. Participants self-reported whether the WLs had influenced them to purchase less of each of ten unhealthy food categories due to WLs. Among adults, a 23-item Beverage Frequency Questionnaire was used derive past 7-day intake of water and sugary beverages analyzed to determine the relationship between self-reported reductions in purchasing sugary drinks due to the WLs. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the percentage of participants who self-reported reducing purchases within each food group, and overall. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with this reduction were investigated as well. Results Overall, 44.8% of adults and 38.7% of youth reported buying less of unhealthy food categories due to the implementation of WL, with the largest proportion reporting decreased purchases of cola, regular and diet soda. A greater impact of WLs on the reported purchase of unhealthy foods was observed among the following socio-demographic characteristics: females, individuals who self-identified as indigenous, those who were overweight, individuals with lower educational levels, those with higher nutrition knowledge, households with children, and those with a significant role in household food purchases. In addition, adults who reported higher water intake and lower consumption of sugary beverages were more likely to report reduced purchases of sugary drinks due to the WLs. Adults who reported greater water intake and lower sugary beverages intake were significantly more likely to report buying fewer sugary drinks due to the WLs. Conclusion Our findings suggest that implementation of WLs has reduced purchases of unhealthy foods in Mexico. These results underscore the positive impact of the labeling policy particularly in subpopulations with lower levels of education and among indigenous adults.
Collapse
|
11
|
Alcaire F, Machín L, Curutchet MR, Giménez A, Ares G. Parent Experiences With Warning Labels After Policy Implementation in Uruguay. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:823-832. [PMID: 37804264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perception and experiences of parents of children and adolescents during the first year of the mandatory implementation of nutritional warning labels in Uruguay. DESIGN Qualitative research based on semistructured interviews. SETTING Montevideo, Uruguay. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight parents of children and adolescents. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Perception of and experiences with warning labels, a front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme that has become increasingly popular in Latin America. ANALYSIS Content analysis of the transcripts based on a deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS Interview transcripts evidenced high awareness, acceptance, and understanding of warning labels among parents of children and adolescents. Most participants reported considering warnings for decision making and changing their purchase decisions because of their implementation, particularly when choosing foods for their children. They reported their children were aware of and understood warnings but did not tend to take them into account when choosing foods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results from the present work contribute to the growing body of literature showing the effectiveness of warning labels. Lack of interest or perceived benefits and structural barriers emerged as key motives for not using the warnings when making purchasing decisions, suggesting the need to develop additional strategies to increase policy effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Ana Giménez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay; Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mansfield E, Wahba R, Lafrenière J, De Grandpré E. A risk-based labelling strategy for supplemented foods in Canada: consumer perspectives. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2023; 48:771-788. [PMID: 37606263 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0391] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
NOVELTY Risk-based labelling strategy for supplemented foods Strategy goes beyond the general requirements for prepackaged foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mansfield
- Knowledge Translation and Exchange Team, Nutrition Regulations and Standards Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rana Wahba
- Knowledge Translation and Exchange Team, Nutrition Regulations and Standards Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacynthe Lafrenière
- Knowledge Translation and Exchange Team, Nutrition Regulations and Standards Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elaine De Grandpré
- Knowledge Translation and Exchange Team, Nutrition Regulations and Standards Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taillie LS, Bercholz M, Prestemon CE, Higgins ICA, Grummon AH, Hall MG, Jaacks LM. Impact of taxes and warning labels on red meat purchases among US consumers: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004284. [PMID: 37721952 PMCID: PMC10545115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policies to reduce red meat intake are important for mitigating climate change and improving public health. We tested the impact of taxes and warning labels on red meat purchases in the United States. The main study question was, will taxes and warning labels reduce red meat purchases? METHODS AND FINDINGS We recruited 3,518 US adults to participate in a shopping task in a naturalistic online grocery store from October 18, 2021 to October 28, 2021. Participants were randomized to one of 4 conditions: control (no tax or warning labels, n = 887), warning labels (health and environmental warning labels appeared next to products containing red meat, n = 891), tax (products containing red meat were subject to a 30% price increase, n = 874), or combined warning labels + tax (n = 866). We used fractional probit and Poisson regression models to assess the co-primary outcomes, percent, and count of red meat purchases, and linear regression to assess the secondary outcomes of nutrients purchased. Most participants identified as women, consumed red meat 2 or more times per week, and reported doing all of their household's grocery shopping. The warning, tax, and combined conditions led to lower percent of red meat-containing items purchased, with 39% (95% confidence interval (CI) [38%, 40%]) of control participants' purchases containing red meat, compared to 36% (95% CI [35%, 37%], p = 0.001) of warning participants, 34% (95% CI [33%, 35%], p < 0.001) of tax participants, and 31% (95% CI [30%, 32%], p < 0.001) of combined participants. A similar pattern was observed for count of red meat items. Compared to the control, the combined condition reduced calories purchased (-312.0 kcals, 95% CI [-590.3 kcals, -33.6 kcals], p = 0.027), while the tax (-10.4 g, 95% CI [-18.2 g, -2.5 g], p = 0.01) and combined (-12.8 g, 95% CI [-20.7 g, -4.9 g], p = 0.001) conditions reduced saturated fat purchases; no condition affected sodium purchases. Warning labels decreased the perceived healthfulness and environmental sustainability of red meat, while taxes increased perceived cost. The main limitations were that the study differed in sociodemographic characteristics from the US population, and only about 30% to 40% of the US population shops for groceries online. CONCLUSIONS Warning labels and taxes reduced red meat purchases in a naturalistic online grocery store. Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT04716010.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maxime Bercholz
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carmen E. Prestemon
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Isabella C. A. Higgins
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna H. Grummon
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lindsay M. Jaacks
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Velázquez AL, Vidal L, Antúnez L, Alcaire F, Varela P, Ares G. Children's reaction to sugar reduced dairy desserts in the context of the implementation of nutritional warning labels: An exploratory study. Food Res Int 2023; 170:113001. [PMID: 37316071 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113001] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to explore children's reaction to sugar reduction in the context of the implementation of nutritional warnings in Uruguay. The study was composed of two sessions involving three evaluation conditions: tasting without package information, package evaluation without tasting, and tasting with package information. A total of 122 children, ages ranging between 6 and 13 years old (47% girls) were involved in the study. In the first session, children's hedonic and emotional response to a regular and a sugar-reduced chocolate dairy dessert (without other sweeteners) was evaluated. In the second session, children first evaluated their expected liking, emotional associations and choice of packages differing in the presence of warning labels for excessive sugar content and cartoon character (2x2 design). Finally, they tasted the selected sample in the presence of the package and evaluated their liking, emotional associations, and intention to re-taste it. Although sugar reduction led to a significant reduction in overall liking, the dessert with 40% sugar reduction showed a mean overall score of 6.5 in a 9-point hedonic scale and was described using positive emoji (, , ). When the desserts were tasted with package information, no significant differences in the expected overall liking of the regular and sugar-reduced dessert were found. Regarding the effect of packaging elements, the presence of a warning label highlighting excessive content of sugar did not have a significant effect on children's choice. Instead, children's choices were defined by the presence of a cartoon character. Results from the present work provide additional evidence about the feasibility of reducing the sugar content and sweetness of dairy products targeted at children and stress the need to regulate the use of cartoon characters on products with an unfavorable nutritional profile. Methodological recommendations for sensory and consumer research with children are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Velázquez
- 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; Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Vidal
- 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
| | - 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
| | | | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Machín L, Alcaire F, Antúnez L, Giménez A, Curutchet MR, Ares G. Use of nutritional warning labels at the point of purchase: An exploratory study using self-reported measures and eye-tracking. Appetite 2023:106634. [PMID: 37356578 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional warning labels are gaining relevance in the region of the Americas as a policy tool to reduce information asymmetry and encourage healthier food choices. However, empirical evidence about consumer experiences with warning labels after implementation is still scarce. In this context, the aim of the present work was to explore the use of nutritional warning labels after policy implementation in Uruguay, using a combination of eye-tracking and self-reported data. The study was conducted in three supermarkets, in two regional capitals, 19 months after the entry into force of the policy. A total of 224 participants were intercepted while entering the facilities of the supermarket and asked to wear a mobile eye-tracker while making their food purchases. Then, they were asked a series of questions about their awareness and use of warning labels. Although participants reported high awareness and understanding of the labels, active search and use at the point of purchase was low. Only 6% of the consumers declared having actively searched for the warning labels and 7% fixated their gaze on the labels. The majority of the participants (72%) who declared having seen the warnings on a product, purchased it anyway. However, 56% declared having changed their food choice decisions as a consequence of the implementation of the policy. Participants' accounts about reasons for (not) taking into account the warning labels provide relevant insights for the development of strategies to encourage citizens to increase policy effectiveness and encourage healthier food choices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Antúnez
- Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Ana Giménez
- Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | | | - Gastón Ares
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Uruguay; Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kroker-Lobos MF, Morales-Juárez A, Pérez W, Kanda T, Gomes FS, Ramírez-Zea M, Siu-Bermúdez C. Efficacy of front-of-pack warning label system versus guideline for daily amount on healthfulness perception, purchase intention and objective understanding of nutrient content of food products in Guatemala: a cross-over cluster randomized controlled experiment. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:108. [PMID: 37328782 PMCID: PMC10273755 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01124-0] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL) have been adopted in many countries aiming at reducing the consumption of unhealthy food and drink products and have also been considered in Guatemala. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of FOPWL versus Guidelines for Daily Amount (GDA) on products' healthfulness perception (HP), purchase intention (PI) and the objective understanding of the nutrient content (UNC) in Guatemala. METHODS Participants (children and adults) (n = 356) were randomly assigned to evaluate either FOPWL or GDA during a crossover cluster randomized experiment in rural and urban areas across 3 phases of exposure. During phase 1, participants evaluated mock-up images of single products (single task) and compared pairs of products within the same food category (comparison task) without any label. In phase 2, participants evaluated labels only (without any product), and during phase 3, they evaluated the same products and questions from phase 1, now depicting the assigned front-of-package label. We generated indicators for single-task questions and scores for comparison tasks, one for each HP, PI and UNC questions. We used intention-to-treat, difference-in-difference regression analysis to test whether exposure to FOPWL was associated with HP, PI and UNC, compared to GDA. We also tested models for children and adults and by area (rural/urban) separately adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS In single tasks, FOPWL significantly decreased the PI (β -18.1, 95%CI -23.3, -12.8; p < 0.001) and the HP (β -13.2, 95%CI -18.4, -7.9; p < 0.001) of unhealthy food products compared to GDA. In the comparison task, FOPWL significantly increased the UNC (β 20.4, 95%CI 17.0, 23.9; p < 0.001), improved PI towards healthier choices (OR 4.5, 95%CI 2.9, 7.0 p < 0.001) and HP (OR 5.6, 95%CI 2.8, 11.1; p < 0.001) compared to GDA. Similar results were found in children and adults and in urban and rural settings. CONCLUSIONS FOPWL reduces products' healthfulness perception and purchase intention, and increases understanding of products' nutrient content compared to GDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Kroker-Lobos
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - Analí Morales-Juárez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Wilton Pérez
- INCAP Unit Planning, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Tomo Kanda
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Diagonal 6 10-50 zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Fabio S Gomes
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, 525 23rd St NW, 20037, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Carolina Siu-Bermúdez
- INCAP Unit Planning, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hammond D, Acton RB, Rynard VL, White CM, Vanderlee L, Bhawra J, Reyes M, Jáuregui A, Adams J, Roberto CA, Sacks G, Thrasher JF. Awareness, use and understanding of nutrition labels among children and youth from six countries: findings from the 2019 - 2020 International Food Policy Study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:55. [PMID: 37143053 PMCID: PMC10157591 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition facts tables (NFTs) on pre-packaged foods are widely used but poorly understood by consumers. Several countries have implemented front-of-package labels (FOPLs) that provide simpler, easier to use nutrition information. In October 2020, Mexico revised its FOPL regulations to replace industry-based Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) FOPLs with 'Warning' FOPLs, which display stop signs on foods high in nutrients of concern, such as sugar and sodium. This study examined self-reported awareness, use, and understanding of NFTs and FOPLs among young people in six countries with different FOPLs, with an additional focus on changes before and after implementation of Mexico's FOPL warning policy. METHODS A 'natural experiment' was conducted using 'pre-post' national surveys in Mexico and five separate comparison countries: countries with no FOPL policy (Canada and the US), countries with voluntary FOPL policies (Traffic Lights in the UK and Health Star Ratings in Australia), and one country (Chile) with mandatory FOPL 'warnings' (like Mexico). Population-based surveys were conducted with 10 to 17-year-olds in 2019 (n = 10,823) and in 2020 (n = 11,713). Logistic regressions examined within- and between-countries changes in self-reported awareness, use, and understanding of NFTs and FOPLs. RESULTS Across countries, half to three quarters of respondents reported seeing NFTs 'often' or 'all the time', approximately one quarter reported using NFTs when deciding what to eat or buy, and one third reported NFTs were 'easy to understand', with few changes between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, awareness, use and self-reported understanding of the Warning FOPLs in Mexico were higher than for NFTs in all countries, and compared with GDA FOPLs in Mexico (p < .001). Mandated Warning FOPLs in Mexico and Chile had substantially higher levels of awareness, use, and understanding than the voluntary Traffic Lights in the UK and Health Star Ratings in Australia (p < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Mandated easy-to-understand FOPLs are associated with substantially greater levels of self-reported awareness, use and understanding at the population-level compared to NFT and GDA-based labeling systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Rachel B Acton
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Vicki L Rynard
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jasmin Bhawra
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, 288 Church Street, Suite 300, ON, M5B 1Z5, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marcela Reyes
- Instituto de Nutrición Y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Avda. El Líbano, 5524, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jean Adams
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QA, UK
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1121 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6021, USA
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jindahra P, Phumpradab P. Label copresence for healthier choices: How sugar content per daily limit and sugar warning labels balance out the health halos of nutrient-content claim. Food Qual Prefer 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
|
20
|
Consumer Attitudes and Preferences for Healthy Boxed Meal Attributes in Taiwan: Evidence from a Choice Experiment. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15041032. [PMID: 36839390 PMCID: PMC9961088 DOI: 10.3390/nu15041032] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumers have realized the importance of a healthy diet, hoping to reduce the occurrence of obesity and chronic diseases. Therefore, healthy boxed meals with low calories and high protein are gaining attention. This study divided the attributes of healthy boxed meals into five categories, namely, taste, nutrition facts, traceability certification, carbon footprint label, and price, and investigated the relationship between consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) using a choice experiment. A purposive sampling procedure was used to collect 495 valid questionnaires. The results indicate the following: (1) when purchasing healthy boxed meals, the respondents were most concerned with traceability certification and nutrition facts; (2) the respondents were willing to pay a premium for meals with traceability certification (NTD 4.6) and nutrition facts (NTD 4.4); (3) respondents > 40 years with an average monthly salary of > NTD 30,000 who worked out regularly and were in the process of muscle building, fat loss, or weight control had higher WTP for meals with nutrition labels; and (4) female respondents who were 30-39 years old with a college or university education or above had higher WTP for meals with traceable ingredients. The results may help healthy boxed meal companies understand and pay attention to consumer needs, which will, in turn, provide a reference for future product development and marketing strategies.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ares G, Antúnez L, Curutchet MR, Galicia L, Natero V, Giménez A, Otterbring T. Qualitative exploration of the reasons for not using nutritional warnings after policy implementation in Uruguay. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:6974787. [PMID: 36617288 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional warnings have gained popularity, particularly in the region of the Americas, to facilitate the identification of products with excessive content of nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases and encourage healthier food choices. Although warnings have been shown to be effective, an in-depth understanding of the reasons why some consumers do not use them is still lacking. The aim of the present work was to explore self-reported use of nutritional warnings and to identify the reasons for not considering nutritional warnings for making food purchase decisions after policy implementation in Uruguay. A non-probabilistic sample of 858 Uruguayan participants was recruited using an advertisement on Facebook and Instagram. Through an online survey, self-reported use of nutritional warnings was asked using a closed-open ended questions. Participants who reported not considering warnings to make their purchase decisions were asked to explain the reasons why using an open-ended question. Responses were analysed using deductive coding, based on the Behavioural Drivers Model. Thirty seven percent of the participants stated that the warnings had not influenced their purchase decisions. Motives for not being influenced by the warnings were related to lack of interest, attitudes, lack of perceived self-efficacy, cognitive biases and limited rationality when making purchase decisions. In addition, structural barriers, such as availability, cost and trust in the food industry also emerged from participants' responses. Strategies to encourage the use of warnings should include communication campaigns and policies to address structural barriers related to the perceived availability and affordability of healthy foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Antúnez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | | | - Luis Galicia
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, 18 de Julio 1892, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Natero
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, 18 de Julio 1892, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Giménez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Tobias Otterbring
- Department of Management, School of Business and Law, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Intake of ultra-processed foods and sleep-related outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition 2023; 106:111908. [PMID: 36470114 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2022.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review article was to evaluate the association between the intake of ultra-processed foods and sleep-related outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pubmed, LILACS, Scielo, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched on December 31, 2021, for studies that evaluated the association between ultra-processed foods and sleep-related outcomes (self-reported sleep duration and quality). Pooled odds ratios were assessed through a random-effects model; heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Fifteen cross-sectional studies were included; 14 showed that the high intake of ultra-processed foods was statistically significantly associated with sleep-related outcomes (sleep duration and quality). In the crude analysis, compared with low intake, high intake of ultra-processed foods increased the odds of sleep-related outcomes, with increased odds among children and/or adolescents, and null results among adults. When adjusted for cofounders, we found statistically significant results for all ages. The high intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with sleep-related outcomes, with moderate credibility of the evidence. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials confirming these findings are necessary.
Collapse
|
23
|
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]
|
24
|
Pettigrew S, Jongenelis MI, Talati Z, Dana LM, Hercberg S, Julia C. The ability of five different front-of-pack labels to assist Australian consumers to identify healthy versus unhealthy foods. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100017. [PMID: 36641957 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2022.100017] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the relative ability of different interpretive front-of-pack food labels to alert consumers to both healthier and unhealthier options to inform their food choices. METHODS One thousand Australians completed an online experiment where they rated the nutritional quality of sets of fictional products pre- and post-randomisation to one of five front-of-pack labels: Health Star Rating, Multiple Traffic Lights, Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes and Warning Label. Two sample z-tests were used to assess the ability of each label to facilitate the correct identification of the least and most healthy product options. RESULTS The Nutri-Score was superior in assisting respondents to identify both the healthiest and unhealthiest options. The Health Star Rating ranked second for both outcomes, followed by the Multiple Traffic Lights. CONCLUSIONS Results reinforce the role of interpretive front-of-pack labels in assisting consumers to understand the nutritional quality of food products and suggest spectrum labels may provide superior utility in assisting consumers to identify both the most and least nutritious products from among available product options. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH The strongest performance of a highly interpretive front-of-pack label (Nutri-Score) featuring colour in a summary indicator suggests potential strategies for enhancing the performance of the Health Star Rating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zenobia Talati
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Liyuwork M Dana
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Serge Hercberg
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Inserm U1153, Inrae U1125, Cnam, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris-Cité (CRESS), Bobigny, France; Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Chantal Julia
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Inserm U1153, Inrae U1125, Cnam, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center, University of Paris-Cité (CRESS), Bobigny, France; Public Health Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mais LA, Mialon M, Hassan BK, Peres JMD, dos Santos MG, Martins APB, Coutinho JG, de Carvalho CMP. Do they really support "your freedom of choice"? FoPNL and the food industry in Brazil. Front Nutr 2023; 9:921498. [PMID: 36741995 PMCID: PMC9892853 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.921498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2020, Brazil approved the introduction of a new front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) in the format of a magnifying glass (MG) after years of discussion. There is currently a lack of understanding of the role of the food industry in that process. This study aimed to describe the corporate political activity (CPA) of the food industry and conflicts of interest situations, as they happened during the development and approval of a new FoPNL system in Brazil. Materials and methods We undertook bibliographical and documentary searches using material from food companies, trade associations and front groups involved in the regulatory process. We (1) collected information about the case study context, (2) collected data from documentary sources, and (3) prepared a synthesis of the results and a timeline of key events. Results/Discussion During the FoPNL regulatory process in Brazil, the food industry opposed the introduction of warning labels, a model supported by health authorities and implemented with success in other countries in Latin America. The food industry rather promoted a traffic-light labeling system, known to be less effective at guiding individuals to make healthier food choices. Later in the process, when it was evident that its preferred model would not be used, and a MG would rather be introduced, the food industry argued for the use of a different version of this FoPNL model. We found that the food industry, all along the process, was directly involved in and influenced the development of the FoPNL, by providing technical support, advising and lobbying policymakers. The food industry also established relationships with a consumer non-governmental organization and nutrition professional societies. The food industry also produced and disseminated information supporting its position in order to influence public opinion and high-level decision makers, and used the legal system to delay the process. Conclusion The FoPNL in Brazil is neither aligned with the recommendations of international health organizations nor with existing independent scientific evidence. The new FoPNL, as adopted in Brazil, reflects some of the preferences of the industry; it is likely that the influence of that sector during the legislative process was pivotal, even if its initial proposal was not adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laís Amaral Mais
- Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mélissa Mialon
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Epidemiológicas em Nutrição e Saúde (NUPENS), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bruna Kulik Hassan
- ACT Promoção da Saúde, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins
- Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC), São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Epidemiológicas em Nutrição e Saúde (NUPENS), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang X, Ouyang Y, Yin X, Bai J, Zhang R, Zhang J, Wang Q, Wang H. Consumers' Perceptions of the Design of Front-of-Package Warning Labels-A Qualitative Study in China. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020415. [PMID: 36678286 PMCID: PMC9866720 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020415] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The warning label is identified as a simple front-of-package labeling format that assists consumers in making healthier food choices at the point of purchase. The color and/or shape of the design elements of the packaging labels can influence the understanding and purchase intention outcomes. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of consumers regarding differently designed warning labels (WLs) to identify a possibly suitable warning label design in the Chinese context. Using a qualitative approach, we collected data through 12 focus group discussions consisting of 116 participants residing in 6 provinces. Participants were selected by purposive sampling. Data were coded following inductive thematic analysis and summarized into three themes: (1) perceived preference for the appearance of the WLs, (2) perceived benefits of the WLs, and (3) suggestions for promoting the WLs. Participants preferred the black shield label showing a high content of the nutrients of concern (e.g., sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat) in both Chinese and English. Consumers generally agreed that the WLs were easy to understand and offered a simple method for choosing healthier foods. They anticipated that WLs could encourage the food industry to reformulate their products. Our study results will support the design and facilitate the use of WLs in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yifei Ouyang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xuejun Yin
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jing Bai
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Run Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiguo Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-6623-7089
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Two countries, similar practices: the political practices of the food industry influencing the adoption of key public health nutrition policies in Guatemala and Panama. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:3252-3264. [PMID: 35993181 PMCID: PMC9991768 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the corporate political activity (CPA) strategies used by food industry actors during the development of two public health nutrition policies in Central America: Law #570 (taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages) in Panama and Bill #5504 (labelling and food marketing regulations) in Guatemala. DESIGN We triangulated data from publicly available information from 2018 to 2020, (e.g. industry and government materials; social media material) with semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. SETTING Guatemala and Panama. PARTICIPANTS Government, academia and international organisations workers in health and nutrition. DESIGN CPA strategies were categorised according to an existing internationally used taxonomy into action-based, instrumental strategies (coalition management, information management, direct involvement and influence in policy, legal action) and discursive strategies. RESULTS Instrumental strategies included the establishment of relationships with policymakers and direct lobbying against the proposed public policies. Discursive strategies were mainly criticising on the unfounded ground that they lacked evidence of effectiveness and will imply negative impacts on the economy. The industry pointed at individuals for making their own food choices, in order to shift the focus away from the role of its products in contributing to ill health. CONCLUSION We provide evidence of the political practices used by the food industry to interfere with the development and implementation of public health nutrition policies to improve diets in Central America. Policymakers, public health advocates and the public should be informed about those practices and develop counterstrategies and arguments to protect the public and policies from the vested interests of the food industry.
Collapse
|
29
|
Zaltz DA, Bisi LE, Ruskin G, Hoe C. How independent is the international food information council from the food and beverage industry? A content analysis of internal industry documents. Global Health 2022; 18:91. [PMID: 36309701 PMCID: PMC9618198 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Food Information Council (IFIC) and its partner foundation (IFIC Foundation) widely disseminate nutrition information and participate in relevant policymaking processes. Prior research has established a connection between IFIC and large food and beverage companies, representing a potential conflict of interest. The authors reviewed public records documents to investigate the connection between IFIC and industry, and to describe how IFIC communicates policy-relevant information about nutrition science to the public. METHODS The research team collected communications between IFIC and members of the research and policymaking communities by using state and federal transparency laws. The team analyzed the content of these documents with a commercial determinants of health framework while allowing for new themes to emerge, guided by the broad analytic questions of how and why does IFIC communicate nutrition information to policymakers and the broader public? RESULTS IFIC employs self-designed research and media outreach to disseminate nutrition information. Communications from IFIC and its affiliates related to nutrition information fell within major themes of manufacturing doubt and preference shaping. CONCLUSIONS IFIC uses media outlets to preemptively counter information about the negative health impacts of added sugars and ultra-processed foods, and promotes a personal-responsibility narrative about dietary intake and health. IFIC and its affiliates disseminate a narrow subset of nutrition and health information consistent with corporate interests and in opposition to public health policies associated with improved population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Zaltz
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Lauren E Bisi
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gary Ruskin
- U.S. Right To Know, 4096 Piedmont Ave. #963, Oakland, CA, 94611, USA
| | - Connie Hoe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
"No Child or Adult Would Ever Probably Choose to Have 16 Teaspoons of Sugar": A Preliminary Study of Parents' Responses to Sugary Drink Warning Label Options. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194173. [PMID: 36235825 PMCID: PMC9571345 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194173] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack (FoP) warning labels are a viable policy option with the potential to inform consumer choice and assist in reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption as part of a multi-faceted approach. This study explored parents' perceptions and understanding of a range of SSB warning labels. Focus groups (n = 12) with 82 parents of school-aged children were conducted, stratified according to education level, sex and location. Health effects, exercise equivalents, sugar content (teaspoons in text and pictograms, "high in") and energy content labels were shown. Through thematic analysis we identified three themes. Theme 1 related to perceptions of effectiveness of labels, underpinned by four subthemes: perceptions of labels as credible, informative and useful, personally relevant and having the potential to change be haviour. Theme 2 related to participants finding opportunities for self-exemption (e.g., physically active) and message rejection (e.g., misinterpretation). Theme 3 encompassed the potential negative consequences of some labels (e.g., body image concerns). The text teaspoons label was perceived most favourably across all themes, with minimal negative issues raised. These results provide in-depth insight into potential responses to labelling as a policy intervention, providing important guidance for the development of labels to ensure optimal message content and framing for future testing and subsequent implementation.
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The impact of nutritional warnings on the mental associations raised by advertisements featuring ultra-processed food products. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
33
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Robinson E, Boyland E, Evans R, Finlay A, Halsall L, Humphreys G, Langfield T, McFarland‐Lesser I, Patel Z, Jones A. Energy labelling of alcoholic drinks: An important or inconsequential obesity policy? Obes Sci Pract 2022; 9:75-86. [PMID: 37034571 PMCID: PMC10073822 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is calorie dense, but unlike food products, alcoholic drinks tend to be exempt from nutritional labelling laws that require energy content information to be displayed on packaging or at point of purchase. This review provides a perspective on the likely efficacy of alcoholic drink energy labelling as a public health policy to reduce obesity and discusses key questions to be addressed by future research. First, the contribution that alcohol makes to population level daily energy intake and obesity is outlined. Next, consumer need for alcohol energy labelling and the potential impacts on both consumer and industry behavior are discussed. Pathways and mechanisms by which energy labelling of alcoholic drinks could reduce obesity are considered, as well as possible unintended consequences of alcoholic drink energy labelling. Would widespread energy labelling of alcoholic drinks reduce obesity? The unclear effect that alcohol has on population level obesity, the modest contribution calories from alcohol make to daily energy intake and limited impact nutritional labelling policies tend to have on behavior, suggest alcohol energy labelling may have limited impact on population obesity prevalence as a standalone policy. However, there are a number of questions that will need to be answered by future research to make definitive conclusions on the potential for alcohol energy labelling policies to reduce obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Robinson
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Rebecca Evans
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Amy Finlay
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Lauren Halsall
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Gabrielle Humphreys
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Tess Langfield
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - India McFarland‐Lesser
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Zina Patel
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychology Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool LiverpoolL69 7ZA UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bopape M, De Man J, Taillie LS, Ng SW, Murukutla N, Swart R. Effect of different front-of-package food labels on healthfulness perception of ultraprocessed food and intention to purchase the products- A randomised controlled trial. Appetite 2022; 179:106283. [PMID: 36027994 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106283] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different labels on participants: identifying products high in nutrients of concern; identifying unhealthy products, and intention to purchase unhealthy products. This blinded randomised controlled trial included a representative sample of South African households (n = 1951). Per household we selected a member primarily responsible for food purchases. Participants were randomised into the Warning Label (WL), Guideline Dietary Amounts (GDA) or Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) arms. Each participant answered questions in a no label condition (control) followed by same questions in the label condition (experiment). Complete data were collected and analysed for 1948 participants (WL = 33.7%, GDA = 32.1% and MTL = 34.2%). The probability of correctly identifying products high in nutrients of concern and identifying products as being unhealthy was higher with the WL compared to the GDA or MTL for most items. There was no difference in performance between the GDA and the MTL when considering all items together. A higher percentage of participants reported a lower intention to purchase an unhealthy product after exposure to the WL compared to MTL for 5 out of 6 products; 2 out of 6 products for the WL compared to GDA and 2 out of 6 products for GDA compared to MTL. Compared to the control condition, exposure to each of the labels resulted in better identification of nutrients of concerns, unhealthy products and a lower intention to purchase when considering all specific outcome items together. The WL showed a higher potential to enable South African consumers to identify products high in nutrients of concern, identify unhealthy products and discourage purchasing of unhealthy products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoma Bopape
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, South Africa; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
| | - Jeroen De Man
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Carolina Population Center and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| | | | - Rina Swart
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Campos-Nonato I, Cervantes-Armenta MA, Pacheco-Miranda S, Quezada-Sánchez AD, Contreras-Manzano A, Barquera S, Vargas-Meza J. Perception and Understanding of Guideline Daily Amount and Warning Labeling among Mexican Adults during the Law Modification Period. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163403. [PMID: 36014909 PMCID: PMC9415154 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) is a tool that enables consumers to compare foods and select healthier options. Due to low understanding of the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labeling among Mexicans, a law was implemented in October 2020 that modified the FOPL to a warning labeling (WL) system. The purpose of this study was to compare the perception and understanding of GDA and WL during the law modification period. We conducted a panel design with two measurements: (1) using GDA label (September 2020) and (2) using WL (October–November). We estimated differences in GDA vs. WL through multinomial logistic regression models and changes were measured through predictive margin contrasts and Wald tests. When comparing the same products with different labels, the participants reported that it would be unlikely/very unlikely that they would consume products packaged with the WL (81.5%; 95%CI: 79.2, 83.8) compared to those with GDA (24.2%; 95%CI: 21.7, 26.7). Consumers’ perception was that the quantities of packaged products they should consume was small or very small when they used the WL (93.8%; 95%CI: 92.4, 95.5) compared to GDA (41.6%; 95%CI: 39.7, 44.6). When comparing food groups, participants were more confident about choosing healthy products when using the WL compared to the GDA. During the implementation of WL in Mexico, the studied population had a better perception and understanding of less healthy packaged foods when using WL, compared to the GDA label.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Campos-Nonato
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Manuel A. Cervantes-Armenta
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Selene Pacheco-Miranda
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Amado D. Quezada-Sánchez
- Center for Research in Evaluation and Surveys, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Contreras-Manzano
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jorge Vargas-Meza
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Av. Universidad 655 Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca C.P. 62100, Morelos, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Du X, Fang L, Xu J, Chen X, Bai Y, Wu J, Wu L, Zhong J. The association of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to salt with 24-h urinary sodium, potassium excretion and hypertensive status. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13901. [PMID: 35974077 PMCID: PMC9381520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the association between sodium and potassium consumption levels, hypertension and knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) toward salt and the commitment to effective sodium reduction and potassium supplementation to achieve the purpose of suppressing hypertension. A stratified multistage random sampling method was used to obtain a representative provincial sample of 7512 residents aged 18-69 years through a cross-sectional survey by the Salt Reduction and Hypertension Prevention Project (SRHPP) in Zhejiang Province of China in 2017-2018. A screening including demographic, anthropometric, salt-related KAB and physical measurements was implemented, and 24-h urine of approximately 1/5 of the participants was collected and tested. The mean age was 44.8 years, 50.1% were women, 44.0% lived in urban areas, and hypertension or prehypertension accounted for approximately 35.0%. The mean 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion were 3848.5 (1661.1) mg/d and 1491.1 (710.9) mg/d, respectively. KAB in urban areas was generally more favorable than in rural areas, women were better than men, and the optimal blood pressure group was better than the other two groups (P < 0.05). However, the awareness and correct use rate of salt-restricted spoons, low-sodium salt and nutrition labeling were lower. A multivariable linear regression model indicated that KAB had a smaller effect on sodium (two indicators effective for promoting sodium reduction) and a greater effect on potassium (six indicators effective for promoting potassium supplementation) and mainly focused on knowledge and behavior indicators. A multivariable logistic regression model indicated that mastering more knowledge and taking active measures could effectively reduce the transition to hypertension, even if the individual was already in prehypertension. There is much room for improvement of salt-related KAB in the Chinese population. A clear association indicates that KAB can help to reduce sodium and supplement potassium, especially potassium, and help to suppress the development of hypertension. The role of beliefs in KAB should be fully valued and improved, similar to knowledge and behaviors. This study provides important evidence and insight into China's efforts to meet the targets of salt reduction and hypertension prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofu Du
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Le Fang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Jianwei Xu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Yamin Bai
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jing Wu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Medical College, Jinhua Polytechnic, No. 888 Haitang West Road, JinHua, 321017, China
| | - Jieming Zhong
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
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.
Collapse
|
39
|
Bopape M, Taillie LS, Swart R. Perceived effect of warning label on parental food purchasing and drivers of food selection among South African parents–An exploratory study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:939937. [PMID: 35991029 PMCID: PMC9388905 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.939937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Household food purchasing decision is a complex process influenced by factors such as marketing, cost, children food preference and parental choices. Most food products targeted toward children are unhealthy and are aggressively marketed to increase desirability among parents and children making healthier food selection even harder. The warning label (WL) is identified as a simple front-of-package labeling format that assist consumers to easily identify unhealthy foods and reduce their purchasing. This was a qualitative study that aimed to investigate the perceived effect of the warning label (WL) on parental food purchasing and drivers of food selection among parents. The study was conducted in a mainly rural part of South Africa, in Limpopo Province. Data were collected from 44 adult participants, all parents with children aged below 16 years selected using the snowball sampling method. Seven focus groups diversified according to age, literacy, income and urbanicity were utilized for data collection. Using a focus group discussion guide, parents were shown images of six products (crisps, soda, juice, biscuits, cereals, and yogurt) superimposed with the WL and questions asked were based on those images. Thematic analysis revealed that although some parents felt undeterred by the WL, some felt they would alter their food purchasing in the presence of the WL. Other parents felt they would reduce the frequency or the amount purchased or completely stop purchasing labeled products for their children. Motives behind perceived behavior modification included children's health being perceived as a priority and labeled products being viewed as unhealthy. Factors such as pressure from children, taste, poor nutrition knowledge and affordability seemed to influence parental food selection. These findings have important policy implications by providing evidence to policymakers that the WL may alter parental food purchasing and also provide insight into drivers of food selection among South African parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoma Bopape
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Makoma Bopape
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rina Swart
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Taillie LS, Higgins ICA, Lazard AJ, Miles DR, Blitstein JL, Hall MG. Do sugar warning labels influence parents' selection of a labeled snack for their children? A randomized trial in a virtual convenience store. Appetite 2022; 175:106059. [PMID: 35526703 PMCID: PMC10173438 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite growing evidence that warning labels reduce purchases of sugary drinks, less is known about warnings' impact on purchases of sugary snacks. This paper aimed to experimentally test whether a front-of-package label warning about high sugar content ("sugar warning label") would reduce parents' likelihood of selecting a labeled snack versus a non-labeled snack for their child in a food store setting. Participants (n = 2,219 parents of at least one child aged 1-5y) were recruited via an online panel and asked to complete a shopping task in a virtual convenience store. Participants were randomized to one of three labeling conditions: barcode control, text-only sugar warning label, or pictorial sugar warning label. Participants viewed two granola snacks, one labeled and one unlabeled, and selected one for purchase. A post-shopping survey measured secondary outcomes. Predictions and analyses were preregistered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04381481). Participants exposed to the text or pictorial sugar warning labels were less likely to select the labeled snack than those in the barcode control group (21%, 18%, and 34% respectively; p < 0.001 for both comparisons of warning to control). Relative to the barcode control label, the text and pictorial sugar warning labels resulted in greater attention, anticipated social interactions, negative affect, cognitive elaboration, and perceived message effectiveness, as well as lower perceptions of healthfulness, appeal, and intentions to purchase or consume the product (p < 0.001 for all comparisons of warnings to control). There were no differences in outcomes between text and pictorial sugar warning labels. In conclusion, text and pictorial sugar warning labels reduced parents' likelihood of selecting a labeled granola snack for their children. These results contribute to a growing body of evidence showing that warning labels influence food purchasing behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings Global School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 245 Rosenau Hall CB # 7461, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin Street, Suite 2107, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA.
| | - Isabella C A Higgins
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin Street, Suite 2107, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA; Department of Health Behavior, Gillings Global School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 302 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carroll Hall, CB 3365, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - Donna R Miles
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin Street, Suite 2107, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA.
| | - Jonathan L Blitstein
- Insight Policy Research, 1901 North Moore Street, Suite 1100, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA.
| | - Marissa G Hall
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W Franklin Street, Suite 2107, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA; Department of Health Behavior, Gillings Global School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 302 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Singh SK, Taillie LS, Gupta A, Bercholz M, Popkin B, Murukutla N. Front-of-Package Labels on Unhealthy Packaged Foods in India: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153128. [PMID: 35956305 PMCID: PMC9370292 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Policies to require front-of-package labels (FOPLs) on packaged foods may help Indian consumers to better identify foods high in nutrients of concern, including sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, and discourage their consumption, which are outcomes that are critical for preventing rises in diet-related non-communicable disease. The objective was to test whether FOPLs helped Indian consumers identify “high-in” packaged foods and reduce intentions to purchase them. We conducted an in-person randomized experiment (n = 2869 adults between ages 18 and 60 years old) in six states of India in 2022. Participants were randomized to one of five FOPLs: a control label (barcode), warning label (octagon with “High in [nutrient]”), Health Star Rating (HSR), Guideline Daily Amount (GDA), or traffic light label. Participants then viewed a series of packaged foods high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium with the assigned FOPL, and rated product perceptions and label reactions. Fewer than half of participants in the control group (39.1%) correctly identified all products high in nutrient(s) of concern. All FOPLs led to an increase in this outcome, with the biggest differences observed for the warning label (60.8%, p < 0.001), followed by the traffic light label (54.8%, p < 0.001), GDA (55.0%, p < 0.001), and HSR (45.0%, p < 0.01). While no FOPLs led to a reduction in intentions to purchase the packaged foods, the overall pattern of results suggested that warning labels are the most effective FOPL to help Indian consumers identify unhealthy foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. K. Singh
- Department of Survey Research and Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Deemed University, Mumbai 400088, India
- Correspondence: (S.K.S.); (L.S.T.)
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.K.S.); (L.S.T.)
| | - Ashish Gupta
- Vital Strategies, New York, NY 27599, USA; (A.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Maxime Bercholz
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Barry Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pettigrew S, Jongenelis M, Jones A, Hercberg S, Julia C. An 18-country analysis of the effectiveness of five front-of-pack nutrition labels. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
43
|
Sigala DM, Hall MG, Musicus AA, Roberto CA, Solar SE, Fan S, Sorscher S, Nara D, Falbe J. Perceived effectiveness of added-sugar warning label designs for U.S. restaurant menus: An online randomized controlled trial. Prev Med 2022; 160:107090. [PMID: 35594928 PMCID: PMC9236625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Added-sugar consumption in the U.S. exceeds recommended limits. Policymakers are considering requiring restaurants to use menu warning labels to indicate items high in added sugar. We sought to determine whether icon-only and icon-plus-text added-sugar menu labels were (1) perceived as more effective at potentially reducing consumption of items high in added sugar and (2) increased knowledge of menu items' added-sugar content relative to control labels, and if effects differed by label design. A national sample of U.S. adults (n = 1327) participated in an online randomized experiment. Participants viewed menu items with either a control label, 1 of 6 icon-only labels, or 1 of 18 icon-plus-text labels with 3 text variations. For their assigned label, participants provided ratings of perceived message effectiveness (a validated scale of a message's potential to change behavior). Participants were also asked to classify menu items by their added-sugar content. The icon-only and icon-plus-text labels were perceived as more effective than the control label (means: 3.7 and 3.7 vs. 3.1, respectively, on a 5-point scale; p < 0.001). The icon-only and icon-plus-text groups each correctly classified 71% of menu items by added-sugar content vs. 56% in the control group (p < 0.001). All icons and text variations were perceived as similarly effective. In conclusion, relative to a control label, icon-only and icon-plus-text added-sugar menu labels were perceived as effective and helped consumers identify items high in added sugar. Menu warning labels may be a promising strategy for reducing added-sugar consumption from restaurants, but research on behavioral effects in real-world settings is needed. Clinical Trials Identifier:NCT04637412.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree M Sigala
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Marissa G Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Carolina Population Center; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Aviva A Musicus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Building 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Sarah E Solar
- Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sili Fan
- Department of Statistics, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sarah Sorscher
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1220 L St. N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA.
| | - DeAnna Nara
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1220 L St. N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA.
| | - Jennifer Falbe
- Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sagaceta-Mejía J, Tolentino-Mayo L, Cruz-Casarrubias C, Nieto C, Barquera S. Understanding of front of package nutrition labels: Guideline daily amount and warning labels in Mexicans with non-communicable diseases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269892. [PMID: 35749373 PMCID: PMC9231753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One strategy for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is the implementation of the front-of-pack labeling (FoPL) in foods and beverages. In 2020, Mexico adopted the warning label system (WL) as a new public health policy, whose aim is to help consumers make healthier food choices. Previously, the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) was the labelling used it. This paper aims to compare the understanding of two FoPL, the GDA and the WL, through the identification of unhealthy products in Mexicans with NCDs. We analyzed data from 14,880 Mexican adults older than 20 years old with NCDs (overweight-obesity (OW/O), self-reported diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2), or/and hypertension (HT), or/and dyslipidemia (Dys)). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the GDA labeling or WL. Each group had to respond to a survey and had to classify food products images as healthy or unhealthy according to the labelling system to which they were assigned. The correct classification was determined according to the criteria of Chile’s labeling nutrient profile stage 3. To evaluate the correct classification in each one of the groups we evaluated the differences in proportions. Logistic regression models were used to assess the likelihood to correctly classify the product according to participants’ number of diseases and WL information, taking GDA label as a reference. Participants who used the information contained in the GDA label misclassified food product labels in greater proportion (70%), mostly participants with three or more NCDs (participants with OW/O+ HT+ Dys, represent 42.3% of this group); compared with those who used WL (50%). The odds of correct classification of food products using WL image were two times greater compared to GDA image in participants with NCDs; being greater in participants with three or more NCDs. The study results highlight the usefulness of WL as it helps Mexicans with NCDs to classify unhealthy food products more adequately compared with GDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Sagaceta-Mejía
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- * E-mail:
| | - Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Taneri PE, Wehrli F, Roa-Díaz ZM, Itodo OA, Salvador D, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Bally L, Minder B, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Laine JE, Bano A, Glisic M, Muka T. Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Intake and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:1323-1335. [PMID: 35231930 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide during the last decades because they are hyperpalatable, cheap, and ready-to-consume products. However, uncertainty exists about their impact on health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association of UPF consumption with all-cause mortality risk. Five bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 6,951 unique citations, 40 unique prospective cohort studies comprising 5,750,133 individuals were included; publication dates ranged from 1984 to 2021. Compared with low consumption, highest consumption of UPF (RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.42), sugar-sweetened beverages (RR = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.04, 1.18), artificially sweetened beverages (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05, 1.22), and processed meat/red meat (RR = 1.15, 95% CI, 1.10, 1.21) were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. However, breakfast cereals were associated with a lower mortality risk (RR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.79, 0.92). This meta-analysis suggests that high consumption of UPF, sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, processed meat, and processed red meat might increase all-cause mortality, while breakfast cereals might decrease it. Future studies are needed to address lack of standardized methods in UPF categorization.
Collapse
|
46
|
Miller C, Wright K, Dono J, Pettigrew S, Wakefield M, Coveney J, Wittert G, Roder D, Durkin S, Martin J, Ettridge K. "You can't just eat 16 teaspoons of sugar so why would you drink 16 teaspoons' worth of sugar?": a qualitative study of young adults' reactions to sugary drink warning labels. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1241. [PMID: 35733102 PMCID: PMC9219237 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13648-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several jurisdictions have introduced nutrient warning front of pack (FoP) labels in an effort to curb consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages high in free sugars (sugars added to foods and beverages, and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates). This study aimed to explore consumer understanding and perceptions of FoP warning labels that convey different nutritional and health information messages regarding the consumption of sugary drinks. Methods Sixteen focus groups were held with 4–8 young adults per group (aged 18–24; n = 105 participants in total) stratified by education level, location (rural centres, large cities) and gender (males, females) to ensure diversity. Labels shown to participants during group discussions included text warning labels of health effects, exercise equivalents, calorie/kilojoule information and sugar content as a “high in” label and as teaspoons (text and pictograms). Thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Four themes were identified related to participants’ perceived effectiveness of labels: the extent to which labels were perceived to be useful, relevant and credible; the extent to which a label elicited shock or disgust (perceived aversiveness); the extent to which the label message was resistant to self-exemption; and participants’ perceived potential of the label to reduce purchasing and consumption behaviour. Across all four themes, labels communicating the number of teaspoons of sugar in a sugary drink (whether by text or pictogram) were perceived as the most impactful, resistant to self-exemption and to have the greatest potential to reduce consumption, with enhanced reactions to the pictogram label. Labels depicting health effects, exercise equivalents, calorie/kilojoule information or a general ‘high in sugar’ warning were perceived by consumers to be less effective in one or more themes. Conclusions Labels conveying the amount of sugar in a beverage in teaspoons were perceived as highly factual, relatable and interpretable, and as having the greatest potential to impact consumption attitudes and intentions. Further quantitative studies are required to compare the potential effectiveness of the teaspoons of sugar labels in reducing purchasing and consumption behaviour than other alternative warning labels, such as health effects or “high in” sugar labels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13648-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Miller
- The University of Adelaide's School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia. .,Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
| | - K Wright
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.,The University of Adelaide's School of Psychology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Dono
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.,The University of Adelaide's School of Psychology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - S Pettigrew
- Food Policy, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Coveney
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - G Wittert
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Nutrition and GI Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - D Roder
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - S Durkin
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Martin
- Obesity Policy Coalition and Alcohol and Obesity Policy, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - K Ettridge
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.,The University of Adelaide's School of Psychology, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Scapin T, Fernandes AC, Shahid M, Pettigrew S, Khandpur N, Bernardo GL, Uggioni PL, Proença RPDC. Consumers' Response to Sugar Label Formats in Packaged Foods: A Multi-Methods Study in Brazil. Front Nutr 2022; 9:896784. [PMID: 35782932 PMCID: PMC9245067 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.896784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing information about the sugar content of packaged foods on product labels is an important strategy to lower consumers' sugar intake. This study assessed the effect of exposure to different sugar labels on consumers' understanding of the sugar content of foods and their food choices. In the first phase, five focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of Brazilian adults to explore their perceptions about food labelling in general and sugar labelling in particular. Based on the qualitative results, four sugar label formats were developed and subsequently tested in a five-arm study on 1,277 adults via a randomised controlled online survey. The formats were: (i) no sugar information—control, (ii) total and added sugar content displayed in the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), (iii) a front-of-package (FoP) octagonal warning for “high-in-sugar” products, (iv) a FoP magnifying glass warning for “high-in-sugar” products, and (v) a “high-in-sugar” warning text embedded on the NIP. Participants from the focus groups reported being confused about the meaning of “sugar” and “added sugar” on food labels and indicated that more interpretive labels, such as the FoP warnings, would help them choose products with low sugar content. In the experiment, all intervention sugar label formats improved participants' understanding of the sugar content of the tested food products, with the FoP warnings (iii and iv) showing the best results. While non-significant differences among label conditions were observed for food choices, the FoP octagonal warning prompted participants to choose high-in-sugar products less often. Given current public policy agendas aiming to reduce added sugar intake, there is a need to strengthen food labelling policies and nutrition disclosure policies that target the display of added sugar and build consumer awareness in using these tools to avoid high-in-sugar products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tailane Scapin
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Nutrition Postgraduate Program (PPGN), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Tailane Scapin
| | - Ana Carolina Fernandes
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Nutrition Postgraduate Program (PPGN), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Maria Shahid
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Greyce Luci Bernardo
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Nutrition Postgraduate Program (PPGN), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Paula Lazzarin Uggioni
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Nutrition Postgraduate Program (PPGN), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Nutrition Postgraduate Program (PPGN), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hammond D, Vanderlee L, White CM, Acton RB, White M, Roberto CA, Cameron A, Sacks G, Kirkpatrick S, Dubin J, Adams J, Jauregui A, Thrasher JF. The Conceptual Framework for the International Food Policy Study: Evaluating the Population-Level Impact of Food Policy. J Nutr 2022; 152:1S-12S. [PMID: 35274695 PMCID: PMC9188864 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An unhealthy diet is among the leading global causes of death and disability. Globally, a range of policies are being implemented to support healthy food choices at a population level, including novel polices in the areas of food marketing, nutrition labeling, and taxation of less healthy foods. There is a need to evaluate and inform the implementation of these policies, including their impacts on marginalized population subgroups. The International Food Policy Study (IFPS) consists of repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 5 high- and upper-middle-income countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In each country, approximately 4000 adults and 1200 children and youth (aged 10-17) were recruited from a global commercial panel to complete an online survey using consistent measures and methodologies across countries. The first annual IFPS surveys were conducted in 2017 with adults; annual surveys for young people aged 10-17 were launched in 2019 in the same countries, as well as in Chile. The design of the IFPS surveys creates a framework for evaluating "natural experiments" in food policies, including comparisons over time within countries implementing the policy and comparisons with countries in which the policy was not implemented. IFPS surveys have 3 primary areas of focus: 1) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs associated with specific policies; 2) diet-related behaviors; and 3) dietary intake, including 24-hour dietary recalls for adults in 4 of the 5 countries. Surveys also assess food insecurity, income adequacy, sex and gender, race/ethnicity, and a range of other measures to assess trends among priority subgroups. Overall, the IFPS project has the potential to address important gaps in national monitoring surveys for dietary patterns, and to evaluate the impacts of novel food policies implemented in any of the 5 countries over the study period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - 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
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel B Acton
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin White
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adrian Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sharon Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel Dubin
- Department Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jean Adams
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandra Jauregui
- Centre for Health and Nutrition Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Is Inversely Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102073. [PMID: 35631214 PMCID: PMC9147239 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Information on the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in relation to an adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is limited. Our aim was to assess UPF consumption in a group of Italian adults and to evaluate the relationship with the MD adherence. A total of 670 participants (median age: 30 years) were included in the analysis. The consumption of UPF was assessed through the NOVA Food Frequency Questionnaire (NFFQ). Adherence to the MD was assessed through the Medi-Lite score. The percentage of UPF in the diet was 16.4% corresponding to 299 g of UPF per day. These amounts were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men than in women and came mainly from ready-to-eat meals or pre-packaged bread, bread alternatives, pizza, frozen potato chips (24.5% of total UPF intake), pre-packaged biscuits and sweets (20.7%), soft drinks (15.8%), and dairy products such as flavored yogurt (12%). As to the MD adherence, a significant inverse association between the Medi-Lite score and the percentage of UPF in the diet (R = −0.35; p < 0.001) was observed. Participants with a low adherence to the MD had a significantly higher contribution of UPF in the diet (22.2%) compared to those with a moderate (16.2%) and high (12.6%) adherence. In terms of individual UPF, the largest difference between low and high MD adherents was observed for pre-packaged biscuits and sweets, soft and energy drinks, sausages and other reconstituted meat products, and pre-packaged bread and bread alternatives. These results suggest that public health strategies are needed to implement more effective actions to promote healthy eating habits in the population.
Collapse
|
50
|
A comparative assessment of two different front-of-package nutrition label designs: A randomized experiment in Brazil. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265990. [PMID: 35385504 PMCID: PMC8985949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compares the effectiveness of different front-of-package label designs in a Brazilian sample (n = 1384). Eligible adults were randomized to one of two study arms and viewed images of snacks with either a triangular warning label (TL) or a rectangular ‘high in’ label with a magnifying glass (ML). They responded to a series of questions that captured label usefulness, understanding, and purchase intentions. Compared to participants in the ML arm, those in the TL arm agreed that the TL communicated important information [Mean (SD) - 5.47 (0.07) vs 4.49 (0.08), p-value <0.001], was a useful tool [Mean (SD) - 6.12 (0.06) vs 5.75 (0.07), p-value <0.001], and was easier to understand as measured subjectively [Mean (SD) - 4.96 (0.07) vs 4.44 (0.08), p-value <0.001]. However, both the TL and the ML performed similarly in communicating nutrient information as measured by the objective understanding of nutrient content [57.09% vs 54.65%, p-value 0.259]. The ML performed marginally better at improving purchase intentions [Mean (SD) - 2.57 (0.07) vs 2.79 (0.08), p-value <0.049]. The current study adds to the growing evidence base on the pathways through which FoP labels, particularly ‘high in’ labels, might influence consumer perceptions and behavior. It is also one of the first studies to provide evidence on the utility of the ML design for Brazil.
Collapse
|