Ultra-processed foods and the limits of product reformulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyorgy Scrinis ◽  
Carlos Augusto Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Important Means ◽  
Processed Products

AbstractThe nutritional reformulation of processed food and beverage products has been promoted as an important means of addressing the nutritional imbalances in contemporary dietary patterns. The focus of most reformulation policies is the reduction in quantities of nutrients-to-limit – Na, free sugars, SFA,trans-fatty acids and total energy. The present commentary examines the limitations of what we refer to as ‘nutrients-to-limit reformulation’ policies and practices, particularly when applied to ultra-processed foods and drink products. Beyond these nutrients-to-limit, there are a range of other potentially harmful processed and industrially produced ingredients used in the production of ultra-processed products that are not usually removed during reformulation. The sources of nutrients-to-limit in these products may be replaced with other highly processed ingredients and additives, rather than with whole or minimally processed foods. Reformulation policies may also legitimise current levels of consumption of ultra-processed products in high-income countries and increased levels of consumption in emerging markets in the global South.

scholarly journals Ultra-processed food purchases in Norway: a quantitative study on a representative sample of food retailers

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 1990-2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siri Løvsjø Solberg ◽  
Laura Terragni ◽  
Sabrina Ionata Granheim
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Food Purchases ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Food Sales

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the use of ultra-processed foods – vectors of salt, sugar and fats – in the Norwegian diet through an assessment of food sales.DesignSales data from a representative sample of food retailers in Norway, collected in September 2005 (n150) and September 2013 (n170), were analysed. Data consisted of barcode scans of individual food item purchases, reporting type of food, price, geographical region and retail concept. Foods were categorized as minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed products and ultra-processed. Indicators were share of purchases and share of expenditure on food categories.SettingSix geographical regions in Norway.SubjectsThe barcode data included 296 121 observations in 2005 and 501 938 observations in 2013.ResultsUltra-processed products represented 58·8 % of purchases and 48·8 % of expenditure in 2013. Minimally processed foods accounted for 17·2 % of purchases and 33·0 % of expenditure. Every third purchase was a sweet ultra-processed product. Food sales changed marginally in favour of minimally processed foods and in disfavour of processed products between 2005 and 2013 (χ2(3)=203 195,P<0·001, Cramer’sV=0·017,P<0·001).ConclusionsUltra-processed products accounted for the majority of food sales in Norway, indicating a high consumption of such products. This could be contributing to rising rates of overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases in the country, as findings from other countries indicate. Policy measures should aim at decreasing consumption of ultra-processed products and facilitating access (including economic) to minimally processed foods.

scholarly journals Degree of processing and nutritional value of children’s food products

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Célia Regina Barbosa de Araújo ◽  
Karla Danielly da S Ribeiro ◽  
Amanda Freitas de Oliveira ◽  
Inês Lança de Morais ◽  
João Breda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Processed Products

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to characterise the availability, the nutritional composition and the processing degree of industrial foods for 0–36-month-old children according to the neighbourhoods affluence. Design: A cross-sectional exploratory study. Setting: All food products available in retail stores for children aged 0–36 months were analysed. Data collection took place in two neighbourhoods, comparing two different sociodemographic districts (high v. low per capita income), Campanhã and Foz do Douro in Porto, Portugal. Participants: A total of 431 commercially processed food products for children aged 0–36 months which are sold in 23 retail stores were identified. Food products were classified according to their processing degree using the NOVA Food Classification System. Results: For NOVA analysis, of the 244 food products that were included 82 (33·6 %) were minimally processed, 25 (10·2 %) processed and 137 (56·1 %) ultra processed. No food product was classified as a culinary ingredient. The products included mostly cereals, yogurts, prevailed in high-income neighbourhoods for the 0–6-month-old group. It was observed that some categories of ultra-processed food (UPF) presented higher amounts of energy, sugars, saturated fat and salt than unprocessed/minimally processed products. Conclusions: The high availability of UPF offered for 0–36-month-old children should be considered when designing interventions to promote a healthy diet in infancy.

scholarly journals Trends in Ultra-Processed Food Purchases from 1984 to 2016 in Mexican Households

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Marrón-Ponce ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Mauricio Hernández-F ◽  
Carolina Batis
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
National Income ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Purchases ◽  
Daily Energy ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Daily Record ◽  
Record Instrument

Global trade agreements have shaped the food system in ways that alter the availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability of ready-to-eat foods. We assessed the time trends of ultra-processed foods purchases in Mexican households from 1984 to 2016. Cross-sectional data from 15 rounds of the National Income and Expenditure Survey (1984, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016) were analyzed. Food and beverage purchases collected in a daily record instrument (over seven days) were classified according to their degree of processing according to the NOVA food framework: (1) Unprocessed or minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods; and (4) ultra-processed foods. From 1984 to 2016, the total daily energy purchased decreased from 2428.8 to 1875.4 kcal/Adult Equivalent/day, there was a decrease of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (from 69.8% to 61.4% kcal) and processed culinary ingredients (from 14.0% to 9.0% kcal), and an increase of processed foods (from 5.7% to 6.5% kcal) and ultra-processed foods (from 10.5% to 23.1% kcal). Given that ultra-processed foods purchases have doubled in the last three decades and unprocessed or minimally processed foods purchased have gradually declined, future strategies should promote the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, and discourage ultra-processed foods availability and accessibility in Mexico.

scholarly journals Identification of foods to monitor the sodium content of processed foods for developing a sodium reduction program in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sofia Amarra ◽  
Mario Capanzana ◽  
Glen Gironella ◽  
Francisco de los Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Income Quintile ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Per Capita

Abstract Background In response to the global target for reduction in salt intake, several countries have implemented population sodium reduction strategies. These strategies include identification of major sources of sodium in the diet and reformulation of a set number of products available on the market. This study aimed to identify processed foods that can be targeted for reformulation and whose sodium content can be monitored over time in order to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines. The objectives were to: 1) Estimate per capita sodium intake from minimally processed and processed food groups by income quintile and urban/rural location; 2) Identify foods that contribute to the variance in per capita sodium intake that can be used as indicators for monitoring the sodium content of Philippine processed foods. One-day household food weighing data covering 4880 households from the 2008 National Nutrition Survey was used. Per capita sodium consumption from processed and minimally processed food categories and percentiles of sodium intake from these categories by income quintile and urban/rural location were obtained. The percentage contribution of different food categories to mean per capita sodium intake was calculated. Specific foods that contributed to the variance in sodium intake among Filipinos were identified. Results Foods which significantly accounted for 99.4% of the variance in sodium intake were 13 types of processed foods and 2 types of minimally processed foods. The category Processed Soup, Sauces, and Flavor Enhancers contributed the greatest proportion to per capita sodium intake. Specific processed foods that contributed to the variance in per capita sodium intake were instant noodles, traditional fermented condiments and sauces, dried and processed meat, fish, and poultry products, salted eggs, white bread and pan de sal (a traditional Filipino bread), wheat and egg noodles, crispy cereal chips and extruded snacks, butter and margarine, cheese, and chocolate-based beverages. Conclusion Identifying processed foods that significantly contribute to sodium intake, followed by reformulating and monitoring the sodium content of these foods over time should be considered as one strategy to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines.

scholarly journals POTENSI BERBISNIS DONAT CHARCOAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-90
Author(s):  
Natasha Christiani ◽  
Rakhdiny Sustaningrum
Keyword(s):  
Active Substance ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Working Capital ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Business Opportunities ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Processed Products

Charcoal is an active substance that is beneficial for health, now a trend is starting to be used as a mixture of processed food that adds aesthetics. Donuts are one of the processed products that are researched and have the opportunity to become a business among other products since the growth in business opportunities in The food and beverage sub-sector contributed more than one third of the GDP of the non-oil and gas manufacturing sector in the first Quarter of 2018, amounting to 35.39%, is the biggest contributor compared to other sectors. The charcoal donut has men and women between range 15 - 45 years, consumers who like sweet snacks, have a healthy lifestyle, and live in the Jabodetabek area become a potential targeted market. As counted, financial  projection with total initial funding requirements and required working capital are Rp. 58,107,500 in total and projected profit in 2020 is estimated Rp. 21,646,000 and increased to Rp. 445,330,500 in 2024.

scholarly journals Consumption of ultra-processed foods and likely impact on human health. Evidence from Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2240-2248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Claude Moubarac ◽  
Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins ◽  
Rafael Moreira Claro ◽  
Renata Bertazzi Levy ◽  
Geoffrey Cannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Research ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Group 1

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate consumption of ultra-processed products in Canada and to assess their association with dietary quality.DesignApplication of a classification of foodstuffs based on the nature, extent and purpose of food processing to data from a national household food budget survey. Foods are classified as unprocessed/minimally processed foods (Group 1), processed culinary ingredients (Group 2) or ultra-processed products (Group 3).SettingAll provinces and territories of Canada, 2001.SubjectsHouseholds (n 5643).ResultsFood purchases provided a mean per capita energy availability of 8908 (se 81) kJ/d (2129 (se 19) kcal/d). Over 61·7 % of dietary energy came from ultra-processed products (Group 3), 25·6 % from Group 1 and 12·7 % from Group 2. The overall diet exceeded WHO upper limits for fat, saturated fat, free sugars and Na density, with less fibre than recommended. It also exceeded the average energy density target of the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. Group 3 products taken together are more fatty, sugary, salty and energy-dense than a combination of Group 1 and Group 2 items. Only the 20 % lowest consumers of ultra-processed products (who consumed 33·2 % of energy from these products) were anywhere near reaching all nutrient goals for the prevention of obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases.ConclusionsThe 2001 Canadian diet was dominated by ultra-processed products. As a group, these products are unhealthy. The present analysis indicates that any substantial improvement of the diet would involve much lower consumption of ultra-processed products and much higher consumption of meals and dishes prepared from minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients.

scholarly journals Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional dietary profile in Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽  
Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins ◽  
Daniela Silva Canella ◽  
Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽  
Renata Bertazzi Levy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Profile ◽  
Fiber Protein ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on the nutritional dietary profile in Brazil.METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted with data from the module on individual food consumption from the 2008-2009 Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF – Brazilian Family Budgets Survey). The sample, which represented the section of the Brazilian population aged 10 years or over, involved 32,898 individuals. Food consumption was evaluated by two 24-hour food records. The consumed food items were classified into three groups: natural or minimally processed, including culinary preparations with these foods used as a base; processed; and ultra-processed.RESULTS The average daily energy consumption per capita was 1,866 kcal, with 69.5% being provided by natural or minimally processed foods, 9.0% by processed foods and 21.5% by ultra-processed food. The nutritional profile of the fraction of ultra-processed food consumption showed higher energy density, higher overall fat content, higher saturated and trans fat, higher levels of free sugar and less fiber, protein, sodium and potassium, when compared to the fraction of consumption related to natural or minimally processed foods. Ultra-processed foods presented generally unfavorable characteristics when compared to processed foods. Greater inclusion of ultra-processed foods in the diet resulted in a general deterioration in the dietary nutritional profile. The indicators of the nutritional dietary profile of Brazilians who consumed less ultra-processed foods, with the exception of sodium, are the stratum of the population closer to international recommendations for a healthy diet.CONCLUSIONS The results from this study highlight the damage to health that is arising based on the observed trend in Brazil of replacing traditional meals, based on natural or minimally processed foods, with ultra-processed foods. These results also support the recommendation of avoiding the consumption of these kinds of foods.

scholarly journals Influence of ultra-processed foods on prevalence of inadequacy in Portuguese adults and elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Costa de Miranda ◽  
F Rauber ◽  
M Moraes ◽  
S Rodrigues ◽  
R Bertazzi Levy
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
World Health ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Energy Contribution ◽  
Daily Energy Intake ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
Daily Energy

Abstract Background Ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption has been widely associated with low diet quality. We aim to investigate its energy contribution and influence on prevalence of nutrient inadequacy in Portugal. Methods Cross-sectional representative study involving 3102 adults and 750 elderly enrolled in the 2015-2016 National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed by two non-consecutive 24h recalls. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system. Total energy intake and energy contribution provided by UPF group were determined. Inadequate intake was evaluated across quintiles (Q) of UPF consumption by adjusted Poisson regressions. We adjusted the usual intake estimate by Multiple Source Method and considered the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Results UPF contributed with 24% and 16% of daily energy intake in adults (1904 kcal/day) and elderly (1603 kcal/day), respectively. In both age groups, practically all individuals had inadequate intake of sodium, while about a half or more of population had inadequate intake of fibre and potassium. As the dietary share of UPF increased, the prevalence of inadequacy of free sugars (PR = 1.53 for adults and 1.56 for elderly) and saturated fat (PR = 1.18 and 1.15, respectively) increased significantly. In adults, this same trend was also seen for fibre (PR = 1.03) and potassium (PR = 1.12). Particularly relevant was the increase in prevalence of inadequacy of free sugar from 10.5% (Q1) to 67.6% (Q5) in adults and 5.8% (Q1) to 41.8% (Q5) in elderly. Prevalence of inadequacy of saturated fat raised from 27.3% (Q1) to 68.9% (Q5) in adults and 29.4% (Q1) to 46.8% (Q5) in elderly. Conclusions Effective strategies are needed to reduce UPF consumption among Portuguese adults and elderly in order to prevent them from diet-related non-communicable diseases. Funding FAPESP 2018/07391-9, 2019/05972-7 (MCR), 2016/14302-7 (FR); POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032090. Key messages Ultra-processed food contributes with 24% and 16% of daily energy intake in Portuguese adults and elderly. As the ultra-processed food consumption increases, the prevalence of inadequacy of free sugars and saturated fat increases for both, while inadequacy of fiber and potassium also increases for adults.

scholarly journals Identification of Foods To Monitor The Sodium Content of Processed Foods for Developing a Sodium Reduction Program in The Philippines

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sofia Amarra ◽  
Mario Capanzana ◽  
Glen Gironella ◽  
Francisco de los Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Income Quintile ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Per Capita

Abstract Background In response to the global target for reduction in salt intake, several countries have implemented population sodium reduction strategies. These strategies include identification of major sources of sodium in the diet and reformulation of a set number of products available on the market. This study aimed to identify processed foods that can be targeted for reformulation and whose sodium content can be monitored over time in order to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines. The objectives were to: 1) Estimate per capita sodium intake from minimally processed and processed food groups by income quintile and urban/rural location; 2) Identify foods that contribute to the variance in per capita sodium intake that can be used as indicators for monitoring the sodium content of Philippine processed foods. One-day household food weighing data covering 4880 households from the 2008 National Nutrition Survey was used. Per capita sodium consumption from processed and minimally processed food categories and percentiles of sodium intake from these categories by income quintile and urban/rural location were obtained. The percentage contribution of different food categories to mean per capita sodium intake was calculated. Specific foods that contributed to the variance in sodium intake among Filipinos were identified. Results Foods which significantly accounted for 99.4% of the variance in sodium intake were 13 types of processed foods and 2 types of minimally processed foods. The category Processed Soup, Sauces, and Flavor Enhancers contributed the greatest proportion to per capita sodium intake. Specific processed foods that contributed to the variance in per capita sodium intake were instant noodles, traditional fermented condiments and sauces, dried and processed meat, fish, and poultry products, salted eggs, white bread and pan de sal (a traditional Filipino bread), wheat and egg noodles, crispy cereal chips and extruded snacks, butter and margarine, cheese, and chocolate-based beverages. Conclusion Identifying processed foods that significantly contribute to sodium intake, followed by reformulating and monitoring the sodium content of these foods over time should be considered as one strategy to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines.

scholarly journals The Calorie and Nutrient Density of More- Versus Less-Processed Packaged Food and Beverage Products in the Canadian Food Supply

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Paige Veira ◽  
Jodi T. Bernstein ◽  
Madyson Weippert ◽  
Mary R. L’Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
The University

The association between the degree of processing and healthfulness of foods remains unclear. Most evidence of this relationship is based on dietary intake surveys rather than individual products and varies depending on the food processing classification system used. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of more- versus less-processed packaged foods and beverages in Canada, using a large, branded food database and two processing classification systems. Nutritional information for products (n = 17,269) was sourced from the University of Toronto FLIP 2017 database. Products were categorized using the NOVA and Poti et al. processing classification systems. Calories, sodium, saturated fat, total and free sugars, fibre and protein per 100 g (or mL) were examined by processing category using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Overall, the most-processed products under both systems were more likely to be lower in protein, and higher in total and free sugars, compared with less-processed foods (p < 0.05); the direction and strength of the association between other nutrients/components and level of processing were less consistent. These findings demonstrate that calorie- and nutrient-dense foods exist across different levels of processing, suggesting that food choices and dietary recommendations should be based primarily on energy or nutrient density rather than processing classification.

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