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Takebayashi J, Takimoto H, Okada C, Tousen Y, Ishimi Y. Development of a Nutrient Profiling Model for Processed Foods in Japan. Nutrients 2024; 16:3026. [PMID: 39275341 PMCID: PMC11397564 DOI: 10.3390/nu16173026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous nutrient profiling models (NPMs) exist worldwide, but Japan lacks an official NPM. Using the Australian and New Zealand Health Star Rating (HSR) as a reference, "Processed Foods in Japan version 1.0" (NPM-PFJ (1.0)) was developed to fit Japanese food culture and policies. In total, 668 processed foods from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan were analyzed, excluding seasonings/spices, fats/oils, alcoholic beverages, and infant food. The NPM-PFJ (1.0) scoring algorithm was adapted from HSR, with revised reference values for energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, and dietary fiber in alignment with Japanese standards. Reference values for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (fvnl) remained unchanged. Median scores were 4.5 for HSR and 5.0 for NPM-PFJ (1.0), showing high correlation (r = 0.939, p < 0.01). Thereafter, food categories familiar and meaningful in Japan were defined based on a hierarchical cluster analysis of scoring patterns, creating six categories with distinct characteristics. Finally, the rating algorithm for NPM-PFJ (1.0) was created using each group's score distribution (10th percentile). The NPM-PFJ (1.0) was developed through a fully transparent and evidence-based process and is expected to facilitate the reformulation of food products by food industries and help consumers easily access healthier processed foods. This model marks a significant step forward in developing an NPM tailored to Japanese food culture and health policies, with the potential to enhance public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Takebayashi
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 3-17 Senrioka Shinmachi, Settsu-shi, Osaka 566-0002, Japan
| | - Hidemi Takimoto
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 3-17 Senrioka Shinmachi, Settsu-shi, Osaka 566-0002, Japan
| | - Chika Okada
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 3-17 Senrioka Shinmachi, Settsu-shi, Osaka 566-0002, Japan
| | - Yuko Tousen
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 3-17 Senrioka Shinmachi, Settsu-shi, Osaka 566-0002, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Ishimi
- Tokyo NODAI Research Institute, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
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Fernandez-Alonso J, Lamas-Mendoza MDM, Rodriguez-Sanchez N, Galloway SDR, Gravina L. Assessing the Validity of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels for Evaluating the Healthiness of Mediterranean Food Choices: A Global Comparison. Nutrients 2024; 16:2925. [PMID: 39275241 PMCID: PMC11397339 DOI: 10.3390/nu16172925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to growing public health concerns, governments worldwide have implemented various nutrition labelling schemes to promote healthier eating habits. This study aimed to assess the consistency and effectiveness of these labels in an out-of-home context, specifically focusing on restaurant, hospitality, and institutional food service settings. In total, 178 different dishes from Spain were analysed using labels from the Mazocco method, the UK's traffic light system, the Health Star Rating (Australia), Nutri-Score (France), multiple traffic lights (Ecuador), and warning labels (Chile and Uruguay). The results demonstrated a generally low level of agreement among these labels (K < 0.40), indicating notable variability and a lack of consensus, which could hinder consumers' ability to make informed food choices in out-of-home settings. Nutri-Score classified the highest number of dishes as unhealthy (38%). This study underscores the need for an easy-to-understand labelling system tailored to each country's culinary and socio-cultural contexts to improve consumer decision-making in various dining environments. Future research should focus on developing and testing qualitative methods to more accurately gauge the nutritional quality of cooked dishes in diverse out-of-home settings, thereby enhancing public health outcomes. By addressing the specific needs of the home, restaurants, hospitality, and institutional food services, tailored labelling schemes could significantly improve consumers' ability to make healthier food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernandez-Alonso
- Nursing I Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - María Del Mar Lamas-Mendoza
- Nursing I Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Biobizkaia Basque Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Healthcare Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nidia Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Stuart D R Galloway
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Leyre Gravina
- Nursing I Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Biobizkaia Basque Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
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Maganja D, de Carle M, Davies T, Gómez Donoso C, Scapin T, Cameron AJ, Louie JCY, Huffman MD, Trieu K, Wu JHY. Healthiness of food products promoted through placement strategies in Australian online supermarkets: a cross-sectional study. BMC Med 2024; 22:341. [PMID: 39183272 PMCID: PMC11345970 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03557-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prominent product placement is a core promotional tactic in retail food environments. How this practice has been adapted for online supermarkets, and the extent to which it is applied to healthier and less healthy food products in this setting, is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate placement-type promotions of food products in Australian online supermarkets. METHODS We developed a new method to assess placement promotions and applied it to the online stores of the two largest supermarket retailers in Australia. Each online store was audited across six 'locations' (input prior to data collection), including a randomly selected high socio-economic position area and low socio-economic position area from each of the three largest Australian cities. The names, page locations and type of placement strategy of promoted food products were captured, with product healthiness assessed using the Health Star Rating (HSR) nutrient profiling system. Descriptive statistics summarised the page locations of promoted products and the placement strategies used to promote them, and chi-squared tests applied to compare product healthiness by retailer and socio-economic position. RESULTS We recorded 12,152 food products promoted through placement strategies, 99% of which were eligible for a HSR. Overall, 44% of products promoted through placement strategies were unhealthy. Cross-promotions and recommendations was the most common strategy recorded overall (55.9% of all strategies), and advertisements and site content was the strategy most likely to promote unhealthy products (53.7% of products unhealthy). One retailer was more likely to promote unhealthy products (46% v 43%, p = 0.004) and unhealthy products were more likely to be promoted in more disadvantaged than less disadvantaged locations (45% vs 43%, p = 0.05), though the magnitudes of difference were small. CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of unhealthy products are likely presented to online grocery shoppers in Australia. Public health policies targeting unhealthy food promotions may need to be updated, including with consideration of the different ways that products can be prominently displayed online, to avoid exacerbating risks of diet-related disease and health inequalities. Our novel methodology could be used for ongoing monitoring of online supermarkets in Australia and elsewhere to inform such policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Madeleine de Carle
- School of Rural Medicine, Faulty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Tazman Davies
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Clara Gómez Donoso
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Tailane Scapin
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Adrian J Cameron
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Jimmy C Y Louie
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark D Huffman
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Cardiovascular Division, Global Health Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
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Keaney M, Maganja D, Barrett E, Pettigrew S, Jones A. Selective industry adoption of a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition label results in low and skewed uptake: 10-year results for the Health Star Rating. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024:10.1038/s41430-024-01480-2. [PMID: 39103545 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) on packaged foods is recommended by the World Health Organization to promote healthier diets. Our aim was to assess uptake of Australia's FOPNL, the Health Star Rating (HSR), overall and by HSR score received (0.5 (less healthy) to 5.0 (more healthy) in 0.5 increments) after ten years of voluntary implementation. In a sample of 21,197 products, we found HSR uptake of 37% overall in 2023. Uptake was unevenly distributed, with 24% of products with an HSR ≤ 3 displaying the label, compared to 53% of products scoring ≥3.5 (p < 0.001). Low HSR uptake on poorly rated products demonstrates that most food manufacturers will only display FOPNL where marketing value exists in a voluntary system. Poor and uneven HSR uptake limits consumers' ability to meaningfully use the label to compare and choose healthier products. Government action is urgently required to make the HSR system mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariel Keaney
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eden Barrett
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Shobako N, Itoh H, Honda K. Typical Guidelines for Well-Balanced Diet and Science Communication in Japan and Worldwide. Nutrients 2024; 16:2112. [PMID: 38999861 PMCID: PMC11243298 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated healthy diets and nutrients. Governments and scientists have communicated their findings to the public in an easy-to-understand manner, which has played a critical role in achieving citizens' well-being. Some countries have published dietary reference intakes (DRIs), whereas some academic organizations have provided scientific evidence on dietary methods, such as traditional diets. Recently, more user-friendly methods have been introduced; the Health Star Rating system and Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals are examples from Australia and Japan, respectively. Both organizations adopt a novel approach that incorporates nudges. This review summarizes the science communication regarding food policies, guidelines, and novel methods in Japan and other countries. In the food policies section, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the DRIs and food-based guidelines published by the government. Dietary methods widely known, such as The Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, Japanese traditional diet, and the EAT-Lancet guidelines, were also reviewed. Finally, we discussed future methods of science communications, such as nudge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohisa Shobako
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Uji 611-0011, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- The Center for Preventive Medicine, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan;
| | - Keiko Honda
- Laboratory of Medicine Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, Sakado-City 350-0214, Saitama, Japan;
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Agyemang P, Kwofie EM, Baum JI, Wang D. The design and development of a dashboard for improving sustainable healthy food choices. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172726. [PMID: 38692329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the last decade, several digital tools have been designed to provide consumers with nutritional and environmental impact information about their food choices post-consumption. Many of these tools lack behavioral change modules, have low user engagement, and ignore inherent environmental nutrition trade-offs to stimulate dietary change. This study presents the design and development of a decision support system to enhance consumer health while meeting sustainability goals from a pre-consumption perspective. The proposed decision support system, Dashboard for Improving Sustainable Healthy (DISH) food choices, employs behavioral features, traffic light labels, and nudges to inform end-users about the nutritional health performance and environmental impact of meals. DISH uses a simple metric that allows end-users to explore the potential minutes of healthy and productive life gained or lost from consuming 100 kcal of a meal. The metric combines the positive or negative nutritional health effects (μ-DALYs) of consuming a meal and environmental damage (endpoint impact expressed in DALYs) on human health. In the DISH application, end-users are rewarded or deducted EnCoins, which represent the number of silver or gold coins lost or gained based on the cost ($) of environmental damage (midpoint impacts) of a meal compared to reference sustainable healthy and unsustainable and unhealthy meal. DISH's gamification module enables end-users to track the potential minutes of healthy and productive life gained/lost and gold or silver rewards or deductions from consuming 100 kcal of a selected meal through cumulative minutes gained or lost and EnCoins. In promoting a sustainable diet culture, the gamification module enables users to create groups and communities where friends and families can track their sustainability performance through meal decisions. The DISH application is currently available online and can be accessed by an end-user through any device. Further pilot studies will focus on testing the technology in partner campus cafeterias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Agyemang
- Bioresource Engineering Department, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, 203 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Ebenezer M Kwofie
- Bioresource Engineering Department, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, 203 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Jamie I Baum
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, 2650 N. Young Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Dongyi Wang
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, 203 Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Seenivasan S, Nagpal A, Thomas D, Sacks G. Trends (2014-2018) in the healthiness of packaged food purchases of Australian consumers before and after the introduction of voluntary Health Star Rating nutrition labels. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e144. [PMID: 38602098 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the trends in the healthiness of packaged food purchases of Australian consumers before and after the introduction of the Health Star Rating (HSR) nutrition labels. DESIGN Panel data analysis and difference-in-differences analysis. SETTING The Australian Government endorsed HSR nutrition labels for voluntary implementation on packaged foods in June 2014. We analyse the packaged food purchases of households across all major supermarkets before (January 2014 to June 2014) and after (June 2014-Dec 2018) the introduction of HSR. PARTICIPANTS 6284 members of a panel of households across Australia reporting their grocery purchases to a market research company (Nielsen Homescan panel). RESULTS The healthiness of household food purchases exhibited a U-shaped trend - decreasing from 2014 to 2017, and then increasing from 2018, corresponding to the time when a higher proportion of products were HSR-labelled. Households that purchased a higher proportion of HSR-labelled products had healthier household purchases overall. Further, the healthiness of households' category-specific food purchases was positively associated with the proportion of HSR-labelled products in categories where HSR was adopted, relative to control categories where HSR was not adopted. CONCLUSIONS In Australia, once a substantial number of packaged food products adopted the voluntary HSR summary indicator, we observed an increasing trend in the healthiness of household food purchases. Widespread adoption of a nutrition summary indicator, such as HSR, on packaged food is likely to be beneficial for population health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anish Nagpal
- Department of Management and Marketing, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Dominic Thomas
- Monash Business School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC3168, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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Chen J, Fan Y, Zhang M, Wu S, Li H. The neural model of front-of-package label processing. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:374-388. [PMID: 37604108 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Front-of-package (FOP) labels have been adopted in many countries to battle the obesity pandemic and its serious health consequences by providing clearer and easier-to-understand nutrition and health information. The effectiveness of FOP labels has been generally confirmed, with some contextual and individual factors modifying their effectiveness. Existing theories (eg, the dual-process theory) and shifting priorities for self-control, provide some explanations for the FOP label effect. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the processing of FOP labels remain unknown. Here, a new model, namely, the neural model of FOP label processing, has been proposed to fill this gap by providing an integrated account of FOP label processing while simultaneously considering multiple important situational and individual factors in the same framework. This neural model is built on the core eating network (ie, the ventral reward pathway and the dorsal control pathway) for food cue processing and actual food consumption. The new model explains how FOP labels may facilitate attention, influence the core eating network, and thus alter food choices. It also demonstrates how motivation may modify FOP label processing in 2 ways: affecting attention (the indirect way) and changing the process of evaluating the food (the direct way). It further explains how some contextual and individual factors (eg, ego depletion, time pressure, and health knowledge) influence the process. Thus, the neural model integrates evidence from behavioral, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging studies into a single, integrated account, deepening understanding of the cognitive and neural mechanisms of FOP label processing. This model might facilitate consensus on the most successful FOP label. Moreover, it could provide insights for consumers, food industries, and policy makers and encourage healthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Manlu Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuhuan Wu
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huiyan Li
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
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Jones A, Shahid M, Morelli G, Howes K, Riesenberg D, Sievert K, Pettigrew S, Sacks G. Chocolate unicorns and smiling teddy biscuits: analysis of the use of child-directed marketing on the packages of Australian foods. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3291-3302. [PMID: 37962247 PMCID: PMC10755390 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002300215x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of food packaging as a vehicle for marketing to children is under investigated. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and types of child-directed promotional techniques used on food packaging in Australia. DESIGN Based on existing literature and regulations, we developed a framework to classify on-pack child-directed promotional techniques involving the use of characters and other elements that appeal to children. We analysed the packaging of all products in eight food categories available for sale from supermarkets in 2019 and recorded the use of child-directed promotions on pack. We assessed the number and proportion of products displaying child-directed promotional techniques overall and assessed the healthiness of products using child-directed promotions against four indicators of healthiness to provide summary data overall and for the manufacturers who most frequently employed child-targeted strategies. SETTING Data were collected from the FoodSwitch database in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS 901/8006 (11·3 %) products displayed one or more child-directed on-pack element. Most frequent was on foods for infants and young children (n 315), confectionery (n 283), snack foods (n 172) and dairy (n 168). Personified characters were the most commonly used element (n 512). Products using child-directed promotional techniques scored poorly on all four indicators of healthiness: mean health star rating 2·34 (out of 5); 81 % ultra-processed and 6·1 % and 4·5 % products eligible to market to children under Western Pacific and Mexican nutrient profiling schemes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Australian children are targeted by promotional techniques on the packaging of unhealthy food products. Stronger regulation of these techniques is warranted to protect children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Shahid
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Georgia Morelli
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kylie Howes
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Devorah Riesenberg
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Katherine Sievert
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Bolton KA, Santos JA, Rosewarne E, Trieu K, Reimers J, Nowson C, Neal B, Webster J, Woodward M, Dunford E, Armstrong S, Bolam B, Grimes C. Outcomes of a state-wide salt reduction initiative in adults living in Victoria, Australia. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:3055-3067. [PMID: 37493681 PMCID: PMC10468945 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess any effects of a state-wide sodium reduction intervention on sodium intake, sources of dietary sodium and discretionary salt use at a population level. METHODS Data (24-h urinary sodium excretion, self-report survey, a 24-h dietary recall) were collected cross-sectionally at baseline (2016/2017) and follow-up (2020) from adults in Victoria, Australia. Intervention activities included consumer awareness advertising campaign, public debate generation via mass media, strengthening existing policy initiatives and supporting food innovation with industry. RESULTS There were 339 participants at baseline and 211 at follow-up, with 144 and 90 of participants completing a 24-h dietary recall, respectively. There was no difference in adjusted 24-h urinary sodium excretion between baseline and follow-up (134 vs 131 mmol/24 h; p = 0.260). There were no differences in the percentage of participants adding salt during cooking (63% vs 68%; p = 0.244), adding salt at the table (34% vs 37%; p = 0.400) or regularly taking action to control salt/sodium intake (22% vs 21%; p = 0.793). There were large differences in the quantity of dietary sodium sourced from retail stores (57% vs 77%, p < 0.001), and less sodium was sourced from foods at fresh food markets (13% vs 2%; p ≤ 0.001) at follow-up. No large differences were apparent for foods with different levels of processing or for food groups. CONCLUSION There was no clear population-level effect of the 4-year multi-component Victorian Salt Reduction Intervention on sodium intake with Victorian adults continuing to consume sodium above recommended levels. The findings indicate that more intensive and sustained efforts aiming at the retail and food industry with national level support are likely to be required to achieve a measurable improvement in sodium intake at a state level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy A Bolton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Joseph Alvin Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Reimers
- Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caryl Nowson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Dunford
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings Global School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Bruce Bolam
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carley Grimes
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Maganja D, Davies T, Sanavio L, Louie JCY, Huffman MD, Trieu K, Wu JHY. Current food labelling practices in online supermarkets in Australia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:105. [PMID: 37749593 PMCID: PMC10521447 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food product labelling can support consumer decision-making. Several food product labels (nutrition information panels (NIPs), ingredients lists, allergen declarations and country-of-origin) are mandated for physical product packaging in Australia, with a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labelling system, Health Star Ratings (HSRs), also available. However, labelling requirements are not explicitly extended to online settings and the extent to which this information is available in these increasingly important food environments has not been assessed. METHODS Data from all individual food product pages was collected from the online stores of the two dominant supermarket retailers in Australia using automated web scraping in April-May 2022 (n = 22,077 products collected). We assessed the proportion of pages displaying NIPs, ingredients, allergens, country-of-origin and HSRs after excluding products ineligible to display the respective label. We also assessed whether HSRs were differentially available for higher- (healthier) and lower-scoring (less healthy) products, with HSR scores drawn from a comprehensive Australian food composition database, FoodSwitch. A manual inspection of randomly selected product pages (n = 100 for each label type per supermarket), drawn from products displaying the relevant label, was conducted to assess whether the labels were immediately visible to users (i.e. without scrolling or clicking). Differences in labelling prevalence and visibility were compared using chi-squared tests. RESULTS Across both supermarkets, country-of-origin labelling was almost complete (displayed on 93% of food product pages), but NIPs (49%), ingredients (34%) and allergens (53%) were less frequently displayed. HSRs were infrequently displayed (14% across both supermarkets) and more likely to be applied to higher-scoring products (22% on products with ≥ 3.5HSR v 0.4% on products with < 3.5HSR, p < 0.001). One supermarket was far more likely to make NIPs (100% v 2%, p < 0.001), ingredients (100% v 19%, p < 0.001) and allergens (97% v 0%, p < 0.001) information immediately visible, though the other made HSRs more apparent (22% v 75%, p < 0.001). Both supermarkets displayed country-of-origin labels prominently (100% v 86%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Food product labelling varies in online supermarkets in Australia overall and between supermarkets, while the design of online stores resulted in differences in labelling visibility. The near-complete display of country-of-origin labels and differential application of HSRs to higher-scoring products may reflect their use as marketing tools. Our findings highlight an urgent need for food labelling regulations to be updated to better account for online retail food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| | - Tazman Davies
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | | | - Jimmy C Y Louie
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Mark D Huffman
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Global Health Center, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Level 5, 1 King St, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Samuels Building, Samuel Terry Ave, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
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12
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Nguyen Ngoc H, Photi J, Tangsuphoom N, Kriengsinyos W. Uptake of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling Scheme after 5 Years of Adoption in Thailand: An Analysis of New Launched Pre-Packaged Food and Beverages Products. Nutrients 2023; 15:3116. [PMID: 37513534 PMCID: PMC10385136 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2016, Thailand introduced voluntary front-of-pack nutrition labeling, the 'Thailand Healthier Choice' logo (THCL), in order to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices in each food category. This study aimed to assess the uptake of the THCL scheme in Thailand after five years of implementation by analyzing a newly launched product database. Data on the nutritional composition and labeling were obtained from the Mintel Global New Products Database between 2017 and 2021. The product's healthfulness was determined using the Health Star Rating (HSR) algorithm. The numbers and proportions of total, eligible, and labeled products bearing the THCL logo were analyzed and classified by food category, by HSR value, and by manufacturer. After 5 years of implementation, THCL uptake as a proportion of total products and eligible products continues to increase by 3.0% and 10.2% per annum, respectively. The logo has correspondingly appeared on 10.7% and 39.5% of total and eligible products. As a voluntary implementation, 76.1% of products displaying the THCL logo belonged to the 'non-core' group, i.e., non-alcoholic beverages and instant foods. This food category (HSR < 3.0) was more likely to register to bear THCL rather than those 'core' food scoring an HSR ≥ 3.5, which might reflect economic considerations and benefits. The present analysis also found that only 10% of manufacturers in Thailand launched 'healthier' products that display the THCL logo with varied product numbers. To summarize, the initial five-year implementation of the THCL program shows promise, but its adoption remains limited and inconsistent, thereby restricting its influence on public health. Our discoveries highlight the limitations of commercial goodwill in applying THCL voluntarily in Thailand and offer potential suggestions to enhance its adoption in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen Ngoc
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Juntima Photi
- Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Nattapol Tangsuphoom
- Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Kriengsinyos
- Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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13
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Ganderats-Fuentes M, Morgan S. Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling and Its Impact on Food Industry Practices: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112630. [PMID: 37299593 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has become a major public health concern globally, and the food supply is a significant driver of this trend. Front-of-package (FOP) labels have been implemented in many countries to encourage healthier food choices. This systematic review aimed to examine the effect of FOP label implementation on food manufacturers' practices. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 39 relevant articles from 1990 to 2021. The studies indicated that FOP labels conveying intuitive information influenced product reformulation, whereas those with numerical information without specific guidance had no impact on reducing unhealthy nutrients. The most common outcomes were sodium, sugar, and calorie reduction. Mandatory policies reported higher and more consistent effects on product reformulation compared to voluntary approaches. Voluntary FOP labeling resulted in low uptake and tended to be applied to healthier products. Food manufacturers responded to FOP labeling heterogeneously, depending on the label design and type of enforcement. FOP label implementation can reduce nutrients of concern but food manufacturers behave strategically by labeling healthier choices. This review provides recommendations for maximizing the benefits of using FOP labels to prevent obesity, and findings can inform future public health research and policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherry Morgan
- Holman Biotech Commons, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Hammond D, Acton RB, Rynard VL, White CM, Vanderlee L, Bhawra J, Reyes M, Jáuregui A, Adams J, Roberto CA, Sacks G, Thrasher JF. Awareness, use and understanding of nutrition labels among children and youth from six countries: findings from the 2019 - 2020 International Food Policy Study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:55. [PMID: 37143053 PMCID: PMC10157591 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition facts tables (NFTs) on pre-packaged foods are widely used but poorly understood by consumers. Several countries have implemented front-of-package labels (FOPLs) that provide simpler, easier to use nutrition information. In October 2020, Mexico revised its FOPL regulations to replace industry-based Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) FOPLs with 'Warning' FOPLs, which display stop signs on foods high in nutrients of concern, such as sugar and sodium. This study examined self-reported awareness, use, and understanding of NFTs and FOPLs among young people in six countries with different FOPLs, with an additional focus on changes before and after implementation of Mexico's FOPL warning policy. METHODS A 'natural experiment' was conducted using 'pre-post' national surveys in Mexico and five separate comparison countries: countries with no FOPL policy (Canada and the US), countries with voluntary FOPL policies (Traffic Lights in the UK and Health Star Ratings in Australia), and one country (Chile) with mandatory FOPL 'warnings' (like Mexico). Population-based surveys were conducted with 10 to 17-year-olds in 2019 (n = 10,823) and in 2020 (n = 11,713). Logistic regressions examined within- and between-countries changes in self-reported awareness, use, and understanding of NFTs and FOPLs. RESULTS Across countries, half to three quarters of respondents reported seeing NFTs 'often' or 'all the time', approximately one quarter reported using NFTs when deciding what to eat or buy, and one third reported NFTs were 'easy to understand', with few changes between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, awareness, use and self-reported understanding of the Warning FOPLs in Mexico were higher than for NFTs in all countries, and compared with GDA FOPLs in Mexico (p < .001). Mandated Warning FOPLs in Mexico and Chile had substantially higher levels of awareness, use, and understanding than the voluntary Traffic Lights in the UK and Health Star Ratings in Australia (p < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Mandated easy-to-understand FOPLs are associated with substantially greater levels of self-reported awareness, use and understanding at the population-level compared to NFT and GDA-based labeling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Rachel B Acton
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Vicki L Rynard
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jasmin Bhawra
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, 288 Church Street, Suite 300, ON, M5B 1Z5, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marcela Reyes
- Instituto de Nutrición Y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Avda. El Líbano, 5524, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Jáuregui
- Center for Health and Nutrition Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jean Adams
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QA, UK
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1121 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6021, USA
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655 Col, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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15
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Coyle DH, Sanavio L, Barrett E, Huang L, Law KK, Nanayakkara P, Hodgson JM, O’Connell M, Meggitt B, Tsai C, Pettigrew S, Wu JHY. A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Food Environment at an Australian University Campus. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071623. [PMID: 37049463 PMCID: PMC10097222 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
University food environments have a strong influence on the dietary choices of students and staff. The aim of this study was to assess the food environment at a large university in Sydney, Australia. Data were collected between March and July 2022 from 27 fixed food outlets and 24 vending machines. The healthiness of the food environment was evaluated using the Healthy Food and Drink in NSW Health Facilities for Staff and Visitors Framework (‘Framework’), which assesses food environment parameters including the availability, placement, and promotion of ‘Everyday’ (healthy) and ‘Occasional’ (less healthy) products. Each parameter was evaluated overall and across each food outlet type. Across all outlets, Everyday foods and drinks made up 43.9% of all products. Only two outlets met the Framework’s product availability benchmark of ≥75% Everyday foods and drinks. A total of 43 outlets (84.3%) sold sugary drinks as part of their product range. Occasional products made up 68.4%, 53.3%, and 59.9% of all items for sale at checkout areas, countertops, and eye-level shelves, respectively. Finally, 79.7% of meal deals included Occasional products. Our findings highlight the need to improve the availability, placement, and promotion of foods and drinks sold at a major university campus in Sydney, Australia.
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16
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Melville H, Shahid M, Gaines A, McKenzie BL, Alessandrini R, Trieu K, Wu JHY, Rosewarne E, Coyle DH. The nutritional profile of plant-based meat analogues available for sale in Australia. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:211-222. [PMID: 36651788 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess the nutritional quality of plant-based meat analogues in Australia, compared to equivalent meat products, and to assess levels of micronutrient fortification in meat analogues. METHODS This cross-sectional study used nutrition composition data for products collected in 2021 from major supermarkets in Australia. Nutritional quality was assessed using the Health Star Rating, energy (kJ), protein (g), saturated fat (g), sodium (mg), total sugars (g), and fibre content (g) per 100 g, and level of food processing using the NOVA classification. Proportion of products fortified with iron, vitamin B12 and zinc were reported. Differences in health star rating and nutrients between food categories were assessed using independent t-tests. RESULTS Seven hundred ninety products (n = 132 plant-based and n = 658 meat) across eight food categories were analysed. Meat analogues had a higher health star rating (mean 1.2 stars, [95% CI: 1.0-1.4 stars], p < 0.001), lower mean saturated fat (-2.4 g/100 g, [-2.9 to -1.8 g/100 g], p < 0.001) and sodium content (-132 mg/100 g, [-186 to -79 mg/100 g], p < 0.001), but higher total sugar content (0.7 g/100 g, [0.4-1.1 g/100 g], p < 0.001). Meat analogues and meat products had a similar proportion of ultra-processed products (84% and 89%, respectively). 12.1% of meat analogues were fortified with iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. CONCLUSION Meat analogues generally had a higher health star rating compared with meat equivalents, however, the nutrient content varied. Most meat analogues were also ultra-processed and few are fortified with key micronutrients found in meat. More research is needed to understand the health impact of these foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Melville
- The University of Sydney, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Westmead, Australia
| | - Maria Shahid
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Allison Gaines
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Briar L McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Roberta Alessandrini
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason H Y Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daisy H Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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17
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Davies T, Coyle D, Shahid M, Pettigrew S, Wu JH, Marklund M. Packaged foods purchased on price promotion in Australia. Appetite 2023; 180:106352. [PMID: 36272544 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We examined the prevalence and magnitude of price promotions among purchases of packaged foods and beverages in Australia, as well as the contribution of price-promoted foods and beverages to apparent energy intake. We utilized grocery purchase data from a nationally representative panel of 10 000 households in 2019 (NielsenIQ Homescan panel), combined with a food nutrition dataset (FoodSwitch). Nutritional quality was defined using the Australian and New Zealand Health Star Rating (HSR), where products with an HSR <3.5 were classified as 'less healthy' and products with an HSR ≥3.5 were classified as 'healthy'. Apparent energy intake was expressed as the total energy content of all purchased products per day per capita. Price promotions were claimed by panel members. Overall, four-in-ten packaged products (41%) were purchased on price promotion. Compared to 'healthy' products, 'less healthy' products were more frequently purchased on price promotion (33% vs 48%, respectively, p < 0.001), but had a similar mean magnitude of price discount (both 22%). Low socio-economic status (SES) households consumed 18% more energy from 'less healthy' packaged products on price promotion than high SES households (1141 vs 970 kJ/day/capita, p < 0.001). In conclusion, restricting price promotions for 'less healthy' packaged foods and beverages could potentially improve diet quality and dietary inequalities in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazman Davies
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| | - Daisy Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Maria Shahid
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Jason Hy Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
| | - Matti Marklund
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia; Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 75122, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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"No Child or Adult Would Ever Probably Choose to Have 16 Teaspoons of Sugar": A Preliminary Study of Parents' Responses to Sugary Drink Warning Label Options. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194173. [PMID: 36235825 PMCID: PMC9571345 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack (FoP) warning labels are a viable policy option with the potential to inform consumer choice and assist in reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption as part of a multi-faceted approach. This study explored parents' perceptions and understanding of a range of SSB warning labels. Focus groups (n = 12) with 82 parents of school-aged children were conducted, stratified according to education level, sex and location. Health effects, exercise equivalents, sugar content (teaspoons in text and pictograms, "high in") and energy content labels were shown. Through thematic analysis we identified three themes. Theme 1 related to perceptions of effectiveness of labels, underpinned by four subthemes: perceptions of labels as credible, informative and useful, personally relevant and having the potential to change be haviour. Theme 2 related to participants finding opportunities for self-exemption (e.g., physically active) and message rejection (e.g., misinterpretation). Theme 3 encompassed the potential negative consequences of some labels (e.g., body image concerns). The text teaspoons label was perceived most favourably across all themes, with minimal negative issues raised. These results provide in-depth insight into potential responses to labelling as a policy intervention, providing important guidance for the development of labels to ensure optimal message content and framing for future testing and subsequent implementation.
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Ngqangashe Y, Friel S. Regulatory governance pathways to improve the efficacy of Australian food policies. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:710-715. [PMID: 36047854 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective regulatory governance, which entails the actors, processes and contexts within which policies are developed, designed and implemented, is crucial for food policies to improve food environments, consumer behaviour and diet-related health. OBJECTIVE To critically assess Australian food policies for the presence of necessary and sufficient regulatory governance conditions that have been shown to effect positive nutrition outcomes from food policies. METHODS We assessed the Australian National Association of Advertisers (AANA) Food and Beverage Advertising Code, Health Star Rating Front of Pack labelling system and Sodium reformulation under the Healthy Food Partnership (HFP). The policies were analysed for the presence/absence of five regulatory governance conditions - the extent of industry involvement, regulatory design, instrument design, monitoring and enforcement. RESULTS All three policies lack one or more regulatory governance conditions crucial for policy success. Each policy has high industry involvement, an absence of government-led policy-making underpinned by legislation and lacks comprehensive enforcement. Except for the Health Star Rating system, the policies did not have comprehensive monitoring - a necessary condition for policy success. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS The efficacy of these three policies can be enhanced by minimising industry involvement, improving government oversight and improving monitoring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandisa Ngqangashe
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global governance, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory
| | - Sharon Friel
- Menzies Centre for Health Governance, School of Regulation and Global governance, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory
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20
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Validation of the Thumbs food classification system as a tool to accurately identify the healthiness of foods. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:2001-2010. [PMID: 36038139 PMCID: PMC10167659 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522002756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Thumbs food classification system was developed to assist remote Australian communities to identify food healthiness. This study aimed to assess: (1) the Thumbs system’s alignment to two other food classification systems, the Health Star Rating (HSR) and the Northern Territory School Canteens Guidelines (NTSCG); (2) its accuracy in classifying ‘unhealthy’ (contributing to discretionary energy and added sugars) and ‘healthy’ products against HSR and NTSCG; (3) areas for optimisation. Food and beverage products sold between 05/2018 and 05/2019 in fifty-one remote stores were classified in each system. System alignment was assessed by cross-tabulating percentages of products, discretionary energy and added sugars sold assigned to the same healthiness levels across the systems. The system/s capturing the highest percentage of discretionary energy and added sugars sold in ‘unhealthy’ products and the lowest levels in ‘healthy’ products were considered the best performing. Cohen’s κ was used to assess agreement between the Thumbs system and the NTSCG for classifying products as healthy. The Thumbs system classified product healthiness in line with the HSR and NTSCG, with Cohen’s κ showing moderate agreement between the Thumbs system and the NTSCG (κ = 0·60). The Thumbs system captured the most discretionary energy sold (92·2 %) and added sugar sold (90·6 %) in unhealthy products and the least discretionary energy sold (0 %) in healthy products. Modifications to optimise the Thumbs system include aligning several food categories to the NTSCG criteria and addressing core/discretionary classification discrepancies of fruit juice/drinks. The Thumbs system offers a classification algorithm that could strengthen the HSR system.
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21
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Singh SK, Taillie LS, Gupta A, Bercholz M, Popkin B, Murukutla N. Front-of-Package Labels on Unhealthy Packaged Foods in India: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment. Nutrients 2022; 14:3128. [PMID: 35956305 PMCID: PMC9370292 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Policies to require front-of-package labels (FOPLs) on packaged foods may help Indian consumers to better identify foods high in nutrients of concern, including sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, and discourage their consumption, which are outcomes that are critical for preventing rises in diet-related non-communicable disease. The objective was to test whether FOPLs helped Indian consumers identify “high-in” packaged foods and reduce intentions to purchase them. We conducted an in-person randomized experiment (n = 2869 adults between ages 18 and 60 years old) in six states of India in 2022. Participants were randomized to one of five FOPLs: a control label (barcode), warning label (octagon with “High in [nutrient]”), Health Star Rating (HSR), Guideline Daily Amount (GDA), or traffic light label. Participants then viewed a series of packaged foods high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium with the assigned FOPL, and rated product perceptions and label reactions. Fewer than half of participants in the control group (39.1%) correctly identified all products high in nutrient(s) of concern. All FOPLs led to an increase in this outcome, with the biggest differences observed for the warning label (60.8%, p < 0.001), followed by the traffic light label (54.8%, p < 0.001), GDA (55.0%, p < 0.001), and HSR (45.0%, p < 0.01). While no FOPLs led to a reduction in intentions to purchase the packaged foods, the overall pattern of results suggested that warning labels are the most effective FOPL to help Indian consumers identify unhealthy foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. K. Singh
- Department of Survey Research and Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Deemed University, Mumbai 400088, India
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Ashish Gupta
- Vital Strategies, New York, NY 27599, USA; (A.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Maxime Bercholz
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Barry Popkin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
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Grigsby-Duffy L, Cameron AJ, Backholer K, Sacks G. Food industry perspectives on potential policies targeting unhealthy food and beverage price promotions in Australian supermarkets. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1423. [PMID: 35883174 PMCID: PMC9322738 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Current supermarket price promotions are likely to encourage unhealthy diets, leading some governments to recently endorse restrictions on price promotions for unhealthy food and beverages. However, little is known about the likely industry response to policy action in this area. The aim of this study was to understand how potential government policies targeting food and beverage price promotions in supermarkets are perceived by food industry stakeholders in Australia. Twelve semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with current and former employees of major food manufacturers and food retailers as well as other industry experts with experience related to price promotion practices in the Australian supermarket setting. Data were analysed deductively based on Lewin's organisational change theories and inductively to highlight forces that might drive or restrain change.From an industry perspective, forces likely to create industry opposition to implementation of price promotion policy included: fear of losing competitive advantage; potential financial loss for food retailers and their suppliers; a perception that restrictions on price promotions for unhealthy products will not impact health; and a perception of increased financial cost to consumers. Forces perceived to drive implementation of a policy that would benefit public health included: mandatory regulation; extensive compliance monitoring; support for promoting healthy products; consumer education; and sufficient lead time and support from retailers for implementation. These forces, and the way in which they interact, need to be actively considered as part of efforts to change the healthiness of food and beverage price promotions in supermarkets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Grigsby-Duffy
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Adrian J Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220 Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220 Australia
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23
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Pettigrew S, Jongenelis M, Jones A, Hercberg S, Julia C. An 18-country analysis of the effectiveness of five front-of-pack nutrition labels. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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24
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Cameron AJ, Brown A, Orellana L, Marshall J, Charlton E, Ngan WW, Ananthapavan J, Isaacs J, Blake M, Sacks G. Change in the Healthiness of Foods Sold in an Australian Supermarket Chain Following Implementation of a Shelf Tag Intervention Based on the Health Star Rating System. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122394. [PMID: 35745125 PMCID: PMC9229209 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Most people in Australia buy most of their food in supermarkets. Marketing techniques promoting healthy foods in supermarkets can be important to encourage healthy eating at a population level. Shelf tags that highlight the healthiness of products have been identified as one such promising initiative. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the healthiness of foods sold in an Australian supermarket chain following implementation of a shelf tag intervention based on the Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) system. Methods: A controlled, non-randomised trial was undertaken in seven supermarkets (intervention: n = 3; control: n = 4) of a single chain in Victoria, Australia, over 12 weeks (4 weeks baseline, 8 weeks intervention period) between August and November 2015. The intervention involved provision of a shelf tag indicating the HSR of all packaged products that scored 4.5 or 5 stars (‘high-HSR products’) using the Australian HSR system. Posters indicating the healthiness of fresh fruits and vegetables (not eligible for an HSR rating, as they are not packaged) were also installed. Weekly per store sales data were provided by the retailer. In an intention-to-treat analysis (with intervention status of individual products based on their eligibility to be tagged), the proportion (%) of all ‘high-HSR’ packaged food sold and the volume of key nutrients (saturated fat, total fat, sodium, total sugar, protein, carbohydrates and energy) per 100 g sold were assessed. Difference-in-difference analyses were conducted to determine the difference between intervention and control stores in terms of mean outcomes between baseline and intervention periods. Customer exit surveys (n = 304) were conducted to evaluate awareness and use of the shelf tags and posters. Results: The proportion of ‘high-HSR products’ sold increased in the intervention period compared to the baseline period in each of the three intervention stores (average increase of 0.49%, 95% CI: −0.02, 0.99), compared to a decrease of −0.15% (−0.46, 0.15) in control stores (p = 0.034). The overall increase in intervention compared to control stores (difference-in-difference) of 0.64% represents an 8.2% increase in the sales of ‘high-HSR products’. Sales of total sugar, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sodium, protein and total energy in packaged food all decreased significantly more in intervention stores compared to control stores. Sales of fresh fruits and vegetables decreased in intervention stores compared to control stores. Customer surveys found that 34.4% noticed the shelf tags. Of those who noticed the tags, 58% believed the shelf tags influenced their purchases. Conclusions: With this study, we found that the use of shelf tags that highlight the healthiest packaged foods in a supermarket setting showed promise as a mechanism to improve the healthiness of purchases. Opportunities to scale up the intervention warrant exploration, with further research needed to assess the potential impact of the intervention on overall population diets over the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J. Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-39-2517-741
| | - Amy Brown
- City of Greater Bendigo Council, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia;
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3550, Australia;
| | - Josephine Marshall
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Emma Charlton
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Winsfred W. Ngan
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Jaithri Ananthapavan
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Jasmine Isaacs
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Miranda Blake
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (J.M.); (E.C.); (W.W.N.); (J.A.); (J.I.); (M.B.); (G.S.)
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Cost-Benefit and Cost-Utility Analyses to Demonstrate the Potential Value-for-Money of Supermarket Shelf Tags Promoting Healthier Packaged Products in Australia. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091919. [PMID: 35565886 PMCID: PMC9103654 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The supermarket environment impacts the healthiness of food purchased and consumed. Shelf tags that alert customers to healthier packaged products can improve the healthiness of overall purchases. This study assessed the potential value-for-money of implementing a three-year shelf tag intervention across all major supermarket chains in Australia. Cost-benefit analyses (CBA) and cost-utility analyses (CUA) were conducted based on results of a 12-week non-randomised controlled trial of a shelf tag intervention in seven Australian supermarkets. The change in energy density of all packaged foods purchased during the trial was used to estimate population-level changes in mean daily energy intake. A multi-state, multiple-cohort Markov model estimated the subsequent obesity-related health and healthcare cost outcomes over the lifetime of the 2019 Australian population. The CBA and CUA took societal and healthcare sector perspectives, respectively. The intervention was estimated to produce a mean reduction in population body weight of 1.09 kg. The net present value of the intervention was approximately AUD 17 billion (B). Over 98% of the intervention costs were borne by supermarkets. CUA findings were consistent with the CBA-the intervention was dominant, producing both health benefits and cost-savings. Shelf tags are likely to offer excellent value-for-money from societal and healthcare sector perspectives.
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26
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Huse O, Reeve E, Baker P, Hunt D, Bell C, Peeters A, Backholer K. The nutrition transition, food retail transformations, and policy responses to overnutrition in the East Asia region: A descriptive review. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13412. [PMID: 34981877 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The East Asia region is facing an increasing burden of overweight, obesity and related noncommunicable diseases, resulting from an ongoing nutrition transition. This study aimed to document the growing burden of overweight and obesity, and the accompanying dietary shifts, in the East Asia region and describe the policy responses to this. METHODS We present noncommunicable disease risk factor collaboration data on trends in the burden of malnutrition, and Euromonitor International data on trends in dietary purchases, in the East Asia region. We searched the NOURISHING and GINA databases to identify food and nutrition policies implemented in these countries. RESULTS There is an ongoing nutrition transition in the East Asia region, notably in upper-middle and lower-middle income countries. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and accompanying health conditions, purchases of ultra-processed foods and beverages, and purchasing from supermarkets, fast-food and takeaway outlets, and other convenience retailers, are increasing. The policy response to this nutrition transition is limited, with the majority of policies implemented in higher-income countries. CONCLUSIONS East Asian countries are facing a growing burden of malnutrition, due in part to the dietary shifts occurring here. An ecological approach to policy intervention is needed to drive transformative food systems change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Huse
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Erica Reeve
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Phillip Baker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Daniel Hunt
- Independent Researcher and Freelance Public Health Consultant, Bath, UK
| | - Colin Bell
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anna Peeters
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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27
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Yin X, Ye L, Xin X, Xiang L, Yu Y, Yan R, Wen K, Tian M, Jones A, Pettigrew S, Liu W, Yang Y, Zhang J. Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Introducing a Front-of-Pack Labelling Scheme on Packaged Foods in China: A Qualitative Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030516. [PMID: 35276875 PMCID: PMC8840240 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack (FoP) labelling on foods is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing global burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), but this policy has not yet been implemented in China. The aim of this study was to ascertain key stakeholders’ views on barriers and facilitators to developing a feasible and acceptable FoP labelling policy in the Chinese context. Semistructured interviews were used to elicit opinions from diverse representatives in roles of FoP labelling policy influence. Participants were identified by purposive and snowball sampling. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was adopted to facilitate data collection and analysis. Themes and subthemes were generated using deductive and inductive approaches. Thirty participants were interviewed. The major barriers were the absence of national contextual analysis, perceived complexity of the process of policy development, disagreement on a preferred FoP labelling format, cost for the food industry, low priority compared to food safety policies, lack of existing regulatory framework or authorised nutrient profiling system, limited knowledge of FoP labelling, and the lack of planning and engagement with stakeholders. Facilitators included existing prerequisites, experiences and lessons from the pilot, policy coherence with Healthy China 2030, and support from external agents (e.g., WHO). Further efforts are required to develop and collate evidence to demonstrate the scientific, legal, and political feasibility of introducing effective FoP labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Yin
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Lihong Ye
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Xin Xin
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Lin Xiang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Yue Yu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Ruijie Yan
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Kehan Wen
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Maoyi Tian
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150088, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
| | - Wei Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Yuexin Yang
- Chinese Nutrition Society, Beijing 100022, China;
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (M.T.)
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28
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Miller C, Ettridge K, Pettigrew S, Wittert G, Wakefield M, Coveney J, Roder D, Martin J, Brownbill A, Dono J. Warning labels and interpretive nutrition labels: Impact on substitution between sugar and artificially sweetened beverages, juice and water in a real-world selection task. Appetite 2021; 169:105818. [PMID: 34838869 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105818] [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] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Effective strategies to reduce free sugar intake are needed. This study examined exposure to a warning label, independently and in conjunction with a Health Star Rating (HSR) label, on the selection of commercially available cold beverages with real decision-making stakes. Participants (N = 511, 47.9% female, mean = 21.7 (SD = 6.1) years) accessed an online convenience store app via an on-campus laptop to select one of 10 beverages (5 sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs], 1100% fruit juice, 2 artificially sweetened beverages [ASBs] and 2 waters). The task was repeated with the addition of a warning label on high-sugar drinks in Round 2, and the addition of an HSR label on all drinks in Round 3. Participants were informed that they would receive a complementary drink (valued at <$5AUD) based on their selections following the completion of a brief questionnaire. Baseline results indicated that SSBs and waters were the most and least popular choices, respectively. For both males and females, there was a significant decrease in SSB selection (p < 0.001) and significant increase in ASB and water selection (p < 0.001) following the addition of warning labels to high-sugar drinks. The decreased selection of SSBs and increased selection of waters was maintained in Round 3 when HSR labels were added to all drinks. 100% fruit juice selection decreased with the addition of a warning label for females only (p < 0.01), but increased following the addition of a 4-star HSR label, for both males (p < 0.05) and females (p < 0.001). Warning labels reduced young adults' selection of SSBs and promoted substitution to water. The HSR reinforced this effect for the least healthy drinks. Increased water selection may be further enhanced by ensuring that warning label thresholds and HSR algorithms align to present consistent messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Miller
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Kerry Ettridge
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- Food Policy, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gary Wittert
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Centre for Nutrition and GI Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melanie Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Coveney
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Roder
- Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Martin
- Obesity Policy Coalition and Alcohol and Obesity Policy, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aimee Brownbill
- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Canberra, Australia
| | - Joanne Dono
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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29
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Chan J, McMahon E, Brimblecombe J. Point-of-sale nutrition information interventions in food retail stores to promote healthier food purchase and intake: A systematic review. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13311. [PMID: 34254422 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Providing simple information that identifies healthier/less healthy products at the point-of-sale has been increasingly recognized as a potential strategy for improving population diet. This review evaluated the effect on healthiness of food purchasing/intake of interventions that identify specific products as healthier/less healthy at the point-of-sale in food retail settings. Five databases were searched for peer-reviewed randomized controlled or quasi-experimental trials published 2000-2020. Effects on primary outcomes of the 26 eligible studies (322 stores and 19,002 participants) were positive (n = 14), promising (effective under certain conditions; n = 3), mixed (different effect across treatment arms/outcomes; n = 4), null (n = 3), negative (n = 1), or unclear (n = 1). Shelf-label studies (three studies of two rating systems across all products) were positive. Technology-delivered (mobile applications/podcast/kiosk) interventions were positive (n = 3/5) or promising/mixed (n = 2/5). In-store displays (n = 16) had mixed effectiveness. Interventions provided information on targeted healthier products only (n = 17), unhealthy products only (n = 1), both healthy and unhealthy (n = 2), and across all products (n = 5). No patterns were found between behavior change technique used and effectiveness. Study quality was mixed. These findings indicate that point-of-sale interventions identifying healthy/unhealthy options can lead to healthier customer purchasing behavior, particularly those delivered using shelf-labels or technology. Further research on discouraging unhealthy foods is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Chan
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia.,Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma McMahon
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Julie Brimblecombe
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia.,Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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30
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Roberto CA, Ng SW, Ganderats-Fuentes M, Hammond D, Barquera S, Jauregui A, Taillie LS. The Influence of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling on Consumer Behavior and Product Reformulation. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:529-550. [PMID: 34339293 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-111120-094932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Countries worldwide have implemented mandatory or voluntary front-of-package nutrition labeling systems. We provide a narrative review of (a) real-world evaluations of front-of-package nutrition labels that analyze objective sales data and (b) studies that objectively assess product reformulation in response to a front-of-package nutrition label implementation. We argue that there is sufficient scientific evidence to recommend that governments implement mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling systems to improve population health. We also present a conceptual framework to describe front-of-package label influence and provide recommendations for the optimal label design, emphasizing that labeling systems should be highly visible and salient, be simple and easy to understand, leverage automatic associations, and integrate informational and emotional messaging. The existing research suggests that Guideline Daily Amount labels should be avoided and that the Health Star Rating and Nutri-Score systems are promising but that systems with warning labels like the one in Chile are likely to produce the largest public health benefits. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, USA; ,
| | - Montserrat Ganderats-Fuentes
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Simon Barquera
- Department of Nutrition Policy Research, National Institute of Public Health, 62100 Cuernavaca, Mexico;
| | - Alejandra Jauregui
- Department of Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles, National Institute of Public Health, 62100 Cuernavaca, Mexico;
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, USA; ,
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31
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Growth of Ready Meals in Australian Supermarkets: Nutrient Composition, Price and Serving Size. Foods 2021; 10:foods10071667. [PMID: 34359537 PMCID: PMC8304220 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-prepared, or ready meals (frozen, chilled and shelf-stable) are increasingly available in supermarkets in developed countries. This study aimed to investigate how the range of ready meals in Australian supermarkets has changed from 2014 to 2020, and how products vary by price, serving size, nutrient composition and Health Star Rating. Product information was obtained from the FoodTrack™ packaged food database for the years 2014 to 2019 and from an instore audit of products available in Adelaide, Australia for 2020. There was a 13% annual average increase in the number of ready meals available in supermarkets. Serving size did not change (median 350 g, p-trend = 0.100) and price increased modestly from 2014 to 2020 (median $1.67 to $1.79/100 g, p-trend < 0.001), with chilled ready meals being the most expensive. A modest decrease in sodium density from 2014 to 2020 (median 275 to 240 mg/100 g, p-trend < 0.001) was seen. However, the category has a wide range in Health Star Ratings and nutrient composition, highlighting the importance of appropriate consumer choice to optimise health benefits. With the increasing availability of ready meals, global improvements within this category should be encouraged and consumers guided to choose healthier products.
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32
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Rosewarne E, Moore M, Chislett WK, Jones A, Trieu K, Webster J. An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership's advocacy strategy for policy change. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:100. [PMID: 34266477 PMCID: PMC8281636 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00759-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health advocacy strategies facilitate policy change by bringing key health issues to the forefront of public and political discourse, influencing decision-makers and public opinion, and increasing policy demand. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership (VSRP) was established in 2014 in response to inadequate government action to improve population diets in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the success of the VSRP's advocacy strategy in achieving policy change. METHODS Documentation of VSRP activities and outputs were collected, and semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a comprehensive process evaluation. For this study, the Kotter Plus 10-step public health advocacy evaluation framework was used to guide data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. RESULTS A sense of urgency for salt reduction was generated by producing evidence and outlining the potential impact of a state-based salt reduction programme. This enabled the creation of a coalition with diverse skills and expertise, which facilitated the development of an innovative and collaborative advocacy action plan. A clear change vision was established, but communication of the vision to decision-makers was lacking, which reduced the impact of the programme as decision-makers were not provided with a clear incentive for policy change. As a result, while programme outputs were achieved, these did not translate to achieving broader strategic goals during a limited-term intervention in a political climate unconcerned with salt. CONCLUSIONS The Kotter Plus 10-step framework was a useful tool for evaluating the success of the VSRP advocacy strategy. The framework enabled the identification of key strengths, including the creation of the guiding coalition, and areas where efforts could be improved in future similar strategies, such as effective communication within partnerships and to decision-makers, to better influence policy and improve public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emalie Rosewarne
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Michael Moore
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Wai-Kwan Chislett
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Can point-of-sale nutrition information encourage reduced preference for sugary drinks among adolescents? Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4023-4034. [PMID: 34018479 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002275] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether point-of-sale (POS) information about the nutrition content of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) promotes healthier drink choices among teenagers, and explore whether POS intervention effects vary based on prior exposure to a sugary drink public health campaign (13 Cancers). DESIGN Between-subjects online experiment with three POS signage conditions: no signage (control); sugar content (SC) and Health Star Rating (HSR). Participants viewed their assigned POS sign alone, then alongside a drinks product display and chose which drink they would buy. Perceptions of various drink products and campaign recall were assessed. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Adolescents aged 13-17 years (n 925) recruited via an online panel. RESULTS POS signs did not promote a significant reduction in preference for SSB (cf. control condition). Cognitive and emotional responses to POS signs were strongest for the SC sign, which was rated higher than the HSR sign on various perceived effectiveness measures. Participants who saw the SC sign rated SSB as less healthy (cf. control condition) and were more likely to accurately estimate the number of teaspoons of sugar in soft drink (cf. HSR sign and control conditions). There was no significant interaction between prior exposure to the 13 Cancers campaign and POS signage condition regarding preferences for and perceptions of SSB. CONCLUSIONS SSB POS interventions may not have the desired effect on adolescents' drink preferences. Testing SSB POS signs in real-world retail settings is needed to determine whether positive educational impacts extend to promoting healthier drink purchases and reduced SSB consumption among teenagers.
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Packaged food supply in Fiji: nutrient levels, compliance with sodium targets and adherence to labelling regulations. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4358-4368. [PMID: 34008486 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002100224x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of products meeting Fiji government labelling regulations, assess compliance with national Na reformulation targets and examine the Na and total sugar levels in packaged foods sold in selected major supermarkets. DESIGN We selected five major supermarkets in 2018 and collected the product information and nutritional content from the labels of all packaged foods sold. We organised 4278 foods into fourteen major food categories and thirty-six sub-categories and recorded the proportion of products labelled in accordance with the Fiji labelling regulations. We looked at the levels of Na and total sugar in each food category and assessed how many products complied with the Fiji reformulation targets set for Na. We also listed the companies responsible for each product. SETTING Suva, Fiji. RESULTS Fourteen percentage of packaged foods in fourteen major categories met Fiji national labelling regulations. Na was labelled on 95·4 % products, and total sugar labelled on 92·4 %. The convenience foods category had the highest Na levels (1699 mg/100 g), while confectionery had the highest content of total sugar (52·6 g/100 g). Forty percentage of eligible products did not meet the proposed voluntary Na reformulation targets. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate significant room for improvement in nutrient labelling, as well as a need for further enforcement of reformulation targets and monitoring of changes in food composition. Through enacting these measures and establishing additional regulations such as mandatory front-of-pack labelling, government and food industry can drive consumers towards healthier food choices and improve the nutritional quality of packaged foods in Fiji.
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Ndanuko R, Maganja D, Kibet A, Coyle DH, Kimiywe J, Raubenheimer D, Marklund M, Wu JHY. Sodium Content and Labelling Completeness of Packaged Foods and Beverages in Kenya. Nutrients 2021; 13:1385. [PMID: 33924065 PMCID: PMC8074286 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased consumption of unhealthy processed foods, particularly those high in sodium, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nutrition information on packaged foods can help guide consumers toward products with less sodium, however the availability of nutrition information on foods sold in Kenya is currently unknown. The aims of this study were to estimate the proportion of packaged foods and beverages displaying nutrition information for sodium and determine the amount of sodium in packaged foods available for sale in Kenya. Data was collected in 2019 from five retail supermarkets in Nairobi. The availability of sodium information provided on packaged products and the sodium content were recorded. As secondary analyses, we compared sodium content labelling of products in Kenya by manufacturing location and the sodium content of products available in Kenya and South Africa. A total of 6003 packaged products in 56 food categories were identified. Overall, 39% of products displayed sodium content, though the availability of labelling varied widely between food categories, with coverage in main categories ranging from 0% (yoghurts and yoghurt drinks) to 86% (breakfast cereals). Food categories with the highest median sodium content were herbs and spices (9120 mg/100 g), sauces (1200 mg/100 g) and meat alternatives (766 mg/100 g) although wide variabilities were often observed within categories. Imported products were more likely to provide information on sodium than locally produced products (81% compared to 26%) and reported higher median sodium levels (172 mg/100 g compared to 96 mg/100 g). Kenyan products reported a higher median sodium content than South African products in six categories while South African products had higher median sodium in 20 categories, with considerable variation in median sodium content between countries in some categories. These findings highlight considerable potential to improve the availability of sodium information on packaged products in Kenya and to introduce reformulation policies to reduce the amount of sodium in the Kenyan food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Ndanuko
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Damian Maganja
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Alex Kibet
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (A.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Daisy H. Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
| | - Judith Kimiywe
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (A.K.); (J.K.)
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Matti Marklund
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 22 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jason H. Y. Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (D.H.C.); (M.M.); (J.H.Y.W.)
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Vandevijvere S. Uptake of Nutri-Score during the first year of implementation in Belgium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 78:107. [PMID: 33110600 PMCID: PMC7585194 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-00492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labeling has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of a suite of measures needed to improve population diets. The voluntary Nutri-Score FOP labeling system, which was first implemented in France, was approved for implementation in Belgium by the Minister of Public Health in August 2018 and has been officially adopted in Belgium since April 1st 2019. We assessed the uptake of Nutri-Score by food retailers and manufacturers during the first year of implementation in Belgium. Main body In November–December 2019, pictures for 1781 products displaying Nutri-Score on the FOP were collected from the five biggest retailers, representing about 10% of products on the market in Belgium. About 90% of products displaying Nutri-Score on the FOP in 2019 were own-brand products from two major food retailers, while the few remainder were branded products. About 56% of products displayed Nutri-Score A or B while 26% of products displayed Nutri-Score D or E. Conclusion During the first year of implementation, > 1700 food products displayed Nutri-Score on the FOP in Belgium. While the majority of those products were healthier foods (Nutri-Score A&B), about one quarter of less healthy products (Nutri-Score D&E) already displayed Nutri-Score as well. In the meantime, all five biggest retailers, including discounters, have committed to display Nutri-Score on the FOP from 2020 onwards, which may increase pressure on other food manufacturers to improve uptake of Nutri-Score for branded products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Sciensano, Service of lifestyle and chronic diseases, J Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Azzopardi DJ, Lacy KE, Woods JL. Energy Density of New Food Products Targeted to Children. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2242. [PMID: 32727115 PMCID: PMC7468825 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
High dietary energy density (ED) is linked to childhood obesity and poor diet quality. The Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) system aims to assist consumers in making healthful food choices. This cross-sectional study used 2014-2018 data from the Mintel Global New Products Database to describe the ED of new food products targeted to children (5-12 years) released after the introduction of HSR and examine relationships between ED and HSR. Products were categorised by ED (low < 630 kJ/100 g, medium 630-950 kJ/100 g, high > 950 kJ/100 g) and HSR (no, HSR < 2.5 low, HSR ≥ 2.5 high). Non-parametric statistics were used to examine ED and HSR. A total of 548 products targeted children: 21% low, 5% medium, 74% high ED. One hundred products displayed an HSR: 24% low, 76% high; 53 products with both high HSR and ED. The EDs of products differed by HSR (p < 0.05), but both group's medians (HSR < 2.5: 1850 kJ/100 g, HSR ≥ 2.5: 1507 kJ/100 g) were high. A high proportion of new products had a high ED, and the HSR of these foods did not consistently discriminate between ED levels, particularly for high ED foods. Policies to promote lower ED foods and better alignment between ED and HSR may improve childhood obesity and diet quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Azzopardi
- Deakin University, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Kathleen E. Lacy
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Julie L. Woods
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
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