scholarly journals A nutrient profiling assessment of packaged foods using two star-based front-of-pack labels

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2165-2174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M Carrad ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie ◽  
Heather R Yeatman ◽  
Elizabeth K Dunford ◽  
Bruce C Neal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Edible Oils ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Star System ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Nutrient Profiling ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Food And Drink

AbstractObjectiveTo compare two front-of-pack nutrition labelling systems for the assessment of packaged foods and drinks with Australian Dietary Guidelines.DesignA cross-sectional nutrient profiling assessment. Food and drink products (n 20 225) were categorised into scoring levels using criteria for the Institute of Medicine (IOM) three-star system and the five-star Australian Health Star Rating (HSR). The effectiveness of these systems to categorise foods in accordance with Australian Dietary Guidelines was explored.SettingThe study was conducted in Australia, using a comprehensive food database.SubjectsPackaged food and drink products (n 20 225) available in Australia.ResultsUsing the IOM three-star system, the majority (55 %) of products scored the minimum 0 points and 25·5 % scored the maximum 3 points. Using HSR criteria, the greatest proportion of products (15·2 %) scored three-and-a-half stars from a possible five and 12·5 % received the lowest rating of a half-star. Very few products (4·1 %) scored five stars. Products considered core foods and drinks in Australian Dietary Guidelines received higher scores than discretionary foods in all food categories for both labelling systems (all P<0·05; Mann–Whitney U test), with the exception of fish products using IOM three-star criteria (P=0·603). The largest discrepancies in median score between the two systems were for the food categories edible oils, convenience foods and dairy.ConclusionsBoth the IOM three-star and Australian HSR front-of-pack labelling systems rated packaged foods and drinks broadly in line with Australian Dietary Guidelines by assigning core foods higher ratings and discretionary foods lower ratings.

scholarly journals Nutrition Profile of Products with Cartoon Animations on the Packaging: A UK Cross-Sectional Survey of Foods and Drinks

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Sonia Pombo-Rodrigues ◽  
Kawther M. Hashem ◽  
Monique Tan ◽  
Zoe Davies ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Nutrient Profiling ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Quality Of Products ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Cartoon Characters

Background: Marketing, including the use of cartoon animations on packaging, has been shown to influence the food children choose to eat. This paper aims to determine the nutritional quality of UK food and drink products featuring child-friendly characters on pack. Methods: A comprehensive cross-sectional survey of food and drink with packaging appealing to children available in the UK. Products were classified high in fat, salt and/or sugar (HFSS) according to the UK nutrient profiling model and guidance for front of pack nutrition labelling. Logistic regression was used to determine whether there was a significant relationship between nutritional quality of products, and animation type. Results: Over half (51%) of 532 products with animations on packaging were classified as HFSS. Food products featuring unlicensed characters were significantly more likely to be deemed HFSS than those with licensed characters, according to both the nutrient profiling model (odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.4) and front of pack nutrition labelling system (OR 2.3, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.4 to 3.7). Conclusions: The use of cartoon characters on HFSS products is widespread. Policies to restrict the use of such marketing tactics should be considered to prevent children being targeted with unhealthy foods and drinks.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Alignment between the Health Claims Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) and the Health Star Rating (HSR) Nutrient Profiling Models

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Dunford ◽  
Liping Huang ◽  
Sanne Peters ◽  
Michelle Crino ◽  
Bruce Neal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Edible Oils ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Health Claim ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Nutrient Profiling ◽  
Scoring Algorithms

In Australia, manufacturers can use two government-endorsed approaches to advertise product healthiness: the Health Star Rating (HSR) front-of-pack nutrition labelling system, and health claims. Related, but different, algorithms determine the star rating of a product (the HSR algorithm) and eligibility to display claims (the Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) algorithm). The objective of this study was to examine the agreement between the HSR and NPSC algorithms. Food composition information for 41,297 packaged products was extracted from The George Institute’s FoodSwitch database. HSR and the NPSC scores were calculated, and the proportion of products in each HSR category that were eligible to display a health claim under the NPSC was examined. The highest agreement between the HSR scoring algorithm and the NPSC threshold to determine eligibility to display a health claim was at the HSR cut-off of 3.5 stars (k = 0.83). Overall, 97.3% (n = 40,167) of products with star ratings of 3.5 or higher were also eligible to display a health claim, and 94.3% (n = 38,939) of products with star ratings less than 3.5 were ineligible to display a health claim. The food group with greatest divergence was “edible oils”, with 45% products (n = 342) with HSR >3.5, but 64% (n = 495) eligible to display a claim. Categories with large absolute numbers of products with HSR <3.5, but eligible to display a claim, were “yoghurts and yoghurt drinks” (335 products, 25.4%) and “soft drinks” (299 products, 29.7%). Categories with a large number of products with HSR ≥3.5, but ineligible to display a claim, were “milk” (260 products, 21.2%) and “nuts and seeds” (173 products, 19.7%). We conclude that there is good agreement between the HSR and the NPSC systems overall, but divergence in some food groups is likely to result in confusion for consumers, particularly where foods with low HSRs are eligible to display a health claim. The alignment of the NPSC and HSR scoring algorithms should be improved.

scholarly journals Dietary intake in pregnant women in a Spanish Mediterranean area: as good as it is supposed to be?

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1379-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara L Rodríguez-Bernal ◽  
Rosa Ramón ◽  
Joan Quiles ◽  
Mario Murcia ◽  
Eva M Navarrete-Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Fat

AbstractObjectiveTo assess food and nutrient intakes and compliance with nutritional recommendations in pregnant women according to selected sociodemographic characteristics.DesignCross-sectional study based on data from the INMA-Valencia cohort (Spain), which recruited pregnant women between 2004 and 2005. Information on maternal sociodemographics and anthropometry was collected. Dietary intake was assessed through an FFQ. Intakes of foods were compared with Spanish food-based dietary guidelines. Intake inadequacy for nutrients was assessed using the Dietary Reference Intakes of the US Institute of Medicine.SettingValencia, Spain.SubjectsWe studied 822 pregnant women who had information on dietary intake during their first trimester of pregnancy.ResultsMore than 50 % of pregnant women did not meet the guidelines for cereals and legumes; reported intakes of carbohydrates, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were below recommendations and exceeded the total fat intake according to dietary references. Dietary inadequacy for folate, Fe and vitamin E ranged from 99 % to 68 %. Vegetable intake was related to age only. Younger and less educated women showed lower intakes of protein and n-3 fatty acids and higher intakes of trans-fatty acids as well as greater inadequacy for micronutrients. Spanish women reported lower intakes of fruit and carbohydrates and higher intakes of protein, total fat, SFA, MUFA and n-3 fatty acids compared with their foreign-born counterparts.ConclusionsWomen in the studied area have inadequate intakes of several nutrients relevant during pregnancy. Age, education and country of origin are factors significantly related to dietary intake and adequacy.

scholarly journals Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy among an Older Spanish Population with Metabolic Syndrome in the PREDIMED-Plus Study: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Cano-Ibáñez ◽  
Alfredo Gea ◽  
Miguel A. Martínez-González ◽  
Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽  
Dolores Corella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Reference Intake ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Varied Diet ◽  
The Impact

Dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of a varied diet to provide an adequate nutrient intake. However, an older age is often associated with consumption of monotonous diets that can be nutritionally inadequate, increasing the risk for the development or progression of diet-related chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). To assess the association between dietary diversity (DD) and nutrient intake adequacy and to identify demographic variables associated with DD, we cross-sectionally analyzed baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus trial: 6587 Spanish adults aged 55–75 years, with overweight/obesity who also had MetS. An energy-adjusted dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated using a 143-item validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient inadequacy was defined as an intake below 2/3 of the dietary reference intake (DRI) forat least four of 17 nutrients proposed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between DDS and the risk of nutritionally inadequate intakes. In the higher DDS quartile there were more women and less current smokers. Compared with subjects in the highest DDS quartile, those in the lowest DDS quartile had a higher risk of inadequate nutrient intake: odds ratio (OR) = 28.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 20.80–39.21). When we estimated food varietyfor each of the food groups, participants in the lowest quartile had a higher risk of inadequate nutrient intake for the groups of vegetables, OR = 14.03 (95% CI 10.55–18.65), fruits OR = 11.62 (95% CI 6.81–19.81), dairy products OR = 6.54 (95% CI 4.64–9.22) and protein foods OR = 6.60 (95% CI 1.96–22.24). As DDS decreased, the risk of inadequate nutrients intake rose. Given the impact of nutrient intake adequacy on the prevention of non-communicable diseases, health policies should focus on the promotion of a healthy varied diet, specifically promoting the intake of vegetables and fruit among population groups with lower DDS such as men, smokers or widow(er)s.

scholarly journals Whole grain intake of Australians estimated from a cross-sectional analysis of dietary intake data from the 2011–13 Australian Health Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2166-2172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne M Galea ◽  
Eleanor J Beck ◽  
Yasmine C Probst ◽  
Chris J Cashman
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Australian Health

AbstractObjectiveThe Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend Australians choose mostly whole-grain and/or high-fibre varieties within the grains (cereal) foods category, with other groups specifying a whole grain Daily Target Intake of 48 g for Australians aged 9 years or above. The USA and UK report estimates of whole grain intake that are low and declining, and no comprehensive studies on whole grain intake in the Australian population are available. The present study aimed to determine national estimates of whole grain intake, compared with current recommendations.DesignA recently updated whole grain database was applied to the most current population dietary intake data. Single 24 h dietary recall intake data were reviewed against age group, sex, relative to energy intake and whole grain recommendations.SettingAustralia.SubjectsAustralians (2–85 years) participating in the 2011–13 Australian Health Survey (n 12 153).ResultsThe median daily whole grain intake was 21 g for adults (19–85 years) and 17 g for children/adolescents (2–18 years), or 28 and 23 g/10 MJ per d, respectively. Approximately 30 % of children/adolescents consumed no whole grains on the day of the survey. Whole grain intake was lowest for the age group 14–18 years (8·7 g/d). Of all participants aged ≥9 years, 73 % did not reach the recommended Daily Target Intake of 48 g.ConclusionsWhole grain intake in Australia is below recommendations in all age groups. Adolescents may be a key target for campaigns to increase whole grain consumption. This study provides the first quantification of absolute whole grain intake from all food sources in a national sample of Australians.

scholarly journals Nutrition and the Use of Supplements in Women During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadar Moran-Lev ◽  
Smadar Bauer ◽  
Adir Farhi ◽  
Haim Nehama ◽  
Anat Yerushalmy-Feler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objective: A healthy diet during pregnancy is essential to ensure optimal fetal growth and development. Women’s awareness of dietary guidelines may assist them in following a healthy diet for themselves and their unborn babies. The Institute of Medicine and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology have published recommendations concerning the nutrition of pregnant/nursing women. The Israeli Ministry of Health has adopted these recommendations in revised guidelines published in 2015. The aim of this study was to describe the dietary habits among pregnant/nursing women in Israel and to assess the correlation between socioeconomic parameters and adherence to those guidelines. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey by interviewing pregnant/lactating women attending family health centers (FHC) in different areas of Tel Aviv, Israel. Results: One-half of the 239 recruited women reported having been informed of the guidelines for dietary changes during and after pregnancy, 30% by a professional source. Women in a lower socioeconomic status (SES) consumed more undercooked (rare) beef, raw fish, and caffeine compared to women in a higher SES (P = 0.03 and P = 0.003, respectively). The former was less compliant with the recommendation for folic acid supplementation (155 [(88.1]) vs 47 [(77]), P = 0.05) and less likely to use other dietary supplements during pregnancy, e.g., multivitamins and omega 3, than the latter (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This survey revealed deficiencies in adherence to the implementation of medical guidelines to nutrition during and after pregnancy, as well as gaps between women of different SESs, mostly in the use of dietary supplements.

Nutrition and packaging characteristics of toddler foods and milks in Australia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Jennifer R McCann ◽  
Georgina C Russell ◽  
Karen J Campbell ◽  
Julie L Woods
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Total Sugar ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Sugars ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Retail Food Environment ◽  
Regulatory Approach ◽  
Sugar Levels

Abstract Objective: To analyse nutritional and packaging characteristics of toddler-specific foods and milks in the Australian retail food environment to identify how such products fit within the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) and the NOVA classification. Design: Cross-sectional retail audit of toddler foods and milks. On-pack product attributes were recorded. Products were categorised as (1) food or milk; (2) snack food or meal and (3) snacks sub-categorised depending on main ingredients. Products were classified as a discretionary or core food as per the ADG and level of processing according to NOVA classification. Setting: Supermarkets and pharmacies in Australia. Results: A total of 154 foods and thirty-two milks were identified. Eighty percentage of foods were snacks, and 60 % of foods were classified as core foods, while 85 % were ultraprocessed (UP). Per 100 g, discretionary foods provided significantly more energy, protein, total and saturated fat, carbohydrate, total sugar and Na (P < 0·001) than core foods. Total sugars were significantly higher (P < 0·001) and Na significantly lower (P < 0·001) in minimally processed foods than in UP foods. All toddler milks (n 32) were found to have higher energy, carbohydrate and total sugar levels than full-fat cow’s milk per 100 ml. Claims and messages were present on 99 % of foods and all milks. Conclusions: The majority of toddler foods available in Australia are UP snack foods and do not align with the ADG. Toddler milks, despite being UP, do align with the ADG. A strengthened regulatory approach may address this issue.

scholarly journals The Use of Non-Nutritive and Low-Calorie Sweeteners in 19,915 Local and Imported Pre-Packaged Foods in Hong Kong

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1861
Author(s):  
Billy Yin Sing O ◽  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Elizabeth K. Dunford ◽  
Jason H.Y. Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Calorie ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Prepackaged Foods

This study aims to examine the use of non-nutritive (NNSs) and low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) in pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong and the differences in the number of NNSs/LCSs used between products from different regions. In a cross-sectional audit, the types of NNSs/LCSs used in 19,915 pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong were examined by searching the ingredients list of the included products for keywords related to 20 common NNSs/LCSs and their respective E-numbers. Prevalence of use of NNSs and LCSs, the co-presence of NNSs/LCSs and free sugar ingredients (FSI), and the number of NNSs/LCSs used in the included foods were computed. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the total number of NNSs and/or LCSs used in food items from different regions. Sucralose (E955) was the most commonly used NNS (1.9%), followed by acesulfame K (E950, 1.6%). Sorbitol was the most commonly used LCS (2.9%). Overall, the use of LCSs was less common compared with NNSs (3.7% vs. 4.5%). The use of different types of NNSs varied substantially between food types. Notably, 20.2% of potato crisps and 15.2% of other crisps or extruded snacks contained at least one NNS and/or LCS. Co-presence of FSIs and NNSs/LCSs were most common in confectionery (15.7%) and snack foods (15.5%). Asian prepackaged foods were more likely to contain NNSs/LCSs (10.1%) compared with those from other regions. To conclude, NNSs/LCSs were used in a wide range of non-diet pre-packaged products which could be a public health concern due to their higher consumption frequencies than “diet” products.

An assessment of the water use associated with Australian diets using a planetary boundary framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1570-1575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley G Ridoutt ◽  
Danielle Baird ◽  
Kim Anastasiou ◽  
Gilly A Hendrie
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Activity Component ◽  
Intervention Point

AbstractObjective:Agriculture accounts for around 70 % of global freshwater withdrawals. As such, the food system has been identified as a critical intervention point to address water scarcity. Various studies have identified dietary patterns that contribute less to water scarcity. However, it is unclear what level of reduction is necessary to be considered sustainable. The pursuit of unnecessarily aggressive reductions could limit dietary diversity. Our objective was to assess the sustainability of water use supporting Australian dietary habits and the adequacy of current dietary guidelines.Design:Dietary intake data were obtained from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity component of the Australian Health Survey. For each individual daily diet, the water scarcity footprint was quantified, following ISO14046:2014, as well as a diet quality score. Water scarcity footprint results were compared with the planetary boundary for freshwater use downscaled to the level of an individual diet.Setting:Australia.Participants:9341 adults participating in the Australian Health Survey.Results:Dietary water scarcity footprints averaged 432·6 L-eq (95 % CI 432·5, 432·8), less than the 695 litres/person per d available to support the current global population of 7·8 billion, and the 603 litres/person per d available for a future population of 9 billion. Diets based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines required 521 L-eq/d, or 379 L-eq/d with lower water scarcity footprint food choices.Conclusions:Diets based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines were found to be within the freshwater planetary boundary. What is needed in Australia is greater compliance with dietary guidelines.

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