Impact assessment of the public health product tax in Hungary

Many countries apply fiscal policies to promote healthy diets to reduce the risk factors of NCDs. In 2011, a public health product tax (PHPT) was introduced in Hungary, taxing non-staple food products that carry proven health risks when consumed. The objectives of PHPT were to promote healthier eating habits by increasing the availability of healthy choices; to encourage reformulation; and to increase revenues for public health. With the purpose of evaluating the social and economic effects of PHPT, impact assessments (IAs) were conducted in 2012, 2014, and in 2018. The IA in 2018 was conducted within the framework of an EU-cofunded development project. To measure the awareness of the population on the law; to assess the population's attitude towards PHPT; to map the consumption patterns and to examine the major factors influencing food choices were fundamental parts of the IAs. We aim to present the findings of the latest IA and compare them to the results of the previous studies. Population surveys with questionnaires including the same questions were applied in the three assessments, hence changes during the 6 years could be detected. A sample of the adult population was involved in form of personal interviews in each IA. Based on the results, the awareness of PHPT was less (66%) in 2018 than in 2012 (72%). The adult population's consumption of the taxed products increased in all categories between 2012 and 2018 (except for salty condiments). Sociodemographic factors and awareness of the law correlated with the consumption of certain PHPT products. Taste was the primary determinant of food choice both in 2012 and 2018. The role of the price and the energy content in food choices were decreased significantly by 2018. A higher proportion of people identified the aims of PHPT correctly and agreed with them in 2018. The results draw attention to the importance of further interventions and the need of targeted health communication.

Key messages

The impact of the PHPT should continue to be monitored and evaluated. To achieve the aims of PHPT in the long term, it is needed to use more effective health communication, furthermore harmonized intersectoral actions should be also implied to promote healthy diet.

Impact assessment of the TFA regulation on fatty acid composition of foods in Hungary

Trans fatty acids are formed during the industrial processing of food, and are proven to be harmful for the human body. They have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, abdominal obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Decree 71/2013. (XI. 20.) of the Ministry of Human Capacities, which has been in force since 2014, defines the highest permitted amount of trans fats in food products placed on the market in Hungary. The impact of the decree on the industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) availability and population intake was assessed in 2017. Results demonstrated that iTFA were replaced by other fatty acids due to the legislation. In 2019, we investigated food groups which had high measured TFA content before the regulation entered into force and compared the total fat and fatty acid profiles to the same brand or similar products being on the market afterwards. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, this was the first assessment to determine to which extent manufacturers increased saturated fat (SFA) content of foodstuffs to reduce iTFA content. In those product groups, which were identified as significant food sources of iTFA before introducing the regulation (biscuits, coffee creamers and flavorings, sweets, bakery products, confectionary, wafers, margarines) we found no significant changes in the total fat content, while in most foodstuffs the average proportion of SFA was higher after reformulation, as iTFA were mainly substituted with SFA in 61% of the products, with cis-MUFA in 25% and cis-PUFA in 14% of the products, respectively. Evidence from this analysis supports concerns that eliminating iTFA in certain foodstuffs leads to unwanted substitution with saturated fat, hence reducing the possible health benefits. Given the high SFA intake and the unfavourable cardiovascular statistics in Hungary, the consumption frequency and portion size control of these products are advised.

Key messages

Monitoring the changes of food composition is important in order to evaluate the effect of the regulation. Manufacturers should be encouraged to reduce the SFA content to a technologically feasible level.

Substantial variation across geographic regions in the obesity prevalence among 6-8 years old Hungarian children (COSI Hungary 2016)

Background

There have been previous representative nutritional status surveys conducted in Hungary, but this is the first one that examines overweight and obesity prevalence according to the level of urbanization and in different geographic regions among 6–8-year-old children. We also assessed whether these variations were different by sex.

Methods

This survey was part of the fourth data collection round of World Health Organization (WHO) Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative which took place during the academic year 2016/2017. The representative sample was determined by two-stage cluster sampling. A total of 5332 children (48.4% boys; age 7.54 ± 0.64 years) were measured from all seven geographic regions including urban (at least 500 inhabitants per square kilometer; n = 1598), semi-urban (100 to 500 inhabitants per square kilometer; n = 1932) and rural (less than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer; n = 1802) areas.

Results

Using the WHO reference, prevalence of overweight and obesity within the whole sample were 14.2, and 12.7%, respectively. According to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) reference, rates were 12.6 and 8.6%. Northern Hungary and Southern Transdanubia were the regions with the highest obesity prevalence of 11.0 and 12.0%, while Central Hungary was the one with the lowest obesity rate (6.1%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity tended to be higher in rural areas (13.0 and 9.8%) than in urban areas (11.9 and 7.0%). Concerning differences in sex, girls had higher obesity risk in rural areas (OR = 2.0) but boys did not. Odds ratios were 2.0–3.4 in different regions for obesity compared to Central Hungary, but only among boys.

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity are emerging problems in Hungary. Remarkable differences were observed in the prevalence of obesity by geographic regions. These variations can only be partly explained by geographic characteristics.

Trial registration

Study protocol was approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Medical Research Council (61158–2/2016/EKU).

[Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey - The OTAP2014 study. IV. Microelement intake of the Hungarian population]

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey examined the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. This publication presents the microelement intake.

METHOD

The survey represents the microelement intake of the Hungarian non-institutionalised adult population of 18 years and older.

RESULTS

While the intake of iron, copper and manganese corresponded with the recommendations in males, in females it was insufficient. The iron intake of women in their reproductive age (9.8 mg/d) stayed well below the recommendation, thus representing a high health risk. In comparison to earlier Hungarian data chromium intake decreased significantly in both sexes (men p = 0.000, women p = 0.008) and the zinc intake of men (9.6 mg/d) decreased below recommended.

CONCLUSION

Since the consumption of whole grain products with high microelement content in Hungary is very low, it would be favourable to increase the proportion of these foods in the diet. In case of women it is also necessary to increase the consumption of food groups (e.g. meat, fruits) contributing to the iron intake. Furthermore, communication of adequate nutrition, and the availability of healthy foods is essential for the entire population. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(21): 803-810.

[Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey - OTÁP2014. III. Macroelement intake of the Hungarian population]

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey examined the dietary habits of the Hungarian adult population. The aim of the study is to present the macroelement intake of the population.

METHOD

The study represents the macrolement intake of the population with age 18 or over on the day of 31 December 2013, of those who are non-institutionalised.

RESULTS

Salt intake decreased compared to the findings of the previous study in 2009 but it is still extremely high (15.9 g in men and 11.2 g in women). The potassium intake is below the recommendation, which together with a high sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure. Calcium intake in the youngest age group reached the recommendations, whereas the intake in the oldest age group was well below the references. Magnesium intake complied with the recommendation, the intake of phosphorus however exceeded it. High sodium intake still represents substantial public health risk.

CONCLUSION

The reduction that occured in the population's salt intake since 2009 demonstrates the effectiveness of implemented prevention programs, cooperation with the industry and public awareness campaigns. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(17): 653-661.

Országos Táplálkozás és Tápláltsági Állapot Vizsgálat – OTÁP2014. II. A magyar lakosság energia- és makrotápanyag-bevitele

Abstract:

Introduction and aim: The aim of the study was to assess and monitor the dietary habits and nutrient intake of Hungarian adults. Method: Three-day dietary records were used for dietary assessment, the sample was representative for the Hungarian population aged ≥18ys by gender and age. Results: The mean proportion of energy from fat was higher (men: 38 energy%, women: 37 energy%), that from carbohydrates was lower (men: 45 energy%, women: 47 energy%) than recommended, the protein intake is adequate. Conclusion: Unfavorable change compared to the previous survey in 2009 was the increase of fat and saturated fatty acid energy percent in women, the decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption, which explains the decreased fiber intake. An increasing trend in added sugar energy percent in each age groups of both genders was observed compared to 2009. Interventions focusing on the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption and decreasing of saturated fat and added sugar intake are needed. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(15), 587–597.

Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey – The OTAP2009 study. II. Energy and macronutrient intake of the Hungarian population

The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey is the fourth in the row of the Hungarian national dietary surveys conducted by the Institute for Food and Nutrition Science. Aims: The present study was performed to provide valid, up-to-date data on energy and nutrient intakes and dietary habits of the Hungarian adult population. Methods: The energy and nutrient intakes were calculated on validated three-day dietary records of a representative sample by age and gender of the Hungarian population aged ≥18 ys. Results: The energy percentage of fat was too high (39 E% for men and 36 E% for women), that of carbohydrate was too low (45 E% for men and 48 E% for women), whereas that of protein met the recommendation (15 E% for men and 15 E% for women). Conclusions: Reduction of the nutritional risk factors would greatly reduce the mortality and morbidity rates of nutrition-related diseases. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1057–1067.