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Poinsot R, Hopkins S, Maillot M. Evaluation of the nutritional quality of French children breakfasts according to the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS). Front Nutr 2024; 11:1430831. [PMID: 39021597 PMCID: PMC11252056 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1430831] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breakfast meals provide essential nutrients and energy to children and adolescents. Based on recommendations from the International Breakfast Research Initiative (IBRI), the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS) was developed to assess breakfast nutritional value among the French adult population. However, its application to children remains unexplored. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the BQS in assessing the nutritional quality of breakfasts consumed by French children aged 4-17 years. Methods A total of 4,015 breakfasts, obtained from dietary recalls provided by 1,448 children participating in the French representative dietary survey (INCA3), were analyzed. As for adults, the performance of the BQS was tested through correlations with other nutritional indicators and comparison of nutrients and dietary components between tertiles of scores. The study examined the regularity of breakfast consumption and compared the BQS of children's breakfasts across socio-demographic modalities and breakfast categories distinguished by their primary grain component. Additionally, a predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression identified influential INCA3 food groups. Results The majority of children consumed solid breakfasts regularly. Socio-professional category, household income and food insecurity influenced BQS, revealing contradictory disparities. Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) breakfasts had the highest BQS (73.5% for children and 73.1% for adolescent), while biscuits and viennoiseries scored the lowest (52% for children and 49.1% for adolescent). PLS highlighted RTECs, milk, and hot beverages (mainly containing chocolate milk) as being positively associated with BQS, while sweet beverages and viennoiseries were negatively associated. Conclusion The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BQS in assessing children's breakfast quality, with RTEC breakfasts showing the highest nutritional value. The findings provide insights into factors influencing breakfast nutritional quality and underscore the importance of promoting healthier breakfast choices among all children.
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Rosin M, Young L, Jiang Y, Vandevijvere S, Waterlander W, Mackay S, Ni Mhurchu C. Product promotional strategies in supermarkets and their effects on sales: A case study of breakfast cereals and drinks in New Zealand. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:463-471. [PMID: 36843241 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12800] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the frequency of promotions on breakfast cereals and drinks in a major New Zealand supermarket chain, determine the healthiness of promoted versus non-promoted products, and quantify the effects of promotions on sales. METHODS Weekly data on product promotions and sales were collected in six Auckland supermarkets for 198 breakfast products over 12 weeks. The healthiness of products was determined using the Health Star Rating system, and the effect of promotions on sales was estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS On average, 47% of breakfast products in a given week were promoted using on-shelf tickets, 12% in weekly mailers, and 9% via promotional displays. The healthiness of promoted and non-promoted breakfast products was comparable. In relation to weekly sales of non-promoted products, all three promotional strategies had substantial (2 to 2.5 times higher sales) and statistically significant (P < 0.001) effects on product sales. CONCLUSION Promotions are frequently used and effective at increasing sales. Marketing strategies focusing solely on promoting healthier products could be an important nudging strategy to improve the healthiness of supermarket food purchases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Rosin
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Leanne Young
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yannan Jiang
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Scientific Institute of Public Health (Sciensano), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wilma Waterlander
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sally Mackay
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Khan AS, Frank T, Swart RE. Child-directed marketing on packaged breakfast cereals in South Africa. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2139-2148. [PMID: 37539472 PMCID: PMC10564615 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood obesity is on the rise in South Africa (SA), and child-directed marketing (CDM) is one of the contributing factors to children's unhealthy food choices. This study assessed CDM on packaged breakfast cereals available in SA supermarkets and their nutritional quality. DESIGN Photographic images were examined in a descriptive quantitative study. A codebook of definitions of CDM was developed for this purpose. REDCap, an online research database, was used for data capturing, and SPSS was used for data analyses including cross-tabulations and one-way ANOVA. SETTING The current study was set in the Western Cape province of SA. SUBJECTS Photographic images of all packaged breakfast cereals sold in major retailers in the Western Cape province of SA in 2019 were studied. RESULTS CDM strategies were classified as direct (to the child) or indirect (through the parent). A total of 222 breakfast cereals were studied, of which 96·9 % had a nutritional or health claim, 95·0 % had illustrations, 75·2 % had product and consumption appeals, 10·8 % had characters, 10·8 % consisted of different appeals, 8·6 % alluded to fantasy and 7·7 % had role models. In breakfast cereals with direct CDM, the protein and fibre content was significantly lower than in breakfast cereals without direct CDM. This study found a significantly higher total carbohydrate and total sugar content in breakfast cereals with direct CDM than those without direct CDM. CONCLUSION CDM was highly prevalent in breakfast cereals sold in SA. Regulations to curb the marketing of packaged foods high in nutrients of concern is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice S Khan
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Belville, 7535Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamryn Frank
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Belville, 7535Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rina Elizabeth Swart
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Belville, 7535Cape Town, South Africa
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Stiletto A, Cei L, Trestini S. A Little Bird Told Me… Nutri-Score Panoramas from a Flight over Europe, Connecting Science and Society. Nutrients 2023; 15:3367. [PMID: 37571304 PMCID: PMC10421117 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153367] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission ask for a unified Front Of Pack nutritional label for food to be used at the European level. The scientific debate identified the Nutri-Score (NS) as the most promising candidate, but within the political discussion, some Member States brought to attention several issues related to its introduction. This misalignment led to a postponement of the final decision. With the aim to shed some light on the current stances and contribute to the forthcoming debate, the objective of the present work is to understand to what extent scientific research addresses the issues raised by the general public. We applied a structural topic model to tweets from four European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) and to abstracts of scientific papers, all dealing with the NS topic. Different aspects of the NS debate are discussed in different countries, but scientific research, while addressing some of them (e.g., the comparison between NS and other labels), disregards others (e.g., relations between NS and traditional products). It is advisable, therefore, to widen the scope of NS research to properly address the concerns of European society and to provide policymakers with robust evidence to support their decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuele Trestini
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (L.C.)
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Ganderats-Fuentes M, Morgan S. Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling and Its Impact on Food Industry Practices: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112630. [PMID: 37299593 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has become a major public health concern globally, and the food supply is a significant driver of this trend. Front-of-package (FOP) labels have been implemented in many countries to encourage healthier food choices. This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of FOP label implementation on food manufacturers' practices. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 39 relevant articles from 1990 to 2021. The studies indicated that FOP labels conveying intuitive information influenced product reformulation, whereas those with numerical information without specific guidance had no impact on reducing unhealthy nutrients. The most common outcomes were sodium, sugar, and calorie reduction. Mandatory policies reported higher and more consistent effects on product reformulation compared to voluntary approaches. Voluntary FOP labeling resulted in low uptake and tended to be applied to healthier products. Food manufacturers responded to FOP labeling heterogeneously, depending on the label design and type of enforcement. FOP label implementation can reduce nutrients of concern but food manufacturers behave strategically by labeling healthier choices. This review provides recommendations for maximizing the benefits of using FOP labels to prevent obesity, and findings can inform future public health research and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherry Morgan
- Holman Biotech Commons, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Angelino D, Dinu M, Gandossi B, Pellegrini N, Martini D. Processing and Nutritional Quality of Breakfast Cereals Sold in Italy: Results from the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15082013. [PMID: 37111232 PMCID: PMC10145012 DOI: 10.3390/nu15082013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the level of processing (as assessed by the NOVA classification) and the nutritional quality (as assessed by nutrition values, Nutri-Score and NutrInform battery) of breakfast cereals currently on the Italian market. A total of 349 items were found, mostly belonging to the NOVA 4 group (66.5%) and to Nutri-Score C and A (40% and 30%, respectively). The NOVA 4 products showed the highest energy, total fat, saturates, and sugar content per 100 g and had the highest number of items with Nutri-Score C (49%) and D (22%). Conversely, NOVA 1 products had the highest content of fibre and protein, the lowest amounts of sugars and salt, and 82% of them were Nutri-Score A, while few Nutri-Score B and C were found. Differences were attenuated when products were compared for their NutrInform battery, with NOVA 4 items showing only slightly fuller batteries for saturated fats, sugar, and salt than NOVA 1 and NOVA 3 products. Overall, these results suggest that the NOVA classification partially overlaps with systems based on the nutritional quality of foods. The lower nutritional quality of NOVA 4 foods may at least partially explain the association found between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Angelino
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Dinu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Gandossi
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Nutri-Score: Its Benefits and Limitations in Children's Feeding. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:e46-e60. [PMID: 36399776 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is one of the top priorities of public health policies worldwide. One of the recognized means of achieving this objective is to improve the diet quality. The Nutri-Score (N-S) is a [five-color-A, B, C, D, E letters] front-of-pack labeling logo intended to help consumers quickly identify the healthier prepackaged foods within a food category. Available studies have shown that the N-S is an efficient tool to achieve this aim in terms of consumers' awareness, perception, understanding, and purchasing and that its use may help to reduce the prevalence of NCDs. The N-S is currently implemented on a voluntary basis in 7 European countries and a discussion is underway within the European Commission to achieve a harmonized mandatory label. However, no study on the putative impact of the N-S on children's dietary patterns and health is available. The N-S is not applicable to infants' and young children's formulas and to specific baby foods, the compositions of which are already laid down in European Union regulations. The N-S does not replace age-appropriate dietary guidelines. As children consume an increasing number of adult type and processed foods, the relevance of the N-S for children should be evaluated considering the children's high specific requirements, especially in younger children. This is especially necessary for fitting fat and iron requirements, whereas protein-rich foods should be better framed. Moreover, efforts should be made to inform on how to use the N-S and in education on healthy diets.
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O’Mahony S, O’Donovan CB, Collins N, Burke K, Doyle G, Gibney ER. Reformulation of Processed Yogurt and Breakfast Cereals over Time: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3322. [PMID: 36834017 PMCID: PMC9964677 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poor diet is responsible for a quarter of European non-communicable disease (NCD)-related deaths. The reformulation of sugar, salt, and saturated fat in processed packaged foods offers an opportunity to reduce consumption of nutrients of concern and also support a reduction in energy intake. To date, there have been no publications measuring progress in food reformulation by compiling published evidence for a food category. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, characterize and summarise the findings of studies analysing the reformulation of processed yogurt and breakfast cereals. The review answered the research question: "What is the impact of food reformulation on the nutrient quality of yogurt and breakfast cereals available in the retail environment?" The research protocol was defined based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases were searched in May 2022. Thirteen studies, published between 2010 and 2021 and completed across seven countries were eligible for inclusion. There were sufficient eligible studies to identify trends in sodium, salt, and sugar reduction in breakfast cereals. However, there was minimal or no reduction in energy, which may bring into question the use of food reformulation as part of an overall health strategy for obesity reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead O’Mahony
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare B. O’Donovan
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nuala Collins
- Food Safety Authority of Ireland, The Exchange, Georges Dock, D01 P2V6 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin Burke
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gerardine Doyle
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Geary Institute of Public Policy, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen R. Gibney
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Martini D, Marangoni F, Banterle A, Donini LM, Riccardi G, Poli A, Pellegrini N. Relationship between front-of-pack labeling and nutritional characteristics of food products: An attempt of an analytical approach. Front Nutr 2022; 9:963592. [PMID: 36061903 PMCID: PMC9437431 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.963592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoption of supplementary nutrition information, i.e., front-of-pack labeling (FOPL), on pre-packed food products is advocated as a tool to improve the consumers' knowledge of the nutrient content or the nutritional quality of foods, but also to drive products reformulation by the food industry. Ultimately, FOPL should help people to select foods in order to compose an overall balanced diet, which is essential for health. However, the extent to which the different FOPL systems proposed in the European Union (EU) (interpretative or informative) are effectively able to convey the information useful to improve both food choices and dietary habits of the consumers is still under debate and needs to be analyzed in detail. The use of 3 FOPL schemes proposed within the EU (Nutri-Score, Keyhole and NutrInform Battery) to compare products available on the Italian market within different food categories, highlights some critical issues: (1) different FOPL provide to consumers different kinds of information; (2) systems based on similar theoretical approaches can provide conflicting information; (3) the algorithms on which interpretative FOPL are based can give the same summary information for products differing in nutrient composition, impact on the overall dietary balance and therefore on the health of people with different characteristics, physiological/pathological conditions, and nutritional requirements; (4) on the other hand, products with similar nutrient composition can obtain different interpretative FOPL; (5) informative systems are generally more complex and require greater both attention and knowledge from the consumer; (6) FOPL based on 100 g of product overlook the role of portion (and frequency of consumption) in determining the nutrient intake without informing on the contribution of a single food to the overall diet; (7) FOPL based on scoring systems could promote the reformulation of selected products, especially with a composition very close to the threshold limits; (8) for the portion-based informative FOPL systems, the incentive for reformulation could essentially involve the reduction of portion size. Finally, the importance of nutritional education interventions, which are required to encourage the use by consumers of informative FOPL systems, cannot be neglected to improve the quality of diets regardless of the FOPL used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Banterle
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Riccardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Santos D, Pintado M, Lopes da Silva JA. Potential nutritional and functional improvement of extruded breakfast cereals based on incorporation of fruit and vegetable by-products - A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sadler CR, Grassby T, Hart K, Raats MM, Sokolović M, Timotijevic L. “Even We Are Confused”: A Thematic Analysis of Professionals' Perceptions of Processed Foods and Challenges for Communication. Front Nutr 2022; 9:826162. [PMID: 35284464 PMCID: PMC8904920 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.826162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Processed foods are increasingly under the spotlight since the development of classification systems based on proxies for food processing. Published critical reviews and commentaries suggest different views among professional disciplines about the definition and classification of processed food. There is a need to further understand perspectives of professionals on the conceptualisation of processed food and the agreements and disagreements among experts, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and aid communication to the public. The aim of this research was to elicit views and understandings of professionals on processed food, their perceptions of lay people's perceptions of the same, and their perspectives on the challenges of communicating about processed foods to the public. The online discussion groups brought together a range of professionals (n = 27), covering the fields of nutrition, food technology, policy making, industry, and civil society, mixed in 5 heterogenous groups. Through thematic analysis the following themes relating to the conceptualisation of processed food and challenges for communication were identified: (1) Broad concepts that need differentiation; (2) Disagreements on scope and degree of processing; (3) The role of food processing within the food system: the challenges in framing risks and benefits; and (4) The challenge of different perspectives and interests for risk communication. Throughout the discussions blurred lines in the characterisation of processing, processed foods, and unhealthy foods were observed. Participants agreed that consensus is important, but difficult. Participants identified a need for further interdisciplinary dialogue, including public engagement, to break down the observed issues, and work towards a mutual understanding and develop clear communication messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R. Sadler
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- European Food Information Council, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Christina R. Sadler
| | - Terri Grassby
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Hart
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Monique M. Raats
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lada Timotijevic
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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De Bauw M, De La Revilla LS, Poppe V, Matthys C, Vranken L. Digital nudges to stimulate healthy and pro-environmental food choices in E-groceries. Appetite 2022; 172:105971. [PMID: 35181380 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
In response to the detrimental health- and environmental impacts of European consumers' dietary patterns, Nutri-Scores and Eco-Scores have been introduced on packages as guidance for choices. Whereas the scores are promising to improve food choices from a nutritional point of view, the scant available literature suggests very limited effects on the environmental impact of food choices. Therefore, there remains a need to explore ways to bring about improvements in both areas. As a growing share of consumers buys food groceries online, new opportunities to steer food choices are being created. This article explores the potential of several digital functionalities to further stimulate healthier and pro-environmental food choices amongst consumers. These functionalities included product recommendation agents, product scores, a real-time average impact score of the chosen food basket and a personalised social norm. Those were tested in a two-stage randomized controlled trial with 1000 Belgian household food decision makers in a mock-up E-grocery. Indices reflecting the nutritional quality (NQI) and environmental impact (EII) of the selected food baskets were calculated. The results indicate that at first, displaying a combined Nutri- and Eco-Score at product level led to improved NQI's, but not EII's. However, the scores also led to shifting behaviour in EII's when facilitated with recommendation agents. The display of the average impact scores of the selected basket and of social norms did not lead to additional improvements. Hence, a combined Nutri- and Eco-Score labelling system is recommended, but an enabling environment to consider both scores is important to realise a shift towards more healthy and environmentally friendly food choices. Apart from manifesting healthier and environmentally friendly products with a centralised labelling system, improving their accessibility should be considered at least as important for behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel De Bauw
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Bio-economics, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lucia Segovia De La Revilla
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Population Health, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe Matthys
- KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Endocrinology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Vranken
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Bio-economics, Leuven, Belgium
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De Bauw M, Matthys C, Poppe V, Franssens S, Vranken L. A combined Nutri-Score and ‘Eco-Score’ approach for more nutritious and more environmentally friendly food choices? Evidence from a consumer experiment in Belgium. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Assessing nutritional value of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals in the province of Quebec (Canada): a study from the Food Quality Observatory. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:2397-2404. [PMID: 33843558 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Food Quality Observatory was created in the province of Quebec (Canada) in 2016. In this study, the Observatory aimed to generate a methodology to (1) test the use of sales data combined with nutrient values to characterise the nutritional composition of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals offered and purchased in the province of Quebec (Canada) and (2) verify the extent to which a front-of-pack label based on the percentage of daily value (DV) for total sugar, as a strategy to improve the food supply, would be distributed in this food category. DESIGN Nutritional information were obtained by purchasing each RTE breakfast cereal available in the Greater Montreal area. Cereals were then classified according to their processing type. SETTING The nutritional values of 331 RTE breakfast cereals available in Quebec were merged with sales data covering the period between May 2016 and May 2017. A total of 306 products were successfully cross-referenced. RESULTS Granola and sweetened cereals were the most available (36·6 % and 19·6 %, respectively) and purchased (19·8 % and 40·9 % of sales, respectively). When compared with other types of cereals, granola cereals had a higher energy, fat, saturated fat, protein content and a lower Na content. A larger proportion of chocolate (65 %) and sweetened cereals (49 %) were above 15 % of the DV for sugar. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the methodology developed generates important data to monitor nutritional quality of the food supply and ultimately contribute to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods.
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Association between Heat-Induced Chemical Markers and Ultra-Processed Foods: A Case Study on Breakfast Cereals. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051418. [PMID: 32423099 PMCID: PMC7285198 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional composition and neo-formed contaminant content in ultra-processed foods, amongst other factors, may contribute to increasing overall risk of non-communicable diseases and cancer. Commercial breakfast cereals (n = 53) were classified according to the NOVA approach as un-/minimally processed (NOVA-1, 11%), processed (NOVA-3, 30%), and ultra-processed (NOVA-4, 59%) foods. Acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content as heat-induced chemical markers was taken from our research team database. The NutriScore was used as the nutritional profiling system. Samples were distributed between groups A (19%), B (13%), C (38%), and D (30%). No statistically significant differences in acrylamide and HMF were found across the NutriScore groups. Sugar content was the only nutritional descriptor found to be significantly different between processed (11.6 g/100 g) and ultra-processed (23.1 g/100 g) breakfast cereal groups. Sugar content correlated with acrylamide (p < 0.001) and HMF (p < 0.0001). Acrylamide and HMF contents were not significantly higher in the NOVA-4 group when compared with the NOVA-3 group. However, trends towards higher acrylamide and HMF content are observed, amounting to a change of 75 µg/kg and 13.3 mg/kg in processed breakfast cereals, and 142 µg/kg and 32.1 mg/kg in ultra-processed breakfast cereals, respectively. Thus, the NOVA classification may not reflect the extent of the thermal treatment applied to the breakfast cereal but the type and amount of ingredients incorporated. Ultra-processed breakfast cereal does not predict significantly higher toxicological concern based on acrylamide content than processed breakfast cereals; a clear trend is seen whose contributing factors should be further studied.
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