Labelling completeness and sodium content of packaged foods in India

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the proportion of products meeting Indian government labelling regulations and to examine the Na levels in packaged foods sold in India.DesignNutritional composition data were collected from the labels of all packaged food products sold at Indian supermarkets in between 2012 and 2014. Proportions of products compliant with the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and labelled with Na content, and mean Na levels were calculated. Comparisons were made against 2010 data from Hyderabad and against the UK Department of Health (DoH) 2017 Na targets.SettingEleven large chain retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad, India.SubjectsPackaged food products (n 5686) categorised into fourteen food groups, thirty-three food categories and ninety sub-categories.ResultsMore packaged food products (43 v. 34 %; P<0·001) were compliant with FSSAI regulations but less (32 v. 38 %; P<0·001) reported Na values compared with 2010. Food groups with the highest Na content were sauces and spreads (2217 mg/100 g) and convenience foods (1344 mg/100 g). Mean Na content in 2014 was higher in four food groups compared with 2010 and lower in none (P<0·05). Only 27 % of foods in sub-categories for which there are UK DoH benchmarks had Na levels below the targets.ConclusionsCompliance with nutrient labelling in India is improving but remains low. Many packaged food products have high levels of Na and there is no evidence that Indian packaged foods are becoming less salty.

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Differences in the sodium content of bread products in the USA and UK: implications for policy

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001700324x ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (03) ◽

pp. 632-636 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Kasey J Coyne ◽

Abigail S Baldridge ◽

Mark D Huffman ◽

Katharine Jenner ◽

Dagan Xavier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Data ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Salt Reduction ◽

Product Categories ◽

Department Of Health ◽

The Us ◽

Reduction Strategies ◽

The Usa ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

The Uk

Abstract Objective Americans consume Na in excess of daily recommendations. Most dietary Na comes from packaged foods, and bread is a major contributor. In the UK, national Na reduction strategies contributed to lower Na levels in packaged foods and lower population Na intake. Similar initiatives are emerging in the USA and require surveillance to assess effectiveness. We aimed to examine Na levels in bread products in the USA and compare levels with similar UK products. Design Na data for bread products were obtained from the US Label Insight Open Data Initiative (n 4466) and the FoodSwitch UK database (n 1651). Mean, median and range of Na content, and proportion of products meeting Na targets established by the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI) and the UK Department of Health (DH) were calculated overall, by bread type and by country. Results Mean (sd) Na content in bread was 455 (170) mg/100 g in the USA and 406 (179) mg/100 g in the UK. In both countries, savoury bread had the highest mean Na (USA=584 mg/100 g, UK=543 mg/100 g) and fruit bread the lowest mean Na (USA=345 mg/100 g, UK=277 mg/100 g). Na content of US bread products was 12 % higher than in the UK, with 21 % of US bread products and 31 % of UK bread products meeting the NSRI and DH targets, respectively. Conclusions US bread products have, on average, 12 % more Na than similar products in the UK. Variation in Na content within product categories, and between countries, suggests the feasibility of manufacturing products with lower Na to lower dietary Na intake.

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Study of Consumer Awareness on Food Labelling and Use of Pack Information for Purchase of Pre-Packaged Food Products

International Journal of Indian Psychology ◽

10.25215/0404.088 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Samit Dutta ◽

Deval Patel

Keyword(s):

Informed Choice ◽

Food Products ◽

Food Labelling ◽

Food Label ◽

Labelling Information ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Prepackaged Foods ◽

And Gender ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Study Participants

Purpose – Liberalization of trade, globalization and development in food science and technology has resulted in an increase in trade and consumption of pre-packaged foods. Reading food labelling information is important to assist in making informed choices of food. This study determined level of awareness on pre-packaged food labelling information among consumers in Anand city of Gujarat, India, their perception on the importance of such information and various factors influencing in reading and using food labels. Design/methodology/approach – A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information from consumers who were found purchasing prepackaged foods in selected modern format retail stores. The obtained data were computed to determine relationships and associations between various factors and the use of food labelling information among consumers in the area of study. Findings – Study revealed that 86.7 per cent of the study participants reported to read labeling information prior purchase of pre-packaged foods. However, only a third of respondents were very much informed about food labelling and computed awareness scores. It was observed that level of education and gender difference had statistically significant association with awareness scores and perception of importance of food labelling. 83.3 per cent of respondents mentioned price of food as the factor for motivating them to read food label before purchase of the food item. Practical implications – Deliberate efforts may be needed to improve food labelling, provide education to consumers to raise their awareness on importance of reading and use of food labelling information to make an informed choice of the food. Originality/value – Determines level of awareness about labelling information among consumers of pre-packaged food products.

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Declaration of nutrition information on and nutritional quality of Thai ready-to-eat packaged food products

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017003792 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (8) ◽

pp. 1409-1417 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Suladda Pongutta ◽

Pitipa Chongwatpol ◽

Parwin Tantayapirak ◽

Stefanie Vandevijvere

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Food Products ◽

Health Claims ◽

Nutrition Information ◽

Nutrient Profile ◽

Profile Model ◽

Health Related ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveThe present study assessed the nutrition information displayed on ready-to-eat packaged foods and the nutritional quality of those food products in Thailand.DesignIn March 2015, the nutrition information panels and nutrition and health claims on ready-to-eat packaged foods were collected from the biggest store of each of the twelve major retailers, using protocols developed by the International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS). The Thai Nutrient Profile Model was used to classify food products according to their nutritional quality as ‘healthier’ or ‘less healthy’.ResultsIn total, information from 7205 food products was collected across five broad food categories. Out of those products, 5707 (79·2 %), 2536 (35·2 %) and 1487 (20·6 %) carried a nutrition facts panel, a Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label and health-related claims, respectively. Only 4691 (65·1 %) and 2484 (34·5 %) of the products that displayed the nutrition facts or a GDA label, respectively, followed the guidelines of the Thai Food and Drug Administration. In total, 4689 products (65·1 %) could be classified according to the Thai Nutrient Profile Model, of which 432 products (9·2 %) were classified as healthier. Moreover, among the 1487 products carrying health-related claims, 1219 (82·0 %) were classified as less healthy. Allowing less healthy food products to carry claims could mislead consumers and result in overconsumption of ready-to-eat food products.ConclusionsThe findings suggest effective policies should be implemented to increase the relative availability of healthier ready-to-eat packaged foods, as well as to improve the provision of nutrition information on labels in Thailand.

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A comparison of the Health Star Rating and nutrient profiles of branded and generic food products in Sydney supermarkets, Australia

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019000508 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 2132-2139 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Dong Hun Kim ◽

Wing Gi Amanda Liu ◽

Anna Rangan ◽

Luke Gemming

Keyword(s):

Statistical Difference ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Food Products ◽

Nutritional Content ◽

Star Rating ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Generic Products ◽

Nutrient Profiles ◽

Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the Health Star Rating (HSR) and the nutritional profile of branded and generic packaged foods in Australia.DesignIn-store audits of packaged food products capturing data on HSR and nutritional content to analyse differences between branded and generic foods across ten food categories.SettingThe audit was conducted in four major supermarket chains across various locations within metropolitan Sydney regions, Australia.ResultsA total of 6269 products were analysed with 57 % of generic products and 28 % of branded products displaying an HSR. The median HSR of branded products was significantly greater than for generic products overall (4·0 v. 3·5, P<0·005) and in six out of ten food categories (P<0·005). However, when branded products could be matched to their generic counterparts for paired comparisons (n 146), no statistical difference was observed in all ten food categories. Branded products that chose to display an HSR had significantly lower saturated fat and Na, but higher fibre contents than branded products not displaying an HSR.ConclusionsOur data show no difference in the HSR or nutrient profiles of similar branded and generic products that display HSR. Branded products appear to exploit the voluntary nature of the HSR scheme, preferentially displaying an HSR on healthier products compared with their generic counterparts.

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Monitoring Sodium Content in Processed Foods in Argentina 2017–2018: Compliance with National Legislation and Regional Targets

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11071474 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1474

Author(s):

Lorena Allemandi ◽

Maria Victoria Tiscornia ◽

Leila Guarnieri ◽

Luciana Castronuovo ◽

Enrique Martins

Keyword(s):

Sodium Intake ◽

Food Products ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Food Groups ◽

Sodium Reduction ◽

Fish Products ◽

Health Objectives ◽

High Median ◽

Selection Of

Sodium intake in Argentina has been estimated to be at least double the dose of 2000 mg/day recommended by WHO, mostly coming from processed foods. Argentina is one of the few countries in the world that have regulated sodium content in certain food products. This study presents an assessment of sodium content in a selection of food groups and categories as reported in the nutrient information panels. We surveyed 3674 food products, and the sodium content of 864 and 1375 of them was compared to the maximum levels according to the Argentinean law and the regional targets, respectively. All food categories presented high variability of sodium content. Over 90% of the products included in the national sodium reduction law were found to be compliant. Food groups with high median sodium, such as condiments, sauces and spreads, and fish and fish products, are not included in the national law. In turn, comparisons with the lower regional targets indicated that almost 50% of the products analyzed had sodium contents above the recommended values. This evidence suggests that enhancing sodium reduction in processed foods may be a necessity for public health objectives and it is also technically feasible in Argentina.

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The average Irish consumer a packaged food profile

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-02-2015-0063 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 117 (11) ◽

pp. 2801-2813 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meave Broderick ◽

Agnes Bouchier-Hayes ◽

Tracey Larkin

Keyword(s):

Food Choice ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Food Products ◽

Data Sets ◽

Content Type ◽

Nutrition Claims ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

The Republic ◽

And Cluster Analysis ◽

Packaged Food

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of the average Irish consumer (AIC) of preferences that drive food choice and purchasing of packaged foods. Design/methodology/approach – A number of Irish consumer studies have been carried out and most notably by An Bord Bia. Purchasing and Eating in the Republic of Ireland (PERIscope) investigates Irish consumer food preferences from 2009-2013, based on data obtained from +1,000 people in Ireland. Frequency analysis of these data sets was used to generate majority findings and preference attributes from which to propose a profile of the AIC. Component and cluster analysis was applied to investigate potential relationships between preference attributes and the significance of these relationships. Findings – The AIC is a female to whom price is a priority in food choice and prefers foods that are quick and easy to prepare. The AIC checks foods labels, looks for the low-fat option, but has difficulty understanding nutrition claims and labels. The AIC buys local produce at least monthly, believes local food has less artificial/preservative ingredients and checks for the country of origin on food products. The AIC is conscious of environmental issues and prefers to buy from companies that are environmentally friendly. The AIC buys food in smaller packs as it means less waste, is possibly more convenient and lower priced. Originality/value – It is the aim of this publication to provide a profile of the AIC to assist food companies in understanding and targeting the consumers of their products when developing packaged food products.

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Nutrient profile of 23 596 packaged supermarket foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Australia and New Zealand

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980015000968 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 401-408 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽

Ryan Brown ◽

Yannan Jiang ◽

Helen Eyles ◽

Elizabeth Dunford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Energy Density ◽

Meat Products ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Food Products ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Health Claims ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Nutrient Profile ◽

Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the nutrient profile of packaged supermarket food products available in Australia and New Zealand. Eligibility to carry health claims and relationship between nutrient profile score and nutritional content were also evaluated.DesignNutritional composition data were collected in six major Australian and New Zealand supermarkets in 2012. Mean Food Standards Australia New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) scores were calculated and the proportion of products eligible to display health claims was estimated. Regression analyses quantified associations between NPSC scores and energy density, saturated fat, sugar and sodium contents.ResultsNPSC scores were derived for 23 596 packaged food products (mean score 7·0, range −17 to 53). Scores were lower (better nutrient profile) for foods in Australia compared with New Zealand (mean 6·6 v. 7·8). Overall, 45 % of foods were eligible to carry health claims based on NPSC thresholds: 47 % in Australia and 41 % in New Zealand. However, less than one-third of dairy (32 %), meat and meat products (28 %) and bread and bakery products (27·5 %) were eligible to carry health claims. Conversely, >75 % of convenience food products were eligible to carry health claims (82·5 %). Each two-unit higher NPSC score was associated with higher energy density (78 kJ/100 g), saturated fat (0·95 g/100 g), total sugar (1·5 g/100 g) and sodium (66 mg/100 g; all P values<0·001).ConclusionsFewer than half of all packaged foods available in Australia and New Zealand in 2012 met nutritional criteria to carry health claims. The few healthy choices available in key staple food categories is a concern. Improvements in nutritional quality of foods through product reformulation have significant potential to improve population diets.

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Salt content labelling of foods in supermarkets in Finland

Agricultural and Food Science ◽

10.23986/afsci.5611 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 447-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

M. NÄRHINEN ◽

A. NISSINEN ◽

P.-L. PENTTILÄ

Keyword(s):

Salt Intake ◽

Salt Content ◽

Food Products ◽

Point Of View ◽

Food Chains ◽

Food Groups ◽

Food Labels ◽

The Public ◽

Reduced Salt ◽

Packaged Food

The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which lightly salted food products are included in the assortments of Finnish supermarkets and prominently placed on shelves. The study was carried out in eastern Finland in four supermarkets of different food chains. Six food groups of importance for people's salt intake were considered. The food labels of 689 packaged food products were checked for salt and sodium information on the basis of Finnish regulations on salt. Products with reduced salt contents were found in most food groups but not among whole-meat or ready-to-eat foods. Half of the products with reduced amounts of salt were labelled "lightly salted". All four supermarkets had a similar assortment of lightly salted products. From the public health point of view, the food industry should increase the supply of lightly salted products, and make a special effort to develop lightly salted ready-to-eat foods.

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Which companies dominate the packaged food supply of New Zealand and how healthy are their products?

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245225 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. e0245225

Author(s):

Sally Mackay ◽

Helen Eyles ◽

Teresa Gontijo de Castro ◽

Leanne Young ◽

Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Market Share ◽

Food Supply ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Food Groups ◽

System 2 ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Processed Products ◽

Packaged Food

Improvement of national food supplies are an opportunity to improve a country’s health. Our aim was to identify the major food companies manufacturing packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages available in New Zealand supermarkets in 2018; to assess the healthiness of products using (1) the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, (2) Australian Dietary Guidelines classification (core/discretionary), and (3) by level of processing; to compare the healthiness of products displaying and not displaying the HSR and; to assess potential for food reformulation within selected food sub-categories. Information on packaged foods was obtained from the Nutritrack supermarket database. Companies that manufactured each food and brand were identified using company websites and the New Zealand companies register. In total, 13,506 packaged products were mapped to 1,767 brands and 1,214 companies. Based on market share of products available for sale (Euromonitor data), there were 22 dominating companies producing 31% of products and 17% of brands. Fifty-nine percent of products were classified as unhealthy (HSR <3.5/5 stars), 53% as discretionary, and 69% as ultra-processed. Products displaying the HSR on the package had a higher mean HSR ±SD than if the HSR was not displayed (3.2±1.3 versus 2.5±1.4, p = 0.000). Efforts to improve the healthiness of products should be directed to the 22 food companies dominating this market share, particularly in the core foods groups which are currently less likely to meet Heart Foundation reformulation targets (bread, breakfast cereals, cheese, canned baked beans, yoghurt). The New Zealand supermarket packaged food supply included in the Nutritrack database is dominated by a small number of companies and is mostly unhealthy. Government leadership is required to improve the healthiness of the packaged food supply and provide adequate information to consumers. This includes interventions setting reformulation targets for core food groups, setting population nutrient intake targets and mandating that the HSR is displayed on all products.

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Nutritional Composition of Brazilian Food Products Marketed to Children

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11061214 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1214 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Martha Luisa Machado ◽

Vanessa Mello Rodrigues ◽

Amanda Bagolin do Nascimento ◽

Moira Dean ◽

Giovanna Medeiros Rataichesck Fiates

Keyword(s):

Normal Distribution ◽

Food Industry ◽

Visual Analysis ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Food Products ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Marketing Strategies ◽

Food Labeling ◽

P Value ◽

Packaged Foods

Most food industry marketing in products targeted at children is found in packages of foods containing either excessive fat, sugar, or salt. This study audited all 5620 packaged foods available in a store of a large Brazilian supermarket chain and retrieved information from the nutrition facts tables on package labels. Products were photographed for further visual analysis to determine the presence of marketing strategies directed at children. Comparison of nutrient content per 100 g between children’s and non-children’s food products employed the Student t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test (p-value < 0.05), due to the non-normal distribution of the nutritional composition data as verified through the Shapiro–Wilk test. Brazilian children’s food products from groups 4, 5, and 7 presented higher carbohydrate content than similar non-children’s products, while children’s food products from groups 1 and 7 presented lower fiber content. Results indicate that regulation on food labeling needs revising as it has not been effective in stopping the marketing of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods towards children.

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