scholarly journals Gluten-Free Claims Are Displayed Mostly on Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 751-751
Author(s):  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Gabriel B. Tjong ◽  
Mary L'Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Prepackaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Level Of Processing

Abstract Objectives Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by an adverse response to gluten ingestion. While only 1% of the population must follow a gluten-free diet (e.g., those with celiac disease), gluten-free products are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada, particularly among packaged products, which are largely processed or ultra-processed. Yet, excess consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods has been associated with poor diet quality, a risk factor for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Objectives To examine whether the presence of gluten-free claims (GFC) on packaged food and beverage products was associated with level of processing. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017. GFC were identified by systematically reviewing the photographs of food labels (n = 17,267). Products were classified into 22 main food categories as determined by the Health Canada's Table of Reference Amounts for Foods. Using the NOVA food processing classification system, products were also classified into two groups: 1) Unprocessed or minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients; and 2) processed or ultra-processed. Proportions of products displaying GFC were calculated overall, by food category and by level of processing. Binomial logistic regression models examined the association of GFC with level of processing. Results Fifteen % of products displayed GFC. Categories displaying the largest proportion of GFC were snacks (32%), meat and poultry products (28%), and nuts and seeds (26%). The presence of GFC claim was associated with foods being processed or ultra-processed (β = 1.63, P < 0.001). In 8 of the 22 food categories, 100% of products displaying GFC were processed or ultra-processed, while more than 80% of foods displaying GFC in 17 of 22 categories were considered processed or ultra-processed. Conclusions About 1/6 of prepackaged foods and beverages displayed gluten-free claims in the Canadian Food supply. Most of them were considered processed and ultra-processed foods. Funding Sources Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR) Scholarships [BFA, LV], Department of Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Fellowship [BFA; LV], Ontario Graduate Scholarship [LV], CIHR Research Grant 2016PJT-152,979 [MRL].

scholarly journals Trends in the use of gluten-free claims on Canadian food labels between 2013–2017 and assessment of their nutritional quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Gabriel B. Tjong ◽  
Mary R. L'Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractGluten-free claims (GFC) on food labels are becoming popular despite the fact that 1% and 6% of the population have celiac disorder or gluten sensitivity, respectively. A previous Canadian study found that GFC were displayed on 8% of food labels; however, certain food categories (e.g., snacks, meat products) were among the ones carrying most GFC. This study aimed to assess trends in the use of GFC on Canadian food labels in top food categories carrying GFC from 2013 to 2017 and to determine the nutritional quality between products with and without GFC.This study was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2013–2017. GFC were identified by systematically reviewing the photographs of food labels (n = 9,179) in seven food categories previously identified as carrying larger proportions of GFC: 1) desserts; 2) desserts toppings and fillings; 3) meat products; 4) nuts and seeds; 5) sauces and dips; 6) snacks; and 7) soups. GFC were coded as present, if a gluten-free declaration or symbol was made on package, otherwise products were coded as claim absent. Proportions of products displaying GFC were calculated overall and by food category. Mean contents of saturated fat (g per 100g/ml), sodium (mg per 100g/ml) and sugar (g per 100g/ml) were calculated for products with and without GFC. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tested differences in proportions and mean contents of those nutrients between years.Results showed that among these categories, GFC have significantly increased from 11% in 2013 to 23% in 2017 (p < 0.001). At a category level, snacks had the greatest increase of GFC as their prevalence doubled (15% to 33%, p < 0.001), followed by nuts and seeds (12% to 27%, p < 0.001) and meat products (15% to 28%, p < 0.001), respectively for 2013 and 2017. The proportion of GFC in dessert toppings and fillings remained constant (16% in 2013 and 14% in 2017, p = 0.74). When the nutritional composition was examined, results were mixed: in dessert toppings and filling, meat products and, nuts and seeds, products with GFC had higher contents of saturated fat, sodium and sugar in comparison to their counterpart without claims, whereas the opposite was true for foods within desserts, sauces and dips, snacks, and soups categories (p < 0.001 for all nutrients, except for saturated fat in nuts and seeds). In conclusion, prevalence of GFC has doubled in the Canadian food supply; such claims are not indicative of better nutritional composition.

Nutritional considerations of a pediatric gluten free food guide for celiac disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Diana R. Mager ◽  
Samantha Cyrkot ◽  
Christine Lirette ◽  
Herbert Brill ◽  
Jenna Dowhaniuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Free Food ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Nutrition Guidelines

Abstract The gluten free (GF) diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). While the GF diet can be nutritious, increased reliance on processed and packaged GF foods can result in higher fat/sugar and lower micronutrient intake in children with CD. Currently, there are no evidence-based nutrition guidelines that address the GF diet. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the methodological considerations in forming a GF food guide for Canadian children and youth (4-18 years) with CD. Food guide development occurred in three phases: 1) evaluation of nutrient intake and dietary patterns of children on the GF diet, 2) pre-guide stakeholder consultations with 151 health care professionals and 383 community end users, and 3) development of 1260 GF diet simulations that addressed cultural preferences and food traditions, diet patterns and diet quality. Stakeholder feedback identified nutrient intake and food literacy as important topics for guide content. Except for vitamin D, the diet simulations met 100% macro- and micronutrient requirements for age-sex. The pediatric GF plate model recommends intake of >50% fruits and vegetables, <25% grains and 25% protein foods with a stronger emphasis on plant-based sources. Vitamin D fortified fluid milk/unsweetened plant-based alternatives and other rich sources are important to optimize vitamin D intake. The GF food guide can help children consume a nutritiously adequate GF diet and inform policy makers regarding the need for nutrition guidelines in pediatric CD.

scholarly journals The Level of Processing, Nutritional Composition and Prices of Canadian Packaged Foods and Beverages with and without Gluten-Free Claims

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1183
Author(s):  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Gabriel B. Tjong ◽  
Jodi T. Bernstein ◽  
Mary R. L’Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Information Program ◽  
Label Information

Little is known about the healthfulness and cost of gluten-free (GF) foods, relative to non-GF alternatives, in Canada. This study compared the extent of processing, nutritional composition and prices of Canadian products with and without GF claims. Data were sourced from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2013 (n = 15,285) and 2017 (n = 17,337) databases. Logistic regression models examined the association of NOVA processing category with GF claims. Calorie/nutrient contents per 100 g (or mL) were compared between GF and non-GF products. Generalized linear models compared adjusted mean prices per 100 g (or mL) of products with and without GF claims. The prevalence of GF claims increased from 7.1% in 2013 to 15.0% in 2017. GF claims appeared on 17.0% of ultra-processed foods, which were more likely to bear GF claims products than less-processed categories. Median calories and sodium were significantly higher in GF products; no significant differences were observed for saturated fat or sugars. Compared to non-GF products, adjusted mean prices of GF products were higher for 10 food categories, lower for six categories and not significantly different for six categories. Overall, GF claims are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada; however, they are often less healthful and more expensive than non-GF alternatives, disadvantaging consumers following GF diets.

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

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.

scholarly journals Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with abdominal obesity in rotating shift workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Antônio Alves de Menezes Júnior ◽  
Virgínia Capistrano Fajardo ◽  
Jonathas Assis de Oliveira ◽  
George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho ◽  
Fausto Aloísio Pedrosa Pimenta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Body Adiposity ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background and aims: Higher intake of ultra-processed foods might be associated with an increased risk of obesity. Our objective was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and their association with nutrient intake and excess body adiposity in shift workers.Design: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 with 238 male rotating shift workers. Dietary data is obtained by the 24-hour recall and classified according to processing by the NOVA classification system. Body adiposity indicators assessed were waist circumference and body mass index. Logistic regression models were built and adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary variables.Results: Ultra-processed foods represented on average 22.3% of the total caloric value of the individuals' food consumption, with a maximum value of 66.9%. Participants with the highest tercile of ultra-processed foods consumed more carbohydrate (57%), protein (35%), total fat (96%), saturated fat (79%), cholesterol (68%), and sodium (44%) intake compared to the first tercile (p < 0.001). The most frequencies of ultra-processed foods consumed were bread (81.0%), followed by cookies (45.9%), sweetened beverages (45.7%), processed meats (46.8%), and margarine (46.8%). In multivariable analysis, the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had 183% higher odds of abdominal obesity (OR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.29-6.22), compared with the lowest consumption. Conclusion: Ultra-processed foods are important contributors to the energy intake of these workers, and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with abdominal obesity.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Gluten-Free Diet Efficacy for Improving Quality of Life of Patients with Celiac Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pezhman Alavinejad ◽  
Yosra Shafiolleh Talokdar ◽  
Zahra Shokati Ashkiki
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Gluten Free Diet ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Khuzestan Province ◽  
Before And After ◽  
One Year

Background: As the only effective treatment of celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet (GFD), this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of GFD in the quality of life (QOL) of patients with CD to persuade them for strict commitment. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the QOL of CD patients registered in the celiac society of Khuzestan province was evaluated and compared before and at least one year after commencing GFD using the QOL SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Overall, 200 CD patients (66 males and 134 females) were evaluated. The average age of male and female participants was 26.3 and 30.34 years, respectively (61% between 20 and 60-years-old). After GFD, complaints such as bloating (P = 0.001), abdominal pain (P = 0.001), diarrhea (P = 0.001), nausea (P = 0.001), vomiting (P = 0.03), reflux and regurgitation (P = 0.025), anorexia (P = 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.001), headache (P = 0.008), oral aphthous lesions (P = 0.014), weight loss (P = 0.001), and bone pain (P = 0.005) significantly improved while other symptoms such as muscular pain (P = 0.157), dermatitis (P = 0.083), and numbness (P = 0.317) did not show any major improvement. The average scores of QOL before and after GFD were 0.74 and 3.41, respectively, which demonstrated significant improvement (P = 0.001). This improvement was even seen among cases with sub-optimal compliance (average QOL score 3.28, P = 0.001). Conclusion: A gluten-free diet could significantly improve the quality of life of patients with celiac disease, and they should be encouraged as much as possible to be committed to this regimen.

scholarly journals Trans-Fats Declaration, Awareness and Consumption in Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 748-756
Author(s):  
SAHAR KAMEL ◽  
HALA AL OTAIBI
Keyword(s):  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Trans Fats ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Hydrogenated Fats ◽  
Food Package ◽  
Hydrogenated Oil ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Partially Hydrogenated Oil

Hydrogenatedoil(HO) has been considered one of the major sources of artificial trans-fats that is associated with various public health problems. In the present work, a cross-sectional survey was conducted tomonitortrans- fats recording approaches in some food package(N=181) collected from some Saudi markets, 2014-2016. Assessment of participants awareness of HO and consumption frequencies of selected products that listed trans-fats in their package were also conducted based on interview questionnaires (N=302).Data collected from information existing on food package, such as ingredients list, and nutrition facts label as well as nutrition claims showed that 30.39% of the products listed ingredients containing trans-fat such as hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, margarine and hydrogenated fats. Questionnaire data analysis showed that only 35.1% of the participants heard of HO and 4% thought that HO is unhealthy. Significant positive correlation was found between participant’s education level and hearing about HO (0.69 at 0.01 level) as well as reading the food label (0.87 at 0.01 level). Cakes, wafers and pastries were highly consumed (two-three times per day)by 37.4%, 24.5%and 44.4 %, respectively by participants. Although, one third of collected packaged food products recording ingredients containing trans-fats in the ingredients list such as vegetable fat, HO, margarine and partially HO, only 20% of these products reported trans-fats content. Therefore, more attention should be payed to reevaluate the food label legalization. Furthermore, health education programs about trans-fats sources and related disease are strongly recommended.

Progress towards eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids in the Canadian marketplace, 2013–2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (13) ◽  
pp. 2257-2267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
JoAnne Arcand ◽  
Min Ah Kim ◽  
Alyssa Schermel ◽  
Mary R L’Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Fats And Oils ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Information Program ◽  
Hydrogenated Oils ◽  
Label Information ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Total Fat

AbstractObjective:To assess the prevalence of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), hydrogenated oils (HO) and/or both in Canadian packaged foods in 2013 and 2017 and to determine the mean trans-fatty acid (TFA) content of products declaring such oils.Design:Repeated cross-sectional study of the Food Label Information Program.Setting:Food labels (n 32 875) were collected from top Canadian grocery retailers in 2013 and 2017. Proportions of products declaring PHO, HO and/or both in the Ingredients List were calculated by year and food category. The percentage contribution of TFA (g) to total fat (g) was calculated and compared against the voluntary TFA limits, defined as <2 % of total fat content for fats and oils, and <5 % for all other foods. Foods exceeding limits were identified. The mean TFA content (in g/serving and per 100 g) was calculated for products with these oils.Results:The use of PHO, HO and/or both significantly decreased in Canadian foods from 2013 to 2017 (0·8 to 0·2 %, 5 to 2·4 % and 5·7 to 2·6 %, respectively, for PHO, HO and/or both). The mean TFA content of products containing PHO increased (0·34 to 0·57 g TFA/serving); although it was not statistically significant, it is still concerning that TFA content increased. The TFA content significantly decreased in foods with HO (0·24 to 0·16 g TFA/serving, P < 0·05) during 2013–2017.Conclusions:Products with PHO continue to be present in the Canadian marketplace, despite voluntary efforts to eliminate them. Products with HO should also be monitored, as they can also contribute to TFA content in foods.

scholarly journals The impact of proposed nutrient criteria for the display of mandatory front-of-package ‘high-in’ symbols in the Canadian prepackaged foods supply

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary L'Abbe ◽  
Anthea Christoforou ◽  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Jodi Bernstein
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Food Label ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Processed Meats ◽  
Saturated Fats ◽  
Prepackaged Foods ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackground: Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labelling has become a core component of policy recommendations to address the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable disease globally. The CODEX Committee on Food Labelling is in the process of establishing standardized criteria for the definition of “high-in” for use with FOP labels highlighting excessive amounts of fats, sugars and sodium in foods. Recently, as part of Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy, regulations requiring the mandatory display of high-in FOP symbols have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which these symbols would appear on foods and beverages in the Canadian prepackaged food supply, both overall and by food category.Methods: Foods and beverages in the University of Toronto's Food Label Information Program database 2013 (n = 15,277) were assessed for the prevalence of products that would have to display a symbol based on criteria published in the draft Canadian regulations. The criteria include thresholds based on the % Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient, above which, products would be required to display a FOP symbol for that nutrient. Exemptions are provided for fruits and vegetables without added sodium, sugars, or saturated fats, non-flavoured whole or partly skimmed milk, eggs, sweetening agents (i.e. sugar, honey, syrups and molasses) and table salt.Results: 61.7% (n = 10,251) of products would be required to display at least one symbol. Of these, 52.3% (n = 5,358) would have a sodium symbol, 41.9% (n = 4,295) a saturated fats symbol and 41.0% (n = 4,207) a sugars symbol. Overall, 37% of products would display a symbol for more than one nutrient. The highest concentration of symbols were found on processed meats (93.8%), soups (93.0%), desserts (87.2%), sugars and sweets (82.3%), dairy (76.9%) and bakery products (71.0%).Discussion: This is the first study to evaluate the impact of proposed regulations for the mandatory display of FOP symbols on Canadian prepackaged foods. Findings identify a high concentration of symbols in categories contributing meaningfully to dietary sodium, sugars, and saturated fats intakes, but also in categories for which consumption is discouraged in national dietary guidelines (e.g. processed meats, desserts). The findings presented here will inform ongoing discussions on how best to optimize criteria underpinning the display of FOP “high-in” labels.

scholarly journals Accentuating the Interrelation between Consumer Intention and Healthy Packaged Food Selection during COVID-19: A Case Study of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2846
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zeeshan Zafar ◽  
Adnan Maqbool ◽  
Lucian-Ionel Cioca ◽  
Syed Ghulam Meran Shah ◽  
Shahjahan Masud
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

This study contemplates the factors that influence consumer intention, before and during the eruption of COVID-19, for the selection of healthy packaged food in Pakistan. The extant studies have identified two distinct attitudes of consumers about food label information: one is its usefulness and the second elucidates the avoidance. Hence forth, the current study contributes to the extant literature while signifying both reasons which motivate consumers to read food labels and reasons which discourage consumers from consult food labels at the point of purchase. Moreover, the impact of subjective norms and self-efficacy for healthy packaged food intentions has also been examined for both before the emergence of COVID-19 and during the spread of COVID-19. The underpinning of the proposed model has been justified by the behavioral reasoning theory. The cross-sectional data of 14,455 students has was collected from 10 universities through Microsoft Teams and Zoom. AMOS 21 was employed for the final analysis. The results indicate that before COVID-19 the subjective norms and self-efficacy were not the stimulating factors for the selection of healthy packaged food. On the contrary, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the subjective norms and self-efficacy divulged a significant effect. Moreover, the reasons to consult food labels are positively significant whereas the reasons to avoid food labels have negatively affected the consumer, both before COVID-19 and during COVID-19 outbreak, while endorsing healthy packaged food. Conclusively, COVID-19 has been proved to be a deterrent for unhealthy packaged food lovers while being a blessing for healthy packaged food.

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