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Martins AC, Kraemer MVDS, Rodrigues VM, Hinnig PDF, Fernandes AC, Bernardo GL, Proença RPDC, Uggioni PL. Market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals in packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil. NUTR BULL 2024. [PMID: 38698740 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12676] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterise the market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals in packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil. We analysed 535 food labels using data collected in a census-type method (n = 5620) of food labels in a Brazilian supermarket in 2013. Micronutrients declared in nutrition claims and the ingredients list (synthetic compounds) were considered to be added for commercial purposes. Analysis of the ingredients list and nutrition claims showed that market-driven fortification of vitamins and minerals was present in 27.1% of foods. The main vitamins and minerals were vitamins A, B complex, C, D, calcium, iron and zinc. The food groups 'Milk and dairy products' and 'Sugars, sugary foods and snacks' had the highest frequencies of micronutrients declared in the ingredients list. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and all vitamins, except B7, were found to be added for commercial purposes. Micronutrients were found to be commonly added to packaged foods as a marketing strategy directed at parents and their children. Future studies should assess the amount of vitamins and minerals added to packaged foods targeted at children and whether intakes of vitamins and minerals in children are potentially excessive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Corrêa Martins
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariana Vieira Dos Santos Kraemer
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mello Rodrigues
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Fragas Hinnig
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Nutrition Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Fernandes
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Nutrition Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Geyce Luci Bernardo
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Nutrition Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paula Lazzarin Uggioni
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Nutrition and Foodservice Research Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Nutrition Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Remedios L, Wu D, Soares Guimaraes J, Pinto A, Bagnato M, Pritchard M, L’Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Advertising expenditures on child-targeted food and beverage products in two policy environments in Canada in 2016 and 2019. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279275. [PMID: 36630326 PMCID: PMC9833551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The food industry advertises unhealthy foods intended for children which in turn fosters poor diets. This study characterized advertising expenditures on child-targeted products in Canada and compared these expenditures between Quebec, where commercial advertising to children under 13 is restricted, and the rest of Canada, where food advertising to children is self-regulated. METHODS Advertising expenditures data for 2016 and 2019 for 57 select food categories and five media channels were licensed from Numerator. Products and brands targeted to children were identified based on their nature and the advertising techniques used to promote them. Advertising expenditures were classified as healthy/unhealthy using Health Canada's nutrient profile model. Expenditures per child capita aged 2-12 years were calculated and expenditures from 2016 were adjusted for inflation. Advertising expenditures were described by media, food category, year, and geographic region. RESULTS Overall, $57.2 million CAD was spent advertising child-targeted products in Canada in 2019. Television accounted for 77% of expenditures followed by digital media (18%), and the food categories with the highest expenditures were candy/chocolate (30%) and restaurants (16%). The totality of expenditures (99.9%-100%) in both Quebec and the rest of Canada in 2016 and 2019 were considered 'unhealthy'. Across all media channels (excluding digital), advertising expenditures were 9% lower in 2019 versus 2016. Advertising expenditures per capita were 32% lower in Quebec ($9.40/capita) compared to the rest of the country ($13.91/capita). CONCLUSION In Canada, millions are spent promoting child-targeted products considered inappropriate for advertising to children. While per capita advertising expenditures for these products are lower in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada, they remain high, suggesting that Quebec's commercial advertising restrictions directed to children are likely not sufficiently protecting them from unhealthy food advertising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Soares Guimaraes
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Adena Pinto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mary L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Borges CA, Khandpur N, Neri D, Duran AC. Comparing Latin American nutrient profile models using data from packaged foods with child-directed marketing within the Brazilian food supply. Front Nutr 2022; 9:920710. [PMID: 36532519 PMCID: PMC9755586 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.920710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine and compare the extent to which different nutrient profile models (NPMs) from Latin America (LA) identify packaged foods and beverages with child-directed marketing sold in Brazil as being high in nutrients associated to the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 3,464 foods found in the five largest Brazilian supermarkets. Child-directed marketing was coded using the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) protocol. Differences in medians of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium per 100 kcal in foods, with the presence and absence of child-directed marketing, were tested using the Mann-Whitney test. We compared six NPMs in LA and examined to what extent they targeted these products using prevalence ratios. Analyses were performed overall and by the degree of food processing according to the Nova food classification. RESULTS We found 1,054 packages with child-directed marketing. Among these, candies, cakes and pies, sauces and creams, and sugar-sweetened beverages were significantly higher in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium per 100 kcal than products that are not targeted at children (p < 0.05). Compared with PAHO and the Mexico models, the Brazilian NPMs would allow three times more ultra-processed foods to omit warnings for sodium (p < 0.05). The Uruguayan NPM also flagged fewer ultra-processed foods high in sodium (p < 0.05). The Brazilian model also allows four times more sugar-sweetened beverages and six times more dairy drinks to omit warnings for sugar than the Mexico and PAHO models. In comparison to all other NPMs, the Brazilian model showed the worst performance in identifying baked goods as high in sodium. Chile, Uruguay, and Peru models would also target significantly less sugar-sweetened beverages and high in at least one critical nutrient than PAHO and Mexico models. CONCLUSION Compared with other NPMs in LA, the NPM criteria adopted in Brazil are more permissive and less likely to inform consumers of the poor nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods and beverages with child-directed marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Aparecida Borges
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Food Studies and Research, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Neri
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Duran
- Center for Food Studies and Research, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Sato PDM, Leite FHM, Khandpur N, Martins APB, Mais LA. “I Like the One With Minions”: The Influence of Marketing on Packages of Ultra-Processed Snacks on Children's Food Choices. Front Nutr 2022; 9:920225. [PMID: 35942170 PMCID: PMC9356306 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.920225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the most consumed school snacks using the free listing and understand how marketing strategies on food labels influenced children's perceptions of snacks via focus groups. Design The study design involved free lists and semi-structured focus group interviews. Setting São Paulo, Brazil. Participants A total of 69 children were involved in this study. Phenomenon of Interest Children's perceptions of food labels. Analysis Food groups mentioned on the free lists were analyzed for their frequency and priority of occurrence. The focus groups were analyzed through content analysis. Results Juices and chips were the most salient snacks, with availability and flavor as reasons for their consumption. Children found images on labels appealing, which created a desire for the food, although could be deceptive. Snacks perceived as healthy were encouraged by parents, and children could more easily convince them to buy snacks with health claims. Colors and brands were important to catch children's attention and make the snack recognizable. Television commercials and mascots reinforced marketing strategies on labels. Conclusions and Implications Our results point to the need for public health strategies to deal with the obesity epidemic through creating and implementing specific legislation to regulate food labels to discourage the consumption of unhealthy snacks and prohibit food marketing targeted at children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila de Morais Sato
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Priscila de Morais Sato
| | | | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Laís Amaral Mais
- Brazilian Institute for Consumer Defense (Idec), São Paulo, Brazil
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Food marketing to teenagers: An exploratory study examining the ‘Power’ and platforms of food and beverage marketing in Canada. Appetite 2022; 173:105999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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U.S. Adolescents' Diet Consumption Patterns Differ between Grocery and Convenience Stores: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168474. [PMID: 34444223 PMCID: PMC8394683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Among U.S. adolescents, foods/beverages that are store-bought (i.e., from grocery and convenience stores) are significant contributors of energy intake. However, it remains unclear (1) what foods/beverages are consumed by U.S. adolescents from grocery and convenience stores and (2) if there are differences in foods/beverages consumed by store type. Therefore, we analyzed 29,216 eating occasions from adolescents (12–19 years; n = 4065) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 to report food/beverage groups and nutrients consumed from grocery and convenience stores. Differences in food/beverage groups and nutrient densities by store type were calculated using multiple logistic and linear regressions. Adolescents were more likely to consume “Beverages” and “Snacks and Sweets” and less likely to consume “Grains”, “Protein”, “Milk and Dairy”, “Condiments and Sauces”, and “Fruits” from convenience compared to grocery stores (all p < 0.0025). Foods/beverages from convenience stores were higher in carbohydrates, total sugar, and added sugar and lower in protein, fat, saturated fat, sodium, and fiber than those from grocery stores (all p < 0.0025). In conclusion, while foods/beverages from convenience stores are more energy-dense and nutrient-poor, there is a critical need to increase the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthier foods/beverages in both store types to encourage healthier dietary behaviors among U.S. adolescents.
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Nutritional value of child-targeted food products: results from the Food Quality Observatory. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:5329-5337. [PMID: 34348826 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise the nutritional quality of food products targeted to children, we aimed: (1) to determine if the nutritional composition of child-targeted food products is different from those for the general population and (2) to verify differences in the nutrient content of child-targeted food products between three selected food categories. DESIGN The present study is part of the work conducted by the Food Quality Observatory, created in 2016 in the province of Quebec (Canada). Ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals (n 331), granola bars (n 310) and yoghurts and dairy desserts (n 380) were the food categories analysed. SETTING Nutritional values and all packaging information were obtained by purchasing every product available in supermarkets, grocery stores and specialty grocery stores. Free sugars were manually differentiated from total sugars for each product. Products were classified according to two targeted consumer groups: children or general population. RESULTS The nutrient profile of RTE breakfast cereals, granola bars and yoghurts and dairy desserts targeted to children differed from that of products intended at the general population. Child-targeted RTE breakfast cereals had the least favourable nutritional composition, with significantly higher content of carbohydrates, total sugars, free sugars and Na compared with breakfast cereals for the general population as well as child-targeted granola bars and yoghurts and dairy desserts. All child-targeted products analysed contained free sugars. CONCLUSIONS The current study supports the relevance to further regulate marketing to children on food product packages to ensure that such marketing is not present on food products with poor nutritional quality.
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Kholina K, Grant A, Waddington M, Egbe M, Grant S, Terashima M, Williams PL. In-store food environment for adults and children in Nova Scotia, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2021; 112:430-439. [PMID: 33237485 PMCID: PMC8076380 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper examines the retail food environment in grocery and convenience stores across Nova Scotia with specific attention to prominence and promotion of foods and beverages, as well as in-store promotion of foods and beverages to children. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of data on the availability, price, prominence, and promotion of foods and beverages classified as "healthier" and "less healthy" was undertaken as a part of a Nova Scotia Consumer Food Environment (NS-CFE) project. Data were collected in a random stratified sample of 47 grocery stores and 59 convenience stores by trained research assistants working in pairs using adapted Nutrition Environment Measures Survey Toronto grocery store (NEMS-S) and NEMS Corner Store (NEMS-CS) tools. RESULTS "Less healthy" snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages were more prominently displayed than "healthier" options with an exception of cereal, at both grocery and convenience stores (all p < 0.001). Coke™ and fruit juice were more expensive than water in both grocery and convenience stores (both p ≤ 0.05). Significantly more child-specific strategies were used to promote "less healthy" compared with "healthier" options in both grocery and convenience stores (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Results of this study demonstrate that "less healthy" options are significantly more prominently displayed and more heavily marketed to all Nova Scotians, including children, in the retail food environment compared with items classified as "healthier". These findings indicate that there is a need for comprehensive structural changes to the retail food environment in Nova Scotia, to support population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Kholina
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amy Grant
- Maritime SPOR Support Unit and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Manfred Egbe
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shannan Grant
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre and Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Mikiko Terashima
- School of Planning, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Patricia L Williams
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
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Significant sugar-reduction in dairy products targeted at children is possible without affecting hedonic perception. Int Dairy J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2020.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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10
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How cartoon characters and claims influence children’s attitude towards a snack vegetable – An explorative cross-cultural comparison between Indonesia and Denmark. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.104031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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11
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Qazi N, Pawar M, Tharakan A, Padhy P. Sugar and salt content of commercially available infant formulas and baby foods in the Indian Marketplace and its comparison to the recommended intake guidelines. Indian J Community Med 2021; 46:757-758. [PMID: 35068751 PMCID: PMC8729302 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Sipple LR, Barbano DM, Drake M. Invited review: Maintaining and growing fluid milk consumption by children in school lunch programs in the United States. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:7639-7654. [PMID: 32819617 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fluid milk consumption among children has declined for decades. Adequate consumption of milk and dairy products, especially during childhood, has beneficial health outcomes for growth, development, and reduced risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, and cancer during adulthood. Satisfaction with milk flavor, perceived health benefits derived from milk, and habit are primary drivers of lifelong milk consumption. Child preferences and attitudes for milk may differ from those of adults, and as such, understanding and fulfilling the needs of children is crucial to reverse the decline in milk consumption. School meal programs make fluid milk accessible to millions of children each day; however, regulations and school lunch procurement systems in the United States sometimes make it difficult to provide novel or value-added milk products in these programs. Total consumption of all milk types in US schools declined by 14.2% from 2008 to 2017, and the percentage of children participating in the school lunch program has also declined. This decline has also been driven by declining average daily participation in the school meal program and may also reflect children's dissatisfaction with the sensory characteristics and the form of milk offered in schools. The change in form of milk offered in schools to lower fat and lower added sugar content in the United States has been driven by government-mandated school lunch calorie and fat requirements. This review describes the current milk consumption trends among children; the structure and basic requirements of the school lunch program in total and for milk; and the intrinsic, extrinsic, and environmental factors that influence child perception, preference, and consumption of fluid milk in the US school system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Sipple
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences, Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695
| | - David M Barbano
- Department of Food Science, Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - MaryAnne Drake
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences, Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695.
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Torres-Schiaffino D, Saavedra-Garcia L. Relationship between Marketing to Children on Food Labeling and Critical Nutrient Content in Processed and Ultra-Processed Products Sold in Supermarkets in Lima, Peru. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123666. [PMID: 33260508 PMCID: PMC7760847 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased alarmingly, representing a risk to children’s health. Different techniques in marketing to kids (M2K) used on food labels are influencing the purchasing decisions of these products. This study aims to provide useful information about M2K found in labeling of food products sold in a supermarket chain in Lima, Peru and to determine its relationship with critical nutrient content. This was an observational, correlational, descriptive study. Data were collected by photographing the front-of-pack (FoP) of 2747 product labels sold in three supermarkets in Lima, but only those that met all the inclusion criteria were evaluated (n = 1092). A relationship was found between the use of techniques in marketing to kids and the level of critical nutrient regarding saturated fat (PR = 0.56; CI95%: 0.52–0.63), total sugar (PR = 1.70; CI95%: 1.64–1.77), and sodium (PR = 1.05; CI95%: 1.03–1.07). Particularly with sugar, the presence of M2K is a risk factor. New regulatory policies for the use of these food labeling techniques should be implemented to improve children’s health at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Torres-Schiaffino
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru;
| | - Lorena Saavedra-Garcia
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru;
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
- Correspondence:
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Beltrá M, Soares-Micoanski K, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Ropero AB. Nutrient Composition of Foods Marketed to Children or Adolescents Sold in the Spanish Market: Are They Any Better? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7699. [PMID: 33096905 PMCID: PMC7589828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Healthy eating is essential for the growth and development of children and adolescents. Eating habits established in childhood continue into adulthood. In Spain, the frequent promotion of foods with low nutritional value is already considered a threat to the health of the population, particularly to children and adolescents. In this work, we analyse 3209 foods from the Food Database, BADALI. Foods were classified as marketed to children or adolescents according to the advertising on the packaging, television or internet. We found that 17.5% of foods in the database were marketed to this population and 97% of those were considered unhealthy following the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO-NPM). In the total of foods for children or adolescents, 61.5% were high in fat, 58.5% in free-sugar, 45.4% in saturated fat and 45% in sodium. Foods marketed to them presented higher amounts of carbohydrates and sugar, while lower protein and fibre content than the rest. There was also considerable variability in levels of the other nutrients found in these products, which depended largely on the food group. According to our findings, there is a tendency for products marketed to children or adolescents to be unhealthy and of a poorer nutritional quality than those not targeted at them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Beltrá
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain; (K.S.-M.); (A.B.R.)
| | - Keila Soares-Micoanski
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain; (K.S.-M.); (A.B.R.)
| | - Eva-Maria Navarrete-Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, 03550 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Ana B. Ropero
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain; (K.S.-M.); (A.B.R.)
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Anastácio CDOA, Oliveira JM, Moraes MMD, Damião JDJ, Castro IRRD. Nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods consumed by children in Rio de Janeiro. Rev Saude Publica 2020; 54:89. [PMID: 32901754 PMCID: PMC7454167 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054001752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the nutritional composition of ultra-processed foods consumed by children that attend basic health units. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a representative probabilistic sample of 536 children aged between 6 and 59 months treated at a health unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Nutritional information was extracted from labels of the ultra-processed foods referred to in a 24-hour recall. The 351 foods mentioned were divided into 22 groups and 38 subgroups according to the type of product, and they were characterized according to the averages of the values for energy, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats and sodium in 100 grams of the product, in addition to presence, number, and type of “other sweeteners”. The nutritional Profile Model of the Pan American Health Organization was applied for each food and for the average of nutrient content obtained for each group to examine the occurrence of critical nutrients excess. RESULTS Ultra-processed foods contained high energy value and high levels of total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Out of the total of ultra-processed foods, 66% presented excess of at least one critical nutrient, with emphasis on requeijões and ultra-processed cheeses, instant noodles, and industrialized and sausage-like meats, which presented 100% of foods with excess of total fats, saturated fats and sodium. Out of the 21 groups, the following exceeded the limit established by the Pan American Health Organization: for total fats, 10 groups; for saturated fats, 11; for trans fats, 3; and sodium, 13. Requeijões and ultra-processed cheeses; industrialized and sausage-like meats; and biscuits exceeded this limit in all parameters. Out of the set of ultra-processed foods analyzed, 13.4% contained “other sweeteners” (eight different types). CONCLUSIONS The ultra-processed foods analyzed presented unbalanced nutritional profile, and two thirds presented excess of at least one critical nutrient. Educational actions and regulatory measures are necessary to better inform the population and to discourage its consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine de Oliveira Avelar Anastácio
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Nutrição. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Alimentação, Nutrição e Saúde. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Juliana Martins Oliveira
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Nutrição. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Alimentação, Nutrição e Saúde. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Milena Miranda de Moraes
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Nutrição. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Alimentação, Nutrição e Saúde. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jorginete de Jesus Damião
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Nutrição. Departamento de Nutrição Social. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Inês Rugani Ribeiro de Castro
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Nutrição. Departamento de Nutrição Social. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Sodium and salt content of Portuguese rolls produced in a city of southern Brazil: a comparison of laboratory analysis, food labelling and nutrition standards. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:2337-2344. [PMID: 32618554 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020000786] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the Na content of bread by comparing the amount of salt and Na among the label, laboratory analysis and international guidelines. DESIGN Ten selected bakeries provided 3239 randomly selected samples of bread, which were weighed on-site. Triplicate samples were retrieved from each bakery (thirty samples) for analysis. Bread production was observed, and ingredient labels were queried to determine salt weights, which were used for comparison with the laboratory analysis. Flame photometry and the method for chlorides were utilised for analysing Na. Laboratory findings were compared to nine different international nutritional guidelines for Na consumption. SETTING Florianopolis, south of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS Ninety independent bakeries locally producing Portuguese rolls were queried; rolls from ten conveniently selected bakeries were retrieved for further analysis. RESULTS The average weight of the rolls was 50·2 ± 5·3 g. The average amount of salt (g) per roll, by laboratory and label analyses, was 0·69 ± 0·0 and 0·62 ± 0·1 g, respectively. The mean level of Na (mg) reported on nutrient labels (478·2 ± 93·4/100 g) was significantly lower than by laboratory analysis (618·2 ± 73·8/100 g), P < 0·001. There was a difference for Na in rolls produced in the bakeries considering the unit weight of rolls (P ≤ 0·001) per 100 g (P = 0·026) and the mode of production. The consumption of two averaged units of rolls was equivalent to 51·7 % of the Brazilian guideline daily amount for Na for children and 31 % for adults. CONCLUSIONS The nutrient labels underreported Na values. This study strengthens the importance of monitoring Na of breads in Brazil.
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Elliott C, Truman E. The Power of Packaging: A Scoping Review and Assessment of Child-Targeted Food Packaging. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040958. [PMID: 32235580 PMCID: PMC7230356 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Child-targeted food marketing is a significant public health concern, prompting calls for its regulation. Product packaging is a powerful form of food marketing aimed at children, yet no published studies examine the range of literature on the topic or the “power” of its marketing techniques. This study attempts such a task. Providing a systematic scoping review of the literature on child-targeted food packaging, we assesses the nutritional profile of these foods, the types of foods examined, and the creative strategies used to attract children. Fifty-seven full text articles were reviewed. Results identify high level trends in methodological approaches (content analysis, 38%), outcomes measured (exposure, 44%) and with respect to age. Studies examining the nutritional profile of child-targeted packaged foods use various models, classifying from anywhere from 41% to 97% of products as unhealthy. Content analyses track the prevalence of child-targeted techniques (cartoon characters as the most frequently measured), while other studies assess their effectiveness. Overall, this scoping review offers important insights into the differences between techniques tracked and those measured for effectiveness in existing literature, and identifies gaps for future research around the question of persuasive power—particularly when it comes to children’s age and the specific types of techniques examined.
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18
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Bernstein JT, Christoforou AK, Mulligan C, L'Abbé MR. Examining the relationship between sugars contents of Canadian foods and beverages and child-appealing marketing. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2020; 111:239-246. [PMID: 31912383 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-019-00276-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2016, legislation to restrict child-appealing marketing (M2K) of "unhealthy" foods and beverages ("foods") (i.e., foods that exceed roughly 5-10% of the Daily Value (DV) for total sugars, sodium, or saturated fats) was proposed in Canada. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between foods with on-pack M2K and excessive free sugars contents (≥ 10% calories from free sugars) and the potential for a 5% total sugars DV threshold to restrict M2K on these products. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto's Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2013 database (n = 15,259, after exclusions). Odds ratios were used to determine the association between excess free sugars contents and presence of M2K, stratified by major food category. The proportion of products with excessive free sugars levels, or with M2K, that would be restricted from M2K if a 5% DV threshold for total sugars was implemented was also determined. RESULTS 77.8% of foods with M2K had excess free sugars levels compared with 38.4% without M2K. M2K was more likely to be present on foods with excess free sugars levels in 8 of 14 food categories that contained products with M2K. A 5% DV threshold for total sugars would restrict M2K on 83% of foods with excess free sugars levels and on 75% of current foods that had M2K. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate that foods with M2K are less healthy, particularly in regard to free sugars levels. This highlights the importance of ensuring policies aimed at supporting healthy dietary habits among children carefully consider free sugars levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi T Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anthea K Christoforou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 5368, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Prevalence of Child-Directed Marketing on Breakfast Cereal Packages before and after Chile's Food Marketing Law: A Pre- and Post-Quantitative Content Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224501. [PMID: 31731577 PMCID: PMC6888536 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Food marketing has been identified as a contributing factor in childhood obesity, prompting global health organizations to recommend restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children. Chile has responded to this recommendation with a restriction on child-directed marketing for products that exceed certain regulation-defined thresholds in sugars, saturated fats, sodium, or calories. Child-directed strategies are allowed for products that do not exceed these thresholds. To evaluate changes in marketing due to this restriction, we examined differences in the use of child-directed strategies on breakfast cereal packages that exceeded the defined thresholds vs. those that did not exceed the thresholds before (n = 168) and after (n = 153) the restriction was implemented. Photographs of cereal packages were taken from top supermarket chains in Santiago. Photographed cereals were classified as “high-in” if they exceeded any nutrient threshold described in the regulation. We found that the percentage of all cereal packages using child-directed strategies before implementation (36%) was significantly lower after implementation (21%), p < 0.05. This overall decrease is due to the decrease we found in the percentage of “high-in” cereals using child-directed strategies after implementation (43% before implementation, 15% after implementation), p < 0.05. In contrast, a greater percentage of packages that did not qualify as “high-in” used child-directed strategies after implementation (30%) compared with before implementation (8%), p < 0.05. The results suggest that the Chilean food marketing regulation can be effective at reducing the use of child-directed marketing for unhealthy food products.
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Truman E, Elliott C. Identifying food marketing to teenagers: a scoping review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2019; 16:67. [PMID: 31426809 PMCID: PMC6700978 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-019-0833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Teenagers are aggressively targeted by food marketing messages (primarily for unhealthy foods) and susceptible to this messaging due to developmental vulnerabilities and peer-group influence. Yet limited research exists on the exposure and power of food marketing specifically to teenage populations. Research studies often collapse “teenagers” under the umbrella of children or do not recognize the uniqueness of teen-targeted appeals. Child- and teen-targeted marketing strategies are not the same, and this study aims to advance understanding of teen-targeted food marketing by identifying the teen-specific promotion platforms, techniques and indicators detailed in existing literature. Methods A systematic scoping review collected all available literature on food marketing/advertising with the term “teenager” or “adolescent” from nine databases, as well as Google Scholar for grey literature, and a hand search of relevant institutional websites. Included were all peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and grey literature in which food marketing to youth was the central topic of the article, of any study type (i.e., original research, reviews, commentaries and reports), and including any part of the 12–17 age range. Results The 122 articles reviewed define the scope of existing literature on food marketing to young people age 17 and under, identifying leading trends in countries studied (United States, 52%), populations identified (children and teens studied concurrently, 36%), outcomes measured (advertising exposure, 54%), study type (cross-sectional, 58%) and methods used (content analysis, 46%). The promotion platforms and techniques used by food marketers to appeal to young people (as reported in the literature) are also identified and classified. Few studies (7%) use indicators to identify teen-targeted food marketing. Conclusions Unique treatments of teen populations are limited in food marketing literature, as is the application of clear indicators to identify and differentiate teen-targeted food marketing from child- or adult-targeted content. Given the need to better measure the presence and power of teen food marketing, this is a significant oversight in existing literature. The indicators identified will help researchers to develop more accurate strategies for researching and monitoring teen-targeted food promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Truman
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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Tracking Kids' Food: Comparing the Nutritional Value and Marketing Appeals of Child-Targeted Supermarket Products Over Time. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081850. [PMID: 31404967 PMCID: PMC6722619 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marketing unhealthy foods negatively impacts children’s food preferences, dietary habits and health, prompting calls for regulations that will help to create an “enabling” food environment for children. One powerful food marketing technique is product packaging, but little is known about the nature or quality of child-targeted food products over time. This study assesses how child-targeted supermarket foods in Canada have transformed with respect to nutritional profile and types of marketing appeals (that is, the power of such marketing). Products from 2009 (n = 354) and from 2017 (n = 374) were first evaluated and compared in light of two established nutritional criteria, and then compared in terms of marketing techniques on packages. Overall, child-targeted supermarket foods did not improve nutritionally over time: 88% of child-targeted products (across both datasets) would not be permitted to be marketed to children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and sugar levels remained consistently high. Despite this poor nutritional quality, the use of nutrition claims increased significantly over time, as did the use of cartoon characters and appealing fonts to attract children’s attention. Character licensing—using characters from entertainment companies—remained consistent. The findings reveal the critical need to consider packaging as part of the strategy for protecting children from unhealthy food marketing. Given the poor nutritional quality and appealing nature of child-oriented supermarket foods, food product packaging needs to be included in the WHO’s call to improve the restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children.
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García AL, Morillo-Santander G, Parrett A, Mutoro AN. Confused health and nutrition claims in food marketing to children could adversely affect food choice and increase risk of obesity. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:541-546. [PMID: 30530844 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in the UK and to explore the use of health and nutrition claims. DESIGN This cross-sectional study was carried out in a wide range of UK food retailers. Products marketed to children above the age of 1 year containing any of a range of child friendly themes (i.e. cartoons, toys and promotions), and terms suggesting a nutritious or healthy attribute such as 'one of 5-a-day', on product packaging were identified both in stores and online. Information on sugar, salt and fat content, as well as health and nutrition claims, was recorded. The Ofcom nutrient profiling model (NPM) was used to assess if products were healthy. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty-two products, including breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, fruit-based drinks, dairy products and ready meals, were sampled. The use of cartoon characters (91.6%), nutrition claims (41.6%) and health claims (19.6%) was a common marketing technique. The one of 5-a-day claim was also common (41.6%), but 75.4% (103) of products which made this claim were made up of less than 80 g of fruit and vegetables. Sugar content (mean±SD per 100 g) was high in fruit snacks (48.4±16.2 g), cereal bars (28.9±7.5 g) and cereals (22.9±8.0 g). Overall, 41.0% of the products were classified as less healthy according to the Ofcom NPM. CONCLUSION A large proportion of products marketed to children through product packaging are less healthy, and claims used on product packaging are confusing. Uniform guidance would avoid confusion on nutritional quality of many popular foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada L García
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gabriela Morillo-Santander
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison Parrett
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonina N Mutoro
- Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Luisa Machado M, Mello Rodrigues V, Bagolin do Nascimento A, Dean M, Medeiros Rataichesck Fiates G. Nutritional Composition of Brazilian Food Products Marketed to Children. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1214. [PMID: 31142018 PMCID: PMC6627636 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most food industry marketing in products targeted at children is found in packages of foods containing either excessive fat, sugar, or salt. This study audited all 5620 packaged foods available in a store of a large Brazilian supermarket chain and retrieved information from the nutrition facts tables on package labels. Products were photographed for further visual analysis to determine the presence of marketing strategies directed at children. Comparison of nutrient content per 100 g between children's and non-children's food products employed the Student t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test (p-value < 0.05), due to the non-normal distribution of the nutritional composition data as verified through the Shapiro-Wilk test. Brazilian children's food products from groups 4, 5, and 7 presented higher carbohydrate content than similar non-children's products, while children's food products from groups 1 and 7 presented lower fiber content. Results indicate that regulation on food labeling needs revising as it has not been effective in stopping the marketing of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods towards children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Luisa Machado
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre, Nutrition Post Graduation Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Mello Rodrigues
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre, Nutrition Post Graduation Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Bagolin do Nascimento
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Moira Dean
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Giovanna Medeiros Rataichesck Fiates
- Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre, Nutrition Post Graduation Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil.
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Lavriša Ž, Pravst I. Marketing of Foods to Children through Food Packaging Is Almost Exclusively Linked to Unhealthy Foods. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1128. [PMID: 31117202 PMCID: PMC6566923 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The nutritional composition of foods marketed to children is important, as it can significantly influence children's preferences. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of child-oriented food products in the food supply and to investigate their nutritional composition. The sample included 8191 prepacked foods in the Slovenian food supply available in the market in 2015. The nutrient profile (World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe nutrient profile model) of the products with child-targeted promotions was compared to the nutrient profile of those without child-targeted promotions. Food categories with the highest proportion of products with child-focused promotions were "Breakfast Cereals" (17%), "Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery" (15%) and "Edible Ices" (13%). Altogether, 93% of all products with child-focused promotions and 73% of products without such promotions were classified as "not permitted". The proportion of "not permitted" foods was significantly higher in products with child-targeted promotions, compared with products without child-targeted promotions (p < 0.0001), and this trend was observed in a majority of food categories. To protect children from exposure to the marketing of foods with less favourable nutritional compositions, public health strategies should be focused also towards limiting promotions of unhealthy foods to children on product packaging, not only in media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Živa Lavriša
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition Institute, Tržaška cesta 40, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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25
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Aerts G, Smits T. Child-targeted on-pack communications in Belgian supermarkets: associations with nutritional value and type of brand. Health Promot Int 2019; 34:71-81. [PMID: 28973405 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dax057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Persuasive on-pack marketing strategies, such as colourful images and games, affect children's preferences and requests. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of these child-directed (i.e. aimed at children) strategies on food packages at a Belgian retailer. Although previous research already demonstrated the frequency of most of these techniques directed at children, this paper extends to food pricing and facing strategies (i.e. the number of items from the same product aligned next to each other in the supermarket shelves) which were unstudied till now. Moreover, the association between the use of these strategies, the products' (un)healthiness and their type of brand (national vs. private) is investigated. The content analysis found that 372 food products contained one or more child-directed marketing strategies on-pack, all these communications were coded; the products could be classified in 15 food categories. On average, 3.9 (Min = 1; Max = 8) food promotion techniques were used per package. Unhealthiness of products was rated according to Food Standards Agency (FSA) Nutrient Profile UK. We found that 89.2% of all products with child-directed strategies were considered to be unhealthy. The presence of marketing strategies was associated with higher product unhealthiness, but did not differ much between types of brand. Overall, these findings suggest that (unhealthy) foods aimed at children typically feature many on-pack persuasive communications, which implies that policy makers should (continue to) monitor this. These findings highlight the need for further research to investigate the impact of on-pack communications on children's consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goele Aerts
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute for Media Studies, Parkstraat 45 Box 3603, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Smits
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute for Media Studies, Parkstraat 45 Box 3603, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Nutrient Profiling and Child-Targeted Supermarket Foods: Assessing a "Made in Canada" Policy Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040639. [PMID: 30795594 PMCID: PMC6406549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Marketing unhealthy food and beverages to children is a pervasive problem despite the negative impact it has on children’s taste preferences, eating habits and health. In an effort to mitigate this influence on Canadian children, Health Canada has developed a nutrient profile model with two options for national implementation. This study examined the application of Health Canada’s proposed model to 374 child-targeted supermarket products collected in Calgary, AB, Canada and compared this with two international nutrient profile models. Products were classified as permitted or not permitted for marketing to children using the Health Canada model (Option 1 and Option 2), the WHO Regional Office for Europe model, and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) model. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Overall, Health Canada’s Option 1 was the most stringent, permitting only 2.7% of products to be marketed to children, followed by PAHO (7.0%), WHO (11.8%), and Health Canada’s Option 2 (28.6%). Across all models, six products (1.6%) were universally permitted, and nearly 60% of products were universally not permitted on the basis of nutritional quality. Such differences in classification have significant policy and health-related consequences, given that different foods will be framed as “acceptable” for marketing to children—and understood as more or less healthy—depending on the model used.
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Lima M, de Alcantara M, Martins IBA, Ares G, Deliza R. Can front-of-pack nutrition labeling influence children's emotional associations with unhealthy food products? An experiment using emoji. Food Res Int 2019; 120:217-225. [PMID: 31000233 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Food products targeted at children are usually marketed using persuasive elements aimed at creating positive hedonic and emotional associations. For this reason, changes in children's emotional associations with unhealthy food products can discourage their consumption. In this context, the aim of the present study was to compare children's emotional associations with food products featuring different front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling schemes. A total of 492 children (6-12 years old) were randomly divided into three groups, each of which evaluated a series of packages featuring different FOP nutrition labelling schemes: guidelines daily amount (GDA), traffic light system (TLS) and nutritional warnings. For each of the six packages and three unpackaged products, children were asked to select all the emoji from a list that described how they would feel eating the product. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models. FOP nutrition labelling significantly influenced the frequency of use five of the 16 emoji. In general, children who evaluated packages with directive and semi-directive schemes used emoji associated with positive emotions less frequently than those who evaluated packages with the GDA system. The effect of FOP nutrition labelling scheme on emotional associations was moderated by age and type of school. The effect of directive and semi-directive FOP nutritional schemes, in special nutritional warnings, tended to be higher for younger children and children from public schools. These results suggest that FOP nutrition labelling may contribute to discouraging consumption of products with high content of nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Lima
- Food Technology Department, Technology Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 456, km 7, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcela de Alcantara
- PDJ CNPq/Embrapa Agroindústria de Alimentos, Avenida das Américas, 29501, CEP 23020-470 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Inayara B A Martins
- Food Technology Department, Technology Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 456, km 7, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - 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, Pando, Uruguay
| | - Rosires Deliza
- Embrapa Agroindústria de Alimentos, Avenida das Américas, 29501, CEP 23020-470 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Marketing Strategy, Serving Size, and Nutrition Information of Popular Children's Food Packages in Taiwan. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11010174. [PMID: 30650555 PMCID: PMC6356497 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A content analysis was used to investigate the marketing strategies, serving size, and nutrition quality in Taiwan popular children’s snacks and drinks. A total of 361 snacks and 246 drinks were collected. It was found that 38.6% of snacks and 25.3% of drinks were child-targeted (CT) foods, and 78.1% and 85.4% of the snacks and drinks had health and nutrition marketing (HNM). Serving size was significantly positively correlated to calories among different food categories in this study. Only the CT breads, ready-to-eat cereals, and fruit/vegetable juice had smaller serving sizes than did the corresponding non-CT products. These CT products had significantly fewer calories than did the corresponding non-CT products. Approximately 30% of snacks and 18% of drinks had both CT and HNM. Moreover, 82.7% of CT snacks and 100.0% of CT drinks with HNM were high in sugar. About 95% of foods with no added sugar claim were high sugar. CT foods are not necessarily healthier than non-CT foods, even the CT food with HNM. Health professionals should help parents assess the nutrition quality of the popular children’s foods. Further research was needed to investigate the effect of these marketing strategies and serving size on children’s food consumption.
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Vergeer L, Vanderlee L, Potvin Kent M, Mulligan C, L'Abbé MR. The effectiveness of voluntary policies and commitments in restricting unhealthy food marketing to Canadian children on food company websites. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2018; 44:74-82. [PMID: 30273499 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Marketing unhealthy foods and beverages to children (M2K) fosters poor dietary patterns, increasing obesity and noncommunicable disease risk. Federal restrictions on M2K have been under development in Canada since 2016; however, at present, M2K is mostly self-regulated by food companies. This study aimed to compare M2K on Canadian websites of food companies with and without voluntary policies or commitments in this area. A systematic content analysis of company websites was conducted in spring/summer 2017 for major packaged food (n = 16), beverage (n = 12), and restaurant chain (n = 13) companies in Canada. M2K policies were sourced from company websites and published corporate documents. Sixteen companies (43%) reported national and/or global M2K policies, while 21 companies (57%) had no published policies. The websites of Canadian companies (n = 154) were scanned for child-directed products and marketing; type and frequency of marketing techniques were recorded. Child-directed marketing appeared on 19 websites of 12 companies (32%), including 9 companies with M2K policies. Websites featured products with unconventional flavours, colours, shapes, or child-oriented packaging, and used promotional characters, contests, games, activities, or lettering and graphics appealing to children. The nutritional quality of products marketed to children was evaluated using a nutrient profile model developed by Health Canada for proposed M2K regulations. Of the 217 products marketed to children, 97% exceeded Health Canada's proposed ∼5% Daily Value threshold for saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugars, 73% of which were products from 9 companies with policies. These findings highlight the limitations of self-regulation in restricting M2K on food company websites, reinforcing the need for government regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vergeer
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- b School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Elliott C. The Nutritional Quality of Gluten-Free Products for Children. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-0525. [PMID: 30037975 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the nutritional quality of gluten-free (GF) products specifically marketed for children. METHODS All child-targeted food products were purchased from 2 major supermarket chains in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Using the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model, the nutritional quality of products with a GF claim was compared with those without such a claim. A secondary analysis further compared the nutrient profile of child-targeted GF products to their product "equivalents." RESULTS Overall, child-targeted GF products had lower levels of sodium, total fat, and saturated fat but also had less protein and a similar percentage of calories from sugar compared with child-targeted products without a GF claim. According to the Pan American Health Organization criteria, both GF products and "regular" products designed for children can be classified as having poor nutritional quality (88% vs 97%; P < .001). When analyzed in light of their product equivalents without a GF claim, both had similarly high levels of sugar (79% vs 81%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS GF supermarket foods that are targeted at children are not nutritionally superior to regular child-targeted foods and may be of greater potential concern because of their sugar content. The health halo often attributed to the GF label is not warranted, and parents who substitute GF products for their product equivalents (assuming GF products to be healthier) are mistaken. Parents of children with gluten intolerance and/or sensitivity, along with parents who purchase GF products for other health reasons, need to carefully assess product labels when making purchases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media, and Film, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Improving breakfast patterns of portuguese children—an evaluation of ready-to-eat cereals according to the European nutrient profile model. Eur J Clin Nutr 2018; 73:465-473. [DOI: 10.1038/s41430-018-0235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Prowse R. Food marketing to children in Canada: a settings-based scoping review on exposure, power and impact. HEALTH PROMOTION AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION IN CANADA-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE 2018; 37:274-292. [PMID: 28902477 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.37.9.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Food marketing impacts children's food knowledge, behaviours and health. Current regulations in Canada focus on restricting promotional aspects of food marketing with little-to-no consideration of the places where children experience food. Understanding food marketing in children's everyday settings is necessary to protect children. This scoping review describes the current literature on food marketing to children in Canada by setting. METHODS The author searched databases for Canadian research on children's exposure to food marketing, and the power and impact of food marketing to children (2-17 years) across settings, and on how current regulations may mediate the effect of food marketing on children. Peer-reviewed studies in English, published between 2000 and 2016, were included. RESULTS Twenty-five studies documented children's exposure to food marketing and its power and/or impact on them in homes (via television, or online) (n = 12), public schools (n = 1), grocery stores (n = 8), fast food restaurants (n = 2), and in general (n = 2). Research trends suggest that unhealthy foods are targeted at children using multiple promotional techniques that overlap across settings. Several research gaps exist in this area, leading to an incomplete, and potentially underestimated, picture of food marketing to children in Canada. Available evidence suggests that current Canadian approaches have not reduced children's exposure to or the power of food marketing in these settings, with the exception of some positive influences from Quebec's statutory regulations. CONCLUSION The settings where children eat, buy or learn about food expose them to powerful, often unhealthy food marketing. The current evidence suggests that "place" may be an important marketing component to be included in public policy in order to broadly protect children from unhealthy food marketing. Organizations and communities can engage in settings-based health promotion interventions by developing their own marketing policies that address the promotion and place of unhealthy food and beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Prowse
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Potvin Kent M, Cameron C, Philippe S. The healthfulness and prominence of sugar in child-targeted breakfast cereals in Canada. HEALTH PROMOTION AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION IN CANADA-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE 2018; 37:266-273. [PMID: 28902476 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.37.9.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional content and healthfulness of child-targeted and "not child-targeted" breakfast cereals and to assess the predominance of added sugar in these products. METHODS We collected data on the nutritional content of 262 unique breakfast cereals found in the five largest grocery store chains in Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec). We noted the first five ingredients and the number of added sugars present in each cereal from the ingredients list. The various cereal brands were then classified as either "healthier" or "less healthy" using the UK Nutrient Profile Model. We assessed each cereal to determine if it was child-targeted or not, based on set criteria. Statistical comparisons were made between child and not child-targeted cereals. RESULTS 19.8% of all breakfast cereals were child-targeted, and these were significantly lower in total and saturated fat. Child-targeted cereals were significantly higher in sodium and sugar and lower in fibre and protein, and were three times more likely to be classified as "less healthy" compared to not child-targeted cereals. No child-targeted cereals were sugar-free, and sugar was the second most common ingredient in 75% of cereals. Six breakfast cereal companies had child-targeted product lines that consisted entirely of "less healthy" cereals. CONCLUSION There is a need for regulations that restrict food marketing to children and youth under the age of 17 on packaging to reduce their appeal to this age group. Children's breakfast cereals also need to be reformulated through government-set targets, or through regulation should compliance be deemed unacceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cher Cameron
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Philippe
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Lima M, Ares G, Deliza R. How do front of pack nutrition labels affect healthfulness perception of foods targeted at children? Insights from Brazilian children and parents. Food Qual Prefer 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Koo YC, Chang JS, Chen YC. Food claims and nutrition facts of commercial infant foods. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191982. [PMID: 29489848 PMCID: PMC5830294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Composition claim, nutrition claim and health claim are often found on the commercial complementary food packaging. The introduction of complementary foods (CFs) to infants is a turning point in the development of their eating behavior, and their commercial use for Taiwanese infants is growing. In Taiwan, lots of the advertisements for CFs employed health or nutrition claims to promote the products, but the actual nutritional content of these CFs is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the food claims of commercial complementary food products with their actual nutrition facts. A sample of 363 commercial CFs was collected from websites, local supermarkets, and other food stores, and their nutrition-related claims were classified into composition, nutrition, and health categories. Although the World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, 48.2% of the commercial CFs were targeted at infants younger than 6 months. Therefore, marketing regulations should be implemented to curb early weaning as a result of products targeted at infants younger than 6 months. More than 50% of Taiwanese commercial CFs have high sugar content and more than 20% were high in sodium. Products with health claims, such as "provides good nutrition to children" or "improves appetite," have higher sodium or sugar content than do those without such claims. Moreover, products with calcium or iron content claims did not contain more calcium or iron than products without such claims. Additionally, a significantly greater proportion of the products with "no added sugar" claims were classified as having high sugar content as compared to those without such claims. Parents cannot choose the healthiest food products for their children by simply focusing on food claims. Government should regulate the labeling of nutrition facts and food claims for foods targeted at infants younger than 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Koo
- School of Nutrition and Health Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Su Chang
- School of Nutrition and Health Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi Chun Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Perry A, Chacon V, Barnoya J. Health claims and product endorsements on child-oriented beverages in Guatemala. Public Health Nutr 2018; 21:627-631. [PMID: 29143691 PMCID: PMC10260860 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017003123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to describe front-of-package marketing strategies and nutritional quality of child-oriented beverages in Guatemala. DESIGN We purchased all child-oriented ready-to-drink fruit drinks, milks and carbonated beverages in three convenience stores and one supermarket in Guatemala City. Front-of-package marketing was defined as the presence of spokes-characters, cartoons, celebrities, or health-related images, words, claims or endorsements on beverage packaging. We used the UK Nutrition Profiling Model (NPM) to classify beverages as healthy or less healthy. SETTING Guatemala City, Guatemala. RESULTS We purchased eighty-nine beverages; most were fruit drinks (n 52, 58 %), milk (15, 17 %), carbonated beverages (5, 17 %), rice/soya products (5, 6·0 %), water (1, 1 %) and energy drinks (1, 1 %). Two-thirds (57, 64 %) had health claims. Of those with a nutrition facts label (85, 96 %), nearly all (76, 89 %) were classified as less healthy. No association between the presence of health claims and NPM score (P=0·26) was found. Eight beverages had health-related endorsements. However, only one beverage was classified as healthy. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of beverages in Guatemala City, health claims and health-related endorsements are used to promote beverages with poor nutritional quality. Our data support evidence-based policies to regulate the use of front-of-package health claims and endorsements based on nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Perry
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Violeta Chacon
- Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of Guatemala, 9 Ave. 8-00 zone 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala, 01011
| | - Joaquin Barnoya
- Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of Guatemala, 9 Ave. 8-00 zone 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala, 01011
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Potvin Kent M, Rudnicki E, Usher C. Less healthy breakfast cereals are promoted more frequently in large supermarket chains in Canada. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:877. [PMID: 29132346 PMCID: PMC5684751 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of food expenditures are made in supermarkets and this environment influences our purchasing and food intake. Breakfast cereals are frequently marketed as healthy food choices. The objective of this study was to examine the frequency of in-store promotions for cold breakfast cereals in Canadian supermarkets and to determine whether healthier or less healthy breakfast cereals are promoted more frequently. METHODS Data was collected once per week over a four-week period from a convenience sample of the five largest Canadian supermarkets in the Ottawa/Gatineau area. Data collection included the number of shelf facings, promotional displays, and the cost of cereals/100 g. The UK Nutrient Profiling Model was used to determine the healthfulness of each breakfast cereal. RESULTS 29.8% (n = 67) of the 225 unique cereals were classified as healthier and 70.2% (n = 158) were classified as less healthy. Less healthy cereals were displayed at eye level, in the profitable middle shelves, 2.9 times more frequently than healthier cereals. There were 5.3 times more breakfast cereal shelf facings, 4.2 more end cap displays, 1.7 more mid-aisle displays and 3.3 more special pricing signage for less healthy cereals compared to healthier cereals. Less healthy cereals had a significantly higher average total number of shelf facings compared to healthier cereals (t = -4.28 (280.8), p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Breakfast cereal manufacturers need to consider reformulation of their breakfast cereals to improve their healthfulness and supermarkets need to increase the marketing of healthy breakfast cereals within their stores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres. Room 301J, Ottawa, ON K1G5Z3 Canada
| | - Erika Rudnicki
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Crystal Usher
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
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Impact of front-of-pack nutrition information and label design on children's choice of two snack foods: Comparison of warnings and the traffic-light system. Appetite 2017; 116:139-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Giménez A, Saldamando LD, Curutchet MR, Ares G. Package design and nutritional profile of foods targeted at children in supermarkets in Montevideo, Uruguay. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2017; 33:e00032116. [PMID: 28614447 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00032116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Marketing of unhealthy products has been identified as one of the main characteristics of the food environment that negatively affects children's eating patterns. Restrictions on advertising of unhealthy foods to children have already been imposed in different countries. However, marketing strategies are not limited to broadcast and digital advertising, but also include package design. In this context, the current study aimed to describe the food products targeted at children and sold in supermarkets in Montevideo, Uruguay, in terms of package design and nutrient profile. Two supermarkets in Montevideo were selected for data collection. In each supermarket, all products targeted at children were identified. Products were analyzed in terms of package design and nutritional profile, considering the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model. A total of 180 unique products were identified, which included a wide range of product categories. The great majority of the products corresponded to ultra-processed products with excessive amounts of sodium, free sugars, total fat, saturated fat, and/or trans fat, which are not recommended for frequent consumption. Several marketing strategies were identified in the design of packages to attract children's attention and drive their preferences. The most common strategies were the inclusion of cartoon characters, bright colors, childish lettering, and a wide range of claims related to health and nutrition, as well as the products' sensory and hedonic characteristics. The study's findings provide additional evidence on the need to regulate packaging of products targeted at children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Giménez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Gastón Ares
- Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
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Children and adolescents' attitudes towards sugar reduction in dairy products. Food Res Int 2017; 94:108-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Arrúa A, Vidal L, Antúnez L, Machín L, Martínez J, Curutchet MR, Giménez A, Ares G. Influence of Label Design on Children's Perception of 2 Snack Foods. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 49:211-217.e1. [PMID: 27998695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of label design on children's perception of 2 popular snack foods across 3 income levels. DESIGN Labels of 2 snack products (yogurt and sponge cake) were designed using a fractional factorial design with 3 2-level variables: cartoon character, nutrition claims, and front-of-package nutritional information. PARTICIPANTS A total of 221 children (aged 9-13 years) from Montevideo, Uruguay, with different income levels, participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Children's attitude toward and liking of 2 food products. RESULTS Low-income children showed a more positive attitude toward the products than did middle- and high-income children. The inclusion of a cartoon character in sponge cake labels significantly affected hedonic expectations regardless of income. Middle- and high-income children tended to use the term funny more frequently and the term boring less frequently to describe labels that included the cartoon character, compared with those that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results showed that the inclusion of cartoon characters on food labels is associated with fun. Low-income children seem more susceptible to the marketing strategies of food companies than do middle- and high-income children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Arrúa
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Vidal
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Antúnez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Ana Giménez
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay.
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Białek M, Rutkowska J, Radomska J. Nutritional Value and Consumer Acceptance of New Cereal Bars Offered to Children. POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/pjfns-2015-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Rodrigues VM, Rayner M, Fernandes AC, de Oliveira RC, Proença RPC, Fiates GMR. Nutritional quality of packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil: which ones should be eligible to bear nutrient claims? Int J Obes (Lond) 2016; 41:71-75. [PMID: 27677617 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2016.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the nutritional quality of food products marketed at children, with and without nutrient claims, using two different approaches. METHODS Analyses were performed based on a data set with food composition and labelling data from every packaged food marketed at children sold in a major Brazilian supermarket (n=535). Foods were classified as 'healthier' and 'less healthy' according to the UK/Ofcom nutrient profile model and to the NOVA classification based on the level of food processing. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare proportions between models. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's κ-statistic (P<0.05). RESULTS The NOVA model was stricter than the UK/Ofcom model, classifying more products as 'less healthy' (91.4%) compared with the nutrient profile-based model (75.0%; P<0.001). Agreement between models was 79.4% (k=0.30), because 72.9% (n=390) of products were categorised as 'less healthy' by both models, and 6.5% (n=35) as 'healthier'. Half of the food products marketed at children from the database (270; 50.5%) bore nutrient claims. From these products with nutrient claims, 95.9% (92.8-98.0) were classified as 'less healthy' by the NOVA model, whereas this percentage was 74.1% (68.4-79.2) according to the UK/Ofcom model (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The high number of foods with low nutritional quality being marketed at children via product packaging and nutrient claims should be of concern to policy makers wanting to improve children's diets and to tackle childhood obesity. The implementation of nutritional quality criteria to ensure that foods targeted at children should be eligible to bear nutrient claims on their labels could avoid a situation where claims mask the overall nutritional status of a food.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Rodrigues
- Nutrition Graduate Programme (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição), Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil.,British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Rayner
- British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A C Fernandes
- Nutrition Graduate Programme (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição), Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - R C de Oliveira
- Nutrition Graduate Programme (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição), Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - R P C Proença
- Nutrition Graduate Programme (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição), Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - G M R Fiates
- Nutrition Graduate Programme (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição), Nutrition in Foodservice Research Centre (NUPPRE), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Child-directed and nutrition-focused marketing cues on food packaging: links to nutritional content. Public Health Nutr 2016; 20:765-773. [PMID: 27609415 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980016002317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We tested whether the presence of both child-targeted and nutrition-focused (i.e. parent-targeted) marketing cues on food packaging was associated with the nutritional content of these products. DESIGN We conducted a quantitative content analysis of 403 food packages chosen randomly from the supermarket's online portal along with all products (n 312) from the cereal aisle in a supermarket from the Southeastern USA. We examined main and interaction effects for cues on nutritional content (e.g. energy density, sugar, sodium, fibre). SETTING A regional supermarket chain in the Southeastern USA. RESULTS Tests of main effects indicated that increased presence of nutritional cues was linked to more nutritious content (e.g. less sugar, less saturated fat, more fibre) while the increased presence of child-targeted cues was uniformly associated with less nutritious content (e.g. more sugar, less protein, less fibre). Among the interaction effects, results revealed that products with increased nutrition-focused and child-targeted cues were likely to contain significantly more sugar and less protein than other products. CONCLUSIONS Products that seek to engage children with their packaging in the supermarket are significantly less nutritious than foods that do not, while product packages that suggest nutritional benefits have more nutritious content. More importantly, the study provides evidence that those products which try to engage both child and parent consumers are significantly less healthy in crucial ways (e.g. more sugar, less fibre) than products that do not.
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Meers MR, Domoff SE, LeRoy M, Holt S, Musher-Eizenman DR. Changing maternal perceptions of healthy feeding: a novel intervention. Pediatr Obes 2016; 11:258-63. [PMID: 26227415 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to better understand factors influencing mothers' perceptions about healthy feeding. Additionally, a social consensus intervention was used to try to change mothers' likelihood to serve healthy foods. METHODS Mothers saw photographs of healthy and unhealthy snacks and meals and rated them on several factors that were hypothesized to predict the likelihood of serving the foods. Then, mothers were randomly assigned to the experimental or control condition. Those in the experimental condition received social consensus information about these foods, whereas the control condition did not. The change in perceptions in the control and experimental conditions was examined. RESULTS Mothers rated healthy meals and snacks less favourably than unhealthy meals and snacks on factors including cost, preparation time and difficulty, and child preference. Furthermore, mothers' perceptions of foods as liked by their child, easy to prepare and 'kid-friendly' predicted higher likelihood to serve those foods. Finally, mothers were more likely to describe the healthy snack as kid-friendly and indicated being more likely to serve it after receiving favourable social norm information about the food. CONCLUSIONS The use of social consensus interventions to change parents' perceptions of healthy snacks may be one means of increasing the quality of children's diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Meers
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - S E Domoff
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - M LeRoy
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - S Holt
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - D R Musher-Eizenman
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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Comparison of the nutritional content of products, with and without nutrient claims, targeted at children in Brazil. Br J Nutr 2016; 115:2047-56. [PMID: 27040439 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114516001021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Many children's food products highlight positive attributes on their front-of-package labels in the form of nutrient claims. This cross-sectional study investigated all retailed packaged foods (n 5620) in a major Brazilian supermarket, in order to identify the availability of products targeted at children, and to compare the nutritional content of products with and without nutrient claims on labels. Data on energy, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, Na and total and SFA content, along with the presence and type of nutrient claims, were obtained in-store from labels of all products. Products targeted at children were identified, divided into eight food groups and compared for their nutritional content per 100 g/ml and the presence of nutrient claims using the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0·05). Of the 535 food products targeted at children (9·5 % of all products), 270 (50·5 %) displayed nutrient claims on their labels. Children's products with nutrient claims had either a similar or worse nutritional content than their counterparts without nutrient claims. The major differences among groups were found in Group 8 (e.g. sauces and ready meals), in which children's products bearing nutrient claims had higher energy, carbohydrate, Na and total and SFA content per 100 g/ml than products without nutrient claims (P<0·05). This suggests that, to prevent misleading parents who are seeking healthier products for their children, the regulation on the use of nutrient claims should be revised, so that only products with appropriate nutrient profiles are allowed to display them.
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Royo-Bordonada MÁ, Bosqued-Estefanía MJ, Damián J, López-Jurado L, Moya-Geromini MÁ. Nutrition and health claims in products directed at children via television in Spain in 2012. GACETA SANITARIA 2016; 30:221-6. [PMID: 26874662 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the use of nutrition and health claims in products directed at children via television in Spain and to analyse their nutrient profile. METHODS A cross-sectional study of television food advertisements over 7 days in five Spanish television channels popular among children. The products were classified as core, non-core or miscellaneous, and as either healthy or less healthy, according to the United Kingdom Nutrient Profile Model. We registered all claims contained on the product (packaging and labelling) and its advertisement. We calculated the frequency distributions of health and nutrition claims. RESULTS During the 420hours of broadcasting, 169 food products were identified, 28.5% in the dairy group and 60.9% in the non-core category. A total of 53.3% of products contained nutrition claims and 26.6% contained health claims; 62.2% of the products with claims were less healthy. Low-fat dairy products were the food category containing the highest percentage of health and nutrition claims. CONCLUSION Over half of all food products marketed to children via television in Spain made some type of nutrition or health claim. Most of these products were less healthy, which could mislead Spanish consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Javier Damián
- Department of Applied Epidemiology, National Center of Epidemiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lázaro López-Jurado
- National School of Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Harris JL, LoDolce M, Dembek C, Schwartz MB. Sweet promises: Candy advertising to children and implications for industry self-regulation. Appetite 2015; 95:585-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Feeding Strategies Derived from Behavioral Economics and Psychology Can Increase Vegetable Intake in Children as Part of a Home-Based Intervention: Results of a Pilot Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015; 115:1798-807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the Na content reported on the labels of processed foods sold in Brazil that are usually consumed as snacks by children and adolescents. DESIGN Cross-sectional study that assessed Na content and serving size reporting on processed food labels. SETTING A supermarket that is part of a large chain in Brazil. SUBJECTS All foods available for sale at the study's location and reported in the literature as snacks present in the diets of Brazilian children and adolescents. RESULTS Of the 2945 processed foods, 87 % complied with the reference serving sizes, although variability in reporting was observed in most of the food subgroups. In addition, 21 % of the processed foods had high Na levels (>600 mg/100 g) and 35 % had medium Na levels (>120 and ≤600 mg/100 g). The meats, oils, fats and seeds groups as well as the prepared dishes had higher percentages of foods classified as high Na (81 %, 58 % and 53 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Most of the processed foods had high or medium Na content. We emphasize the importance of revising Brazilian nutrition labelling legislation to standardize reference serving sizes to avoid variation. Besides, we point out the potential for reducing Na levels in most processed foods, as evidenced by the variability in Na content within subgroups. Finally, we have identified the need to develop a method to classify Na levels in processed foods with specific parameters for children and adolescents.
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