Consumer perceptions of trans fats in 2009 show awareness of negative effects but limited concern regarding use in snack foods

The purpose of this study was to determine consumers’ perceptions of industrially produced trans fats. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Regina at 3 different grocery store chains located in 3 different regions. A 21-item survey was administered in English by 3 research assistants at the grocery stores over a 5-day period. Of 498 potential respondents who were approached, 211 completed the survey, for a 42% response rate. The majority of respondents were female and over 61 years of age. When respondents were asked if they looked for information on food packages while grocery shopping, none of the respondents indicated that they looked for trans fat on the food label. Ninety-six percent of respondents identified that trans fat is found in processed foods, whereas 42% of respondents incorrectly identified trans fat as being found in nonhydrogenated margarines. More female respondents self-reported that they had made dietary changes to decrease trans fat intake as compared with male respondents (p < 0.05). Those participants who made dietary changes to decrease trans fat intake had higher mean knowledge scores than did those who did not make changes (p < 0.043). Sixty-three percent of respondents indicated that they would not make dietary changes to their snack food selections even if their selections contained trans fat. Consumers know a little about trans fats and consider them to be a concern. However, consumers are reluctant to make dietary changes to limit these fats in their snack food selections.

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Trans Fat Information on Food Labels: Consumer Use and Interpretation

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/71.1.2010.6 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

pp. 6-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sonya Ellis ◽

N. Theresa Glanville

Keyword(s):

Geographical Location ◽

Further Education ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Grocery Shopping ◽

Fat Intake ◽

Food Labels ◽

Trans Fat ◽

Food Label ◽

Nutrition Facts Panel ◽

The Relationship

Purpose: Consumers’ use and interpretation of trans fat information on food labels were explored. Methods: Consumers completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in one of three grocery stores selected purposively to represent geographical location. Data analysis involved examining the relationship of age, gender, grocery shopping habits, household size, and source of nutrition information with awareness, use, and interpretation of trans fat information. Results: Ninety-eight percent (n=239) of participants were aware of trans fat, and most knew of the relationship between trans fat intake and cardiovascular disease. Although the majority of shoppers were aware of the “0 trans fat” nutrition claim on food packages (95%), they were more likely to use the Nutrition Facts panel (60%) to reduce trans fat intake. Men and consumers under age 40 were least likely to be aware of food label information. While most consumers (75%) correctly interpreted the “0 trans fat” nutrition claim and thought foods with this claim could be healthy choices (64%), only 51% purchased these foods to reduce trans fat intake. Conclusions: Nutrition professionals should target messages to reduce trans fat intake at men and consumers under age 40. While general knowledge was good, further education is required to help consumers interpret trans fat information.

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Reporting of trans-fat on labels of Brazilian food products

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000050 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 2146-2153 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Bruna Maria Silveira ◽

David Alejandro Gonzalez-Chica ◽

Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença

Keyword(s):

Food Products ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fat Content ◽

Fat Intake ◽

Food Labels ◽

Trans Fat ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Brazilian Legislation ◽

Vegetable Fat

AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigated how trans-fat is reported on the packaging of foods sold in a Brazilian supermarket.DesignThe present descriptive, cross-sectional study analysed the ingredient list, nutrition facts label and claims of no trans-fat on the packaging.SettingA large supermarket in Florianópolis, Brazil.SubjectsAll food products available at the supermarket.ResultsOf the 2327 study products, more than half had components containing trans-fat in the ingredient list, especially hydrogenated vegetable fat and its alternative names. A small percentage of food products reported some trans-fat content on the nutrition facts label and roughly a quarter of the food products claimed to contain no trans-fat on the front of the packaging. There was very low agreement among the trans-fat content reported in the nutrition facts label, claims of no trans-fat made on the packaging and the ingredient list.ConclusionsThere was low agreement among the different ways of reporting trans-fat, suggesting that it is not possible to rely on the nutrition facts label or no trans-fat claims printed on the packaging of Brazilian food products. Hence, the Brazilian legislation on food labels needs to change to improve the reliability of food labels and to help control the trans-fat intake of the population.

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Highlights on the Labels of Packaged Foods Sold in Jordanian Market from A Cross-Sectional Study

Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal ◽

10.12944/crnfsj.9.3.05 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 770-782

Author(s):

Narmeen J. Al-Awwad ◽

Hiba F. Al-Sayyed ◽

Hamzah Safi ◽

Salma M. Al-Bosta ◽

Summer Al-Zawawi

Keyword(s):

Drug Administration ◽

Food And Drug Administration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Food Labels ◽

Trans Fat ◽

Food Label ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Added Sugars ◽

Packaged Foods

Jordan has adapted a strategy to prevent chronic diseases. Accordingly, Ministry of Health is looking for controlling food labeling particularly food fat, trans-fat, and caloric content. This study aimed to screen the food label of products that are sold in Jordanian market in terms of serving size, energy, macronutrient, fiber, total and added sugars, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and micronutrient contents. A cross-sectional study was performed to screen the food label for the food products based on the standards of The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations of 2016 and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). Generally, food labels were not clear. The screened products were compliant with JFDA standards and not in compliance with some FDA standards. In addition, many products were found to be sources of added sugars, Na, and saturated fats. Stakeholders and legislators are called to focus on developing new laws, regulations, and polices for developing food label. Food manufacturers are needed to work hardly on developing informative, clear, easy-to-understand, and attractive food labels. The legislators of food label policies are called to look for ways to indicate the presence of high amounts of dietary risk factors such as sugars, added sugars, Na, saturated, and trans fats in packaged foods.

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Trans Fat Labeling Information on Brazilian Packaged Foods

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11092130 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2130 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Camila Zancheta Ricardo ◽

Isabela Mateus Peroseni ◽

Laís Amaral Mais ◽

Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins ◽

Ana Clara Duran

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Trans Fat ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Trans Fats ◽

Food And Beverages ◽

Fat Consumption ◽

Hydrogenated Fats ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Nutrition Facts Panel

Although the adverse effects of trans fat consumption are well documented, industrially-produced trans fats are still used in a variety of food products. Our objective was to investigate the presence of trans fat information on the nutrition facts panel, in the list of ingredients, and the use of trans fat claims in packaged food and beverages marketed in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study that used data from packaged food and beverages available in the five supermarket chains with the largest market share in Brazil. Of the 11,434 products that were analyzed, 81.3% did not present a source of trans fats in the list of ingredients. The percentages of products with specific (hydrogenated fats or oils) and unspecific trans fat terms (margarine, vegetable fat, and vegetable cream) in the list of ingredients were 4.1% and 14.6%, respectively. Bakery products, cookies and crackers, candies and desserts, snacks, and convenience foods had the highest percentages of trans fat claims. We also found claims in products with ingredients that are sources of trans fats. In conclusion, trans fat ingredients were found in almost one-fifth of the Brazilian packaged foods. The current Brazilian legislation is not sufficient to inform consumers about the content of trans fats in packaged foods. Along with measures to restrict the use of industrially-produced trans fats, improvements in nutritional labeling are also needed.

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Food Waste and Its Association with Diet Quality of Foods Purchased in South Florida

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082535 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2535

Author(s):

Vanessa Mijares ◽

Jair Alcivar ◽

Cristina Palacios

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

South Florida ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Grocery Purchase

The objective of this study was to explore the associations between food waste and the diet quality of foods purchased and with grocery purchasing behaviors. This was a cross-sectional study among 109 primary household food providers conducting primary shopping. Participants were recruited outside of local grocery stores and were asked to complete a survey assessing amounts of avoidable food waste and grocery purchasing behaviors. The diet quality of the foods purchased was assessed from grocery receipts using the Grocery Purchase Quality Index-2016 (GPQI-2016). Variables were associated using linear regression, analysis of covariance, and point biserial correlations. We found that fresh fruits (63%) and leafy greens (70%) were the foods that were the most wasted. The GPQI-2016 total score was significantly inversely associated with the total amount of food wasted (β = −0.63; 95% CI: −1.14,−0.12) after adjusting for important confounders. The reason “food past the date printed on the package” was directly correlated with food wasted (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) but inversely correlated with GPQI-2016 score (r = −0.21; p = 0.04). Food wasted, but not the GPQI-2016 score, was significantly higher among those who grocery shop 2–4 times per week compared to 1 time every 1–2 weeks (p = 0.02). In conclusion, food waste is inversely associated with diet quality and directly associated with grocery purchasing frequency.

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THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FAT INTAKE AND PLASMA SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ACTIVITY WITH TELOMERE LENGTH OF MINANGKABAU ETHNICITY MEN, IN WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2019.v12i2.29594 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 305-309

Author(s):

AFRIWARDI AFRIWARDI ◽

DELMI SULASTRI ◽

YUNIAR LESTARI ◽

DESMAWATI DESMAWATI ◽

PRIMA MINERVA

Keyword(s):

Superoxide Dismutase ◽

Enzyme Activity ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fat Intake ◽

Sod Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Total Fat

Objective: The purpose of this research is to investigate the correlation between fat intake and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity with telomere length of Minangkabau ethnic men in West Sumatera, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Padang City in 2016, using a sample of 107 Minangkabau ethnic men, aged between 40 and 50 years. The total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake were collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and blood sample analysis to measure telomere length and plasma SOD activity. Results: This research indicated that an average telomere length was 584.59±305.92 bp, fat intake consists of total fat was 27.01±6.68% calorie, SFA was 24,7510.07% calorie, MUFA was 10.24±5.41% calorie, and PUFA was 7.35±3.54% calorie. Average of plasma SOD activity was 5.85±3.41 u/mL. There were no correlations between fat intake (total fat, SFA, MUFA, and PUFA) with telomere length (p>0.05), but there was a significant positive correlation between plasma SOD enzyme activity with telomere length (r=−0.202, p=0.037). Conclusion: Fat intake within normal limits does not correlate with telomere length, and plasma SOD activity is a risk factor for telomere shortening in ethnic Minangkabau men.

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Association Between Diet Quality and Food Waste in South Florida

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa042_008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 143-143

Author(s):

Vanessa Mijares ◽

Jair Alcivar ◽

Cristina Palacios

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Quality Score ◽

South Florida ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Florida International University

Abstract Objectives In 2015, the USDA/EPA set a goal of reducing food waste in 50% by 2030. This goal will not only lower U.S. methane gas emissions but also redirect food to millions of food insecure Americans. Little is known on food waste and its association with diet quality. Therefore, our objective was to explore the associations between diet quality and food waste. Methods This was a cross sectional study among adults ³18 years in south Florida who are the primary household food provider conducting a primary shopping event for the week. Participants were recruited outside of local grocery stores and asked to fill out a quick food waste survey. Pictures of the participants’ grocery receipts were taken to analyze diet quality using the Grocery Purchase Quality Index 2016 (GPQI-2016). The GPQI-2016 is based on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)– 2010 and has 11 different components (each with a maximum score of 5 or 10) for a total score of 75. Correlations were used to determine the associations between diet quality and amount of food waste (Pearson) or reasons for food waste (Point-biserial). Results A total of 109 participants were recruited but 103 had complete data. Mean age was 44.6 ± 13.6 years, most were females (74%) and Hispanics (79%). Most usually grocery shop in a main event and then go back for smaller items (44%) once (36%) or twice (28%) a week. Mean diet quality score was 40.9 ± 9.64 out of 75 points and mean amount of food waste was 17.7 ± 19.9 handfuls. Most reported throwing away food mainly because it went bad (90%) or it was past it's due date (80%). Handfuls of bread/rice waste were significantly inversely correlated with diet quality (r = −2.60; p = 0.013). Also, we found a significant inverse correlation between diet quality and food thrown away because it had gone past it's use by date (r = −.196; p = 0.049). Conclusions A lower diet quality score was related to higher amount of bread/rice wasted and with throwing away foods that has past it's use date. These results could justify directing reducing food waste efforts in the community by educating individuals on purchasing frozen products or on proper storage to prolong shelf life, as well as on understanding the different dates placed on products by manufacturers. Funding Sources Internal funds from Florida International University.

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FREE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE RECIPIENTS MAY HAVE BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE BUT STILL LACK IN IMPROVING HEALTH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.624 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S175-S176

Author(s):

Machiko R Tomita

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Grocery Stores ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Transportation Services ◽

Transportation Service ◽

And Function

Abstract This study aimed to determine if service recipients (SRs) of free transportation services experience better quality of life, health, and function compared to pre-service recipients (PSRs). We conducted a cross-sectional study using personal interviews with 43 PSRs and 30 SRs belonged to a volunteer organization. Outcome measures were Older People’s Quality of Life (QoL), Center for Epidemiology Study-Depression, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Total sample (N=73) had a mean age of 78.5 years and mostly female (86.3%). The majority of PSRs wanted to go to Drs’ offices (74.4%) and Grocery stores (60.5%), followed by Drug stores (44.2%), when the service becomes available. The figures were substantially smaller among SR (40.0%, 30%, and 13.3%, respectively). In PSRs, 67.4% expected to improve health once they start receiving the service, and 70. 0% of SRs said it did with the service. Using independent t-tests, SRs were significantly better in depression (p<.001), IADL (p=0.29) and most QoL items (life overall, social relationship, home and neighborhood, psychological and emotional well-being and leisure and activities; p=.047-p=.001), except for perceived health and finance. SRs (100%) were very satisfied with the service and drivers, but 80% of SRs said they wished to use more driving services than the allowable four times per month maximum. This limitation was due to the insufficient number of volunteers compared to a large number of people in need. Availability of more volunteer drivers will likely improve SRs health. Effective approaches to increase the number of driving volunteers are necessary.

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