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Young L, Kidd B, Shen S, Jiang Y, Eyles H, Marshall J, Schultz S, Chan J, Sacks G, Mhurchu CN. Trends in the healthiness and nutrient composition of packaged products sold by major food and beverage companies in New Zealand 2015 to 2019. BMC Med 2024; 22:372. [PMID: 39256836 PMCID: PMC11389062 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03567-w] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary risk factors are the leading cause of death globally and in New Zealand (NZ). Processed packaged foods are prevalent in the food supply and contribute excess amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar in diets. Improving the nutritional quality of these foods has the potential to reduce population chronic disease risk. We aimed to evaluate the healthiness using the Australasian Health Star Rating (HSR, from 0.5 to 5 stars, with 5 being the healthiest) and nutrient composition (sodium, saturated fat, and total sugar) of packaged products manufactured by the largest NZ-based food and beverage companies in NZ 2015-2019. This analysis relates to a larger study evaluating structured engagement with food companies to improve nutrition-related policies and actions. METHODS Data was sourced from Nutritrack, a NZ-branded supermarket-sourced food composition database. The largest NZ-based companies from annual retail sales revenue (n = 35) were identified using 2019 Euromonitor data. All relevant products of the selected companies were extracted for analysis. Products included totalled 17,795 with a yearly range of 3462-3672 products. The primary outcome was a nutrient profile score estimated using HSR. Healthiness was defined as ≥ 3.5 stars. Secondary outcomes were sodium, total sugar, and saturated fat per 100 g/100 mL. All outcomes were assessed overall, by food company, and food category. Change over time was tested using linear mixed models, adjusting for major food categories and cluster effects of food companies controlling for multiple comparisons. Model-adjusted mean differences between years were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS There was a small statistically significant increase in mean HSR between 2015 and 2019 (0.08 [0.15,0.01], p = 0.024). Mean total sugar content decreased over the same period (0.78 g/100 g [0.08,1.47], p = 0.020), but there were no significant changes in mean sodium or saturated fat contents. Seven of the 13 categories showed small increases in mean HSR (0.1-0.2). Most categories (9/13) exhibited a reduction in mean total sugar content. CONCLUSIONS Between 2015 and 2019, there were slight improvements in the nutritional quality of selected packaged foods and drinks in NZ. Much more substantive changes are needed to address the health-related burden of unhealthy diets, supported by stronger government action and less reliance on voluntary industry initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 28 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Bruce Kidd
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, 28 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie Shen
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, 28 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yannan Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Helen Eyles
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 28 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
- The Centre for Translational Health Research: Informing Policy and Practice, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Josephine Marshall
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Sally Schultz
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jasmine Chan
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 28 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
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Bolton KA, Santos JA, Rosewarne E, Trieu K, Reimers J, Nowson C, Neal B, Webster J, Woodward M, Dunford E, Armstrong S, Bolam B, Grimes C. Outcomes of a state-wide salt reduction initiative in adults living in Victoria, Australia. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:3055-3067. [PMID: 37493681 PMCID: PMC10468945 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03210-z] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess any effects of a state-wide sodium reduction intervention on sodium intake, sources of dietary sodium and discretionary salt use at a population level. METHODS Data (24-h urinary sodium excretion, self-report survey, a 24-h dietary recall) were collected cross-sectionally at baseline (2016/2017) and follow-up (2020) from adults in Victoria, Australia. Intervention activities included consumer awareness advertising campaign, public debate generation via mass media, strengthening existing policy initiatives and supporting food innovation with industry. RESULTS There were 339 participants at baseline and 211 at follow-up, with 144 and 90 of participants completing a 24-h dietary recall, respectively. There was no difference in adjusted 24-h urinary sodium excretion between baseline and follow-up (134 vs 131 mmol/24 h; p = 0.260). There were no differences in the percentage of participants adding salt during cooking (63% vs 68%; p = 0.244), adding salt at the table (34% vs 37%; p = 0.400) or regularly taking action to control salt/sodium intake (22% vs 21%; p = 0.793). There were large differences in the quantity of dietary sodium sourced from retail stores (57% vs 77%, p < 0.001), and less sodium was sourced from foods at fresh food markets (13% vs 2%; p ≤ 0.001) at follow-up. No large differences were apparent for foods with different levels of processing or for food groups. CONCLUSION There was no clear population-level effect of the 4-year multi-component Victorian Salt Reduction Intervention on sodium intake with Victorian adults continuing to consume sodium above recommended levels. The findings indicate that more intensive and sustained efforts aiming at the retail and food industry with national level support are likely to be required to achieve a measurable improvement in sodium intake at a state level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy A Bolton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joseph Alvin Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Reimers
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caryl Nowson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Dunford
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings Global School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Bruce Bolam
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carley Grimes
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Trieu K, Coyle DH, Rosewarne E, Shahid M, Yamamoto R, Nishida C, Neal B, He FJ, Marklund M, Wu JHY. Estimated Dietary and Health Impact of the World Health Organization's Global Sodium Benchmarks on Packaged Foods in Australia: a Modeling Study. Hypertension 2023; 80:541-549. [PMID: 36625256 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.20105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) set sodium benchmarks for packaged foods to guide countries in setting feasible and effective sodium reformulation programs. We modeled the dietary and health impact of full compliance with the WHO's sodium benchmarks in Australia and compared it to the potential impact of Australia's 2020 sodium reformulation targets. METHODS We used nationally representative data on food and sodium intake, sodium levels in packaged foods, and food sales volume to estimate sodium intake pre- and post-implementation of the WHO and Australia's sodium benchmarks for 24 age-sex groups. Using comparative risk assessment models, we then estimated the potential deaths, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years averted from cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and stomach cancer based on the reductions in sodium intake. RESULTS Compliance with the WHO's sodium benchmarks for packaged foods in Australia could lower mean adult sodium intake by 404 mg/day, corresponding to a 12% reduction. This could prevent about 1770 deaths/year (95% uncertainty interval 1168-2587), corresponding to 3% of all cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and stomach cancer deaths in Australia, and prevent some 6900 (4603-9513) new cases, and 25 700 (17 655-35 796) disability-adjusted life years/year. Compared with Australian targets, the WHO benchmarks will avert around 3 and a half times more deaths each year (1770 versus 510). CONCLUSIONS Substantially greater health impact could be achieved if the Australian government strengthened its current sodium reformulation program by adopting WHO's more stringent and comprehensive sodium benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Daisy H Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Maria Shahid
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Rain Yamamoto
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland (R.Y., C.N.)
| | | | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.).,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (B.N.)
| | - Feng J He
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (F.J.H.)
| | - Matti Marklund
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.).,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (M.M.)
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (K.T., D.H.C., E.R., M.S., B.N., M.M., J.H.Y.W.).,School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Australia (J.H.Y.W.)
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Ngqangashe Y, Friel S. Regulatory governance pathways to improve the efficacy of Australian food policies. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:710-715. [PMID: 36047854 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13284] [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: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective regulatory governance, which entails the actors, processes and contexts within which policies are developed, designed and implemented, is crucial for food policies to improve food environments, consumer behaviour and diet-related health. OBJECTIVE To critically assess Australian food policies for the presence of necessary and sufficient regulatory governance conditions that have been shown to effect positive nutrition outcomes from food policies. METHODS We assessed the Australian National Association of Advertisers (AANA) Food and Beverage Advertising Code, Health Star Rating Front of Pack labelling system and Sodium reformulation under the Healthy Food Partnership (HFP). The policies were analysed for the presence/absence of five regulatory governance conditions - the extent of industry involvement, regulatory design, instrument design, monitoring and enforcement. RESULTS All three policies lack one or more regulatory governance conditions crucial for policy success. Each policy has high industry involvement, an absence of government-led policy-making underpinned by legislation and lacks comprehensive enforcement. Except for the Health Star Rating system, the policies did not have comprehensive monitoring - a necessary condition for policy success. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS The efficacy of these three policies can be enhanced by minimising industry involvement, improving government oversight and improving monitoring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandisa Ngqangashe
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global governance, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory
| | - Sharon Friel
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global governance, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory
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Webster J, Santos JA, Hogendorf M, Trieu K, Rosewarne E, McKenzie B, Allemandi L, Enkhtungalag B, Do HTP, Naidoo P, Farrand C, Waqanivalu T, Cobb L, Buse K, Dodd R. Implementing effective salt reduction programs and policies in low- and middle-income countries: learning from retrospective policy analysis in Argentina, Mongolia, South Africa and Vietnam. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:805-816. [PMID: 34384514 PMCID: PMC9991649 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002100344x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the factors influencing the implementation of salt reduction interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). DESIGN Retrospective policy analysis based on desk reviews of existing reports and semi-structured stakeholder interviews in four countries, using Walt and Gilson's 'Health Policy Triangle' to assess the role of context, content, process and actors on the implementation of salt policy. SETTING Argentina, Mongolia, South Africa and Vietnam. PARTICIPANTS Representatives from government, non-government, health, research and food industry organisations with the potential to influence salt reduction programmes. RESULTS Global targets and regional consultations were viewed as important drivers of salt reduction interventions in Mongolia and Vietnam in contrast to local research and advocacy, and support from international experts, in Argentina and South Africa. All countries had population-level targets and written strategies with multiple interventions to reduce salt consumption. Engaging industry to reduce salt in foods was a priority in all countries: Mongolia and Vietnam were establishing voluntary programs, while Argentina and South Africa opted for legislation on salt levels in foods. Ministries of Health, the WHO and researchers were identified as critical players in all countries. Lack of funding and technical capacity/support, absence of reliable local data and changes in leadership were identified as barriers to effective implementation. No country had a comprehensive approach to surveillance or regulation for labelling, and mixed views were expressed about the potential benefits of low sodium salts. CONCLUSIONS Effective scale-up of salt reduction programs in LMIC requires: (1) reliable local data about the main sources of salt; (2) collaborative multi-sectoral implementation; (3) stronger government leadership and regulatory processes and (4) adequate resources for implementation and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | - Joseph Alvin Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | | | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | - Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | - Briar McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Clare Farrand
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | | | | | - Kent Buse
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
| | - Rebecca Dodd
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Newtown, NSW2050, Australia
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Grunseit AC, Howse E, Bohn-Goldbaum E, Mitchell J, Bauman AE. Changes in Australian community perceptions of non-communicable disease prevention: a greater role for government? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2094. [PMID: 34781923 PMCID: PMC8591602 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monitoring trends in community opinion can identify critical opportunities to implement upstream health policies or interventions. Our study examines change and demographic modifiers of change in community perceptions of government intervention for prevention of lifestyle-related chronic disease across two time points in Australia. Methods Data were drawn from the 2016 (n = 2052) and 2018 (n = 2601) waves of a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey, ‘AUSPOPS’. Survey questions gauged perceptions of government intervention for health in general, peoples’/organizations’ role in maintaining health (e.g., parents, government) and support for specific health interventions (e.g., taxing soft drink). Bivariate and multivariate regression models tested for change between the two surveys, adjusted for demographic characteristics. Models with interactions between survey wave and demographic variables tested for differential change. One-tailed variance ratio tests examined whether opinions had become more polarized in 2018 compared with 2016. Results The large, significant increase observed in the perceived size of the role that government has in maintaining people’s health was uniform across demographic subpopulations. The role for employers and private health insurers was also perceived to be larger in 2018 compared with 2016, but the degree of change varied by gender, age and/or socioeconomic status. Support for some government interventions (e.g., taxing soft drinks) increased among specific demographic subgroups whilst exhibiting no overall change. Opinion was more polarized on general attitudes to government intervention for population health in 2018 compared to 2016, despite little change in central tendency. Conclusions Opportunities may exist to implement government health-promoting policies (e.g., taxing soft drinks), although advocacy may be needed to address the concerns of less supportive subpopulations. Attitudes on government intervention in general may be becoming more polarized; future research examining the association of such changes with exposure to different information sources could inform communication strategies for future health policy change. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12159-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Grunseit
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Level 6, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Eloise Howse
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Level 3, 30C Wentworth St, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia
| | - Erika Bohn-Goldbaum
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Level 6, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jo Mitchell
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Level 3, 30C Wentworth St, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia
| | - Adrian E Bauman
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Level 6, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Coyle DH, Shahid M, Dunford EK, Louie JCY, Trieu K, Marklund M, Neal B, Wu JHY. Estimating the potential impact of the Australian government's reformulation targets on household sugar purchases. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:138. [PMID: 34706725 PMCID: PMC8555094 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries around the world are putting in place sugar reformulation targets for packaged foods to reduce excess sugar consumption. The Australian government released its voluntary sugar reformulation targets for nine food categories in 2020. We estimated the potential impact of these targets on household sugar purchases and examined differences by income. For comparison, we also modelled the potential impact of the UK sugar reduction targets on per capita sugar purchases as the UK has one of the most comprehensive sugar reduction strategies in the world. METHODS Grocery purchase data from a nationally representative consumer panel (n=7,188) in Australia was linked with a large database (FoodSwitch) with product-specific sugar content information for packaged foods (n=25,261); both datasets were collected in 2018. Potential reductions in per capita sugar purchases were calculated overall and by food category. Differences in sugar reduction across income level were assessed by analysis of variance. RESULTS In 2018, the total sugar acquired from packaged food and beverage purchases consumed at-home was 56.1 g/day per capita. Australia's voluntary reformulation targets for sugar covered 2,471/25,261 (9.8%) unique products in the FoodSwitch dataset. Under the scenario that all food companies adhered to the voluntary targets, sugar purchases were estimated to be reduced by 0.9 g/day per capita, which represents a 1.5% reduction in sugar purchased from packaged foods. However, if Australia adopted the UK targets, over twice as many products would be covered (n=4,667), and this would result in a more than four times greater reduction in sugar purchases (4.1 g/day per capita). It was also estimated that if all food companies complied with Australia's voluntary sugar targets, reductions to sugar would be slightly greater in low-income households compared with high-income households by 0.3 g/day (95%CI 0.2 - 0.4 g/day, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sugar-reduction policies have the potential to substantially reduce population sugar consumption and may help to reduce health inequalities related to excess sugar consumption. However, the current reformulation targets in Australia are estimated to achieve only a small reduction to sugar intakes, particularly in comparison to the UK's sugar reduction program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy H Coyle
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia.
| | - Maria Shahid
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
| | - Elizabeth K Dunford
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kathy Trieu
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
| | - Matti Marklund
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bruce Neal
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Australia
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Growth of Ready Meals in Australian Supermarkets: Nutrient Composition, Price and Serving Size. Foods 2021; 10:foods10071667. [PMID: 34359537 PMCID: PMC8304220 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-prepared, or ready meals (frozen, chilled and shelf-stable) are increasingly available in supermarkets in developed countries. This study aimed to investigate how the range of ready meals in Australian supermarkets has changed from 2014 to 2020, and how products vary by price, serving size, nutrient composition and Health Star Rating. Product information was obtained from the FoodTrack™ packaged food database for the years 2014 to 2019 and from an instore audit of products available in Adelaide, Australia for 2020. There was a 13% annual average increase in the number of ready meals available in supermarkets. Serving size did not change (median 350 g, p-trend = 0.100) and price increased modestly from 2014 to 2020 (median $1.67 to $1.79/100 g, p-trend < 0.001), with chilled ready meals being the most expensive. A modest decrease in sodium density from 2014 to 2020 (median 275 to 240 mg/100 g, p-trend < 0.001) was seen. However, the category has a wide range in Health Star Ratings and nutrient composition, highlighting the importance of appropriate consumer choice to optimise health benefits. With the increasing availability of ready meals, global improvements within this category should be encouraged and consumers guided to choose healthier products.
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Rosewarne E, Moore M, Chislett WK, Jones A, Trieu K, Webster J. An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership's advocacy strategy for policy change. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:100. [PMID: 34266477 PMCID: PMC8281636 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00759-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health advocacy strategies facilitate policy change by bringing key health issues to the forefront of public and political discourse, influencing decision-makers and public opinion, and increasing policy demand. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership (VSRP) was established in 2014 in response to inadequate government action to improve population diets in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the success of the VSRP's advocacy strategy in achieving policy change. METHODS Documentation of VSRP activities and outputs were collected, and semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a comprehensive process evaluation. For this study, the Kotter Plus 10-step public health advocacy evaluation framework was used to guide data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. RESULTS A sense of urgency for salt reduction was generated by producing evidence and outlining the potential impact of a state-based salt reduction programme. This enabled the creation of a coalition with diverse skills and expertise, which facilitated the development of an innovative and collaborative advocacy action plan. A clear change vision was established, but communication of the vision to decision-makers was lacking, which reduced the impact of the programme as decision-makers were not provided with a clear incentive for policy change. As a result, while programme outputs were achieved, these did not translate to achieving broader strategic goals during a limited-term intervention in a political climate unconcerned with salt. CONCLUSIONS The Kotter Plus 10-step framework was a useful tool for evaluating the success of the VSRP advocacy strategy. The framework enabled the identification of key strengths, including the creation of the guiding coalition, and areas where efforts could be improved in future similar strategies, such as effective communication within partnerships and to decision-makers, to better influence policy and improve public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Michael Moore
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Wai-Kwan Chislett
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Packaged food supply in Fiji: nutrient levels, compliance with sodium targets and adherence to labelling regulations. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4358-4368. [PMID: 34008486 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002100224x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of products meeting Fiji government labelling regulations, assess compliance with national Na reformulation targets and examine the Na and total sugar levels in packaged foods sold in selected major supermarkets. DESIGN We selected five major supermarkets in 2018 and collected the product information and nutritional content from the labels of all packaged foods sold. We organised 4278 foods into fourteen major food categories and thirty-six sub-categories and recorded the proportion of products labelled in accordance with the Fiji labelling regulations. We looked at the levels of Na and total sugar in each food category and assessed how many products complied with the Fiji reformulation targets set for Na. We also listed the companies responsible for each product. SETTING Suva, Fiji. RESULTS Fourteen percentage of packaged foods in fourteen major categories met Fiji national labelling regulations. Na was labelled on 95·4 % products, and total sugar labelled on 92·4 %. The convenience foods category had the highest Na levels (1699 mg/100 g), while confectionery had the highest content of total sugar (52·6 g/100 g). Forty percentage of eligible products did not meet the proposed voluntary Na reformulation targets. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate significant room for improvement in nutrient labelling, as well as a need for further enforcement of reformulation targets and monitoring of changes in food composition. Through enacting these measures and establishing additional regulations such as mandatory front-of-pack labelling, government and food industry can drive consumers towards healthier food choices and improve the nutritional quality of packaged foods in Fiji.
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Rosewarne E, Chislett WK, McKenzie B, Reimers J, Jolly KA, Corben K, Trieu K, Webster J. Stakeholder perspectives on the effectiveness of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership: a qualitative study. BMC Nutr 2021; 7:12. [PMID: 33883029 PMCID: PMC8061028 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-021-00414-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions to reduce population salt intake are feasible and cost-effective. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership implemented a complex, multi-faceted salt reduction intervention between 2014 and 2020 in the Australian state of Victoria. This study aimed to understand stakeholder perspectives on the effectiveness of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Partnership and food industry stakeholders. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was adapted for the Partnership intervention and used to guide the qualitative analysis. RESULTS Fourteen Partnership and seven food industry stakeholders were interviewed. The Partnership was viewed as essential for intervention planning and decision-making and an enabler for intervention delivery. The goals of capacity building and collaborative action were perceived to have been achieved. The implementation team executed intended intervention activities and outputs, with some adaptations to strategy. Barriers and enablers to implementation were identified by interviewees, such as compatibility of individual, organisational and Partnership values and building positive relationships between the Partnership and food industry, respectively. Legal, political, social, environmental, technological and economic factors affecting intervention design, delivery and outcomes were identified. CONCLUSIONS Establishing a Partnership with diverse skills and experience facilitated collaborative action, capacity building and execution of the intervention. Monitoring and evaluating implementation informed strategy adaptations, which allowed optimisation of Partnership strategy. The importance of developing strong communication networks between strategic and implementation-levels was a key lesson.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Wai-Kwan Chislett
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Briar McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jenny Reimers
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Kellie-Ann Jolly
- National Heart Foundation of Australia, Melbourne, VIC, 3008, Australia
| | - Kirstan Corben
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Ndanuko R, Maganja D, Kibet A, Coyle DH, Kimiywe J, Raubenheimer D, Marklund M, Wu JHY. Sodium Content and Labelling Completeness of Packaged Foods and Beverages in Kenya. Nutrients 2021; 13:1385. [PMID: 33924065 PMCID: PMC8074286 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased consumption of unhealthy processed foods, particularly those high in sodium, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nutrition information on packaged foods can help guide consumers toward products with less sodium, however the availability of nutrition information on foods sold in Kenya is currently unknown. The aims of this study were to estimate the proportion of packaged foods and beverages displaying nutrition information for sodium and determine the amount of sodium in packaged foods available for sale in Kenya. Data was collected in 2019 from five retail supermarkets in Nairobi. The availability of sodium information provided on packaged products and the sodium content were recorded. As secondary analyses, we compared sodium content labelling of products in Kenya by manufacturing location and the sodium content of products available in Kenya and South Africa. A total of 6003 packaged products in 56 food categories were identified. Overall, 39% of products displayed sodium content, though the availability of labelling varied widely between food categories, with coverage in main categories ranging from 0% (yoghurts and yoghurt drinks) to 86% (breakfast cereals). Food categories with the highest median sodium content were herbs and spices (9120 mg/100 g), sauces (1200 mg/100 g) and meat alternatives (766 mg/100 g) although wide variabilities were often observed within categories. Imported products were more likely to provide information on sodium than locally produced products (81% compared to 26%) and reported higher median sodium levels (172 mg/100 g compared to 96 mg/100 g). Kenyan products reported a higher median sodium content than South African products in six categories while South African products had higher median sodium in 20 categories, with considerable variation in median sodium content between countries in some categories. These findings highlight considerable potential to improve the availability of sodium information on packaged products in Kenya and to introduce reformulation policies to reduce the amount of sodium in the Kenyan food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Ndanuko
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Alex Kibet
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (A.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Daisy H. Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Judith Kimiywe
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (A.K.); (J.K.)
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Matti Marklund
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 22 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jason H. Y. Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
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Coyle D, Shahid M, Dunford E, Ni Mhurchu C, Mckee S, Santos M, Popkin B, Trieu K, Marklund M, Neal B, Wu J. Estimating the potential impact of Australia's reformulation programme on households' sodium purchases. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 4:49-58. [PMID: 34308112 PMCID: PMC8258059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On average, Australian adults consume 3500 mg sodium per day, almost twice the recommended maximum level of intake. The Australian government through the Healthy Food Partnership initiative has developed a voluntary reformulation programme with sodium targets for 27 food categories. We estimated the potential impact of this programme on household sodium purchases (mg/day per capita) and examined potential differences by income level. We also modelled and compared the effects of applying the existing UK reformulation programme targets in Australia. METHODS This study used 1 year of grocery purchase data (2018) from a nationally representative consumer panel of Australian households (Nielsen Homescan) that was linked with a packaged food and beverage database (FoodSwitch) that contains product-specific sodium information. Potential reductions in per capita sodium purchases were calculated and differences across income level were assessed by analysis of variance. All analyses were modelled to the Australian population in 2018. RESULTS A total of 7188 households were included in the analyses. The Healthy Food Partnership targets covered 4307/26 728 (16.1%) unique products, which represented 22.3% of all packaged foods purchased by Australian households in 2018. Under the scenario that food manufacturers complied completely with the targets, sodium purchases will be reduced by 50 mg/day per capita, equivalent to 3.5% of sodium currently purchased from packaged foods. Reductions will be greater in low-income households compared with high-income households (mean difference -7 mg/day, 95% CI -4 to -11 mg/day, p<0.001). If Australia had adopted the UK sodium targets, this would have covered 9927 unique products, resulting in a reduction in per capita sodium purchases by 110 mg/day. CONCLUSION The Healthy Food Partnership reformulation programme is estimated to result in a very small reduction to sodium purchases. There are opportunities to improve the programme considerably through greater coverage and more stringent targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Coyle
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Shahid
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Dunford
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cliona Ni Mhurchu
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- National Institute for Health Innovation, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Mckee
- Client Services, The Nielsen Company Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Myla Santos
- Client Services, The Nielsen Company Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barry Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathy Trieu
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matti Marklund
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce Neal
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jason Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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