scholarly journals Estimated effects of the implementation of the Mexican warning labels regulation on the use of health and nutrition claims on packaged foods

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Simón Barquera
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Mexican ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Abstract Background The use of health and nutrition claims on front-of-pack labels may impact consumers’ food choices; therefore, many countries have established regulations to avoid misinformation. This study describes the prevalence of health and nutrition claims on the front-of-pack of food products in retail stores in Mexico and estimate the potential effects of the Official Mexican Standards 051 (new regulation that includes specifications for implementing warning labels and other packaging elements such as health and nutrition claims on less healthy foods) on the prevalence of these claims. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which health and nutrition claims, nutrition information panels, and the list of ingredients of all foods and beverages available in the main retail stores in Mexico City were collected. The products were grouped by level of processing according to the NOVA food system classification. Claims were classified using the internationally harmonized INFORMAS taxonomy. According to the criteria of the new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation, the effect on the reduction on the prevalence of health and nutrition claims was estimated by type of food and by energy and nutrients of concern thresholds. Results Of 17,264 products, 33.8% displayed nutrition claims and 3.4% health claims. In total, 80.8% of all products in the Mexican market were classified as “less healthy”; 48.2% of products had excess calories, 44.6% had excess sodium, and 40.7% excess free sugars. The new regulation would prevent 39.4% of products with claims from displaying health and nutrition claims (P < 0.001); the largest reduction is observed for ultra-processed foods (51.1%, P < 0.001). The regulation thresholds that resulted in the largest reduction of claims were calories (OR 0.62, P < 0.001) and non-sugar sweeteners (OR 0.54, P < 0.001). Conclusions The new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation will prevent most processed and ultra-processed foods from displaying health and nutrition claims and will potentially improve information on packaging for consumers.

scholarly journals Estimated effects of the implementation of the Mexican Warning Labels regulation on the use of health and nutrition claims on packaged foods

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Simón Barquera
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition And Health Claims

Abstract Background The use of health and nutrition claims on front-of-pack labels has a potential effect on consumers' food choices; therefore, many countries established regulations to avoid misperceptions. This study describes the use of nutrition and health claims on the front-of-pack of food products in retail stores in Mexico and analyze the potential effects of the new front-of-pack labelling regulation on the use of these claims. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which nutrition and health claims, nutrition information panels, and the list of ingredients of all foods and beverages available in the main retail stores in Mexico City were collected. The products were grouped by level of processing according to the NOVA food system classification. Claims were classified into different types using the internationally harmonized INFORMAS taxonomy. The potential effect of the implementation of the warning label regulations on the use of nutrition and health claims was estimated by food group and by thresholds of energy and critical nutrients according to the new regulation. Results Of 17,264 products, 33.8% displayed nutrition claims and 3.4% health claims. In total 80.8% of all products on the Mexican market were classified as "less healthy"; 48.2% of products had excess calories, 44.6% had excess sodium, and 40.7% excess free sugars according to the new regulation. The new regulation would prevent 39.4% of products with claims from displaying health and nutrition claims (p<0.001); the largest reduction is observed for ultra-processed foods (51.1%, p<0.001). The regulation thresholds that contribute the most of the reduction in the use of claims were calories (OR 0.62, p<0.001) and non-sugar sweeteners (OR 0.54, p<0.001). Conclusions The new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation will prevent most of less healthy processed and ultra-processed foods from displaying HNC and will potentially increase the effectiveness of the warning labels for consumers.

Nutritional Marketing of Plant-Based Meat-Analogue Products: an exploratory study of front-of-pack and website claims in the USA

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lacy-Nichols ◽  
Libby Hattersley ◽  
Gyorgy Scrinis
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Usa

Abstract Objective: To explore how some of the largest food companies involved in producing alternative proteins use health and nutrition claims to market their products. Design: We identified the largest food manufacturers, meat processors, and alternative protein companies selling plant-based alternative protein products in the United States. Using publicly available data, we analysed the voluntary health and nutrition claims made on front-of-pack labels and company webpages. We also analysed company websites for further nutrition and health-related statements about their products or alternative proteins more generally. Claim classification was guided by the INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring, and Action Support) taxonomy for health-related food labelling. Setting: United States. Results: 1394 health and nutrition-related front-of-pack label (FOPL) claims were identified on 216 products, including 685 nutrition claims and 709 ´other health-related´ claims. No FOPL health claims were identified. Most nutrient claims were for nutrients associated with meat, with 94% of products carrying a protein claim and 30% carrying a cholesterol claim. 74% of products carried a GMO-free claim and 63% carried a plant-based claim. On their websites, some companies expanded on these claims or discussed the health benefits of specific ingredients. Conclusions: Companies involved in this category appear to be using nutritional marketing primarily to position their products in relation to meat. There is a focus on nutrient and ingredient claims, with discussion of processing largely avoided. The findings highlight the challenges companies face in positioning AP products as healthy against the backdrop of debates about ultra-processed foods.

scholarly journals Nutrition labelling, marketing techniques, nutrition claims and health claims on chip and biscuit packages from sixteen countries

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 998-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra J Mayhew ◽  
Karen Lock ◽  
Roya Kelishadi ◽  
Sumathi Swaminathan ◽  
Claudia S Marcilio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Claims ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
On Chip ◽  
Promotional Marketing

AbstractObjectiveFood packages were objectively assessed to explore differences in nutrition labelling, selected promotional marketing techniques and health and nutrition claims between countries, in comparison to national regulations.DesignCross-sectional.SettingChip and sweet biscuit packages were collected from sixteen countries at different levels of economic development in the EPOCH (Environmental Profile of a Community’s Health) study between 2008 and 2010.SubjectsSeven hundred and thirty-seven food packages were systematically evaluated for nutrition labelling, selected promotional marketing techniques relevant to nutrition and health, and health and nutrition claims. We compared pack labelling in countries with labelling regulations, with voluntary regulations and no regulations.ResultsOverall 86 % of the packages had nutrition labels, 30 % had health or nutrition claims and 87 % displayed selected marketing techniques. On average, each package displayed two marketing techniques and one health or nutrition claim. In countries with mandatory nutrition labelling a greater proportion of packages displayed nutrition labels, had more of the seven required nutrients present, more total nutrients listed and higher readability compared with those with voluntary or no regulations. Countries with no health or nutrition claim regulations had fewer claims per package compared with countries with regulations.ConclusionsNutrition label regulations were associated with increased prevalence and quality of nutrition labels. Health and nutrition claim regulations were unexpectedly associated with increased use of claims, suggesting that current regulations may not have the desired effect of protecting consumers. Of concern, lack of regulation was associated with increased promotional marketing techniques directed at children and misleadingly promoting broad concepts of health.

scholarly journals Confused health and nutrition claims in food marketing to children could adversely affect food choice and increase risk of obesity

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 541-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada L García ◽  
Gabriela Morillo-Santander ◽  
Alison Parrett ◽  
Antonina N Mutoro
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Wide Range

ObjectivesTo investigate the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in the UK and to explore the use of health and nutrition claims.DesignThis cross-sectional study was carried out in a wide range of UK food retailers. Products marketed to children above the age of 1 year containing any of a range of child friendly themes (i.e. cartoons, toys and promotions), and terms suggesting a nutritious or healthy attribute such as ‘one of 5-a-day’, on product packaging were identified both in stores and online. Information on sugar, salt and fat content, as well as health and nutrition claims, was recorded. The Ofcom nutrient profiling model (NPM) was used to assess if products were healthy.ResultsThree hundred and thirty-two products, including breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, fruit-based drinks, dairy products and ready meals, were sampled. The use of cartoon characters (91.6%), nutrition claims (41.6%) and health claims (19.6%) was a common marketing technique. The one of 5-a-day claim was also common (41.6%), but 75.4% (103) of products which made this claim were made up of less than 80 g of fruit and vegetables. Sugar content (mean±SD per 100 g) was high in fruit snacks (48.4±16.2 g), cereal bars (28.9±7.5 g) and cereals (22.9±8.0 g). Overall, 41.0% of the products were classified as less healthy according to the Ofcom NPM.ConclusionA large proportion of products marketed to children through product packaging are less healthy, and claims used on product packaging are confusing. Uniform guidance would avoid confusion on nutritional quality of many popular foods.

Consumers’ exposure to claims on pre-packed bread: the case of a developing country, Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1033-1051
Author(s):  
Christelle Bou-Mitri ◽  
Lama Khnaisser ◽  
Mira Bou Ghanem ◽  
Samar Merhi ◽  
Jessy El-Hayek Fares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Wheat Bread ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Whole Wheat ◽  
Whole Wheat Bread ◽  
Nutrition And Health Claims

Purpose This study aims to assess the exposure of Lebanese consumers to nutrition and health claims (NHCs) on pre-packed bread. Design/methodology/approach Bread samples (n = 354) from all the bakeries (n = 44) located in Mount Lebanon, between 2017 and 2018, were assessed. Breads with nutrition claims were analyzed using standard methods. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among 400 supermarket shoppers. Findings Results showed that among the collected samples of bread (n = 354), 59.6 per cent carried at least one claim, 47.2 per cent had non-nutrient claims, 32.5 per cent had nutrition claims and 15.3 per cent presented health claims. Claims related to sugar, salt and fiber content were the most commonly used (28.8 , 16.4 and 14.7 per cent, respectively). NHCs were mostly present on whole wheat bread. Breads with claims were more expensive. Half of the participants (49.8 per cent) relied on NHCs whenever purchasing bread, especially females (OR = 2.35, 95 per cent CI = 1.44-3.84, p = 0.001), those following a specific diet (OR = 4.56, 95 per cent CI = 2.02-10.25, p < 0.001) and those with the lowest household income (OR = 0.795, 95 per cent CI = 0.639-0.989, p = 0.040). Originality/value The overall findings showed that Lebanese consumers are highly exposed to NHCs, especially those at higher risk which could lead to serious public health issues if their use is not strictly regulated and controlled. Moreover, NHCs could be used as a tool to increase consumers’ awareness and help them make healthier choices during shopping.

scholarly journals Nutritional Quality of Food and Beverages Offered in Supermarkets of Lima According to the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1508
Author(s):  
Mayra Meza-Hernández ◽  
David Villarreal-Zegarra ◽  
Lorena Saavedra-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Two Phases

The purpose of this paper was to determine the foods and beverages offered in the city of Lima, Peru, that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels (octagons) according to the thresholds for the two phases (6 and 39 months after the approval) for nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fat) included in the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that evaluated the nutritional composition of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a supermarket chain in Lima. Of all the processed and ultra-processed foods captured, foods that report nutritional information and do not require reconstitution to be consumed were included. A descriptive analysis was carried out by food categories to report the nutrient content and the percentage of foods that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels. Results: A total of 1234 foods were evaluated, according to the initial thresholds that became effective 6 months after the law was implemented; 35.9% of foods had two octagons; 34.8% had one octagon; 15.8% had no octagons; 12% had three octagons; and no products had four octagons. At 39 months, when the final and more restrictive thresholds become effective, 4.8% did not have octagons. The majority of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a Peruvian supermarket chain carry at least one octagon, and more than 10% of them carry octagons for three of the four nutrients of concern.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Audit of Nutrition and Health Claims on Dairy Yoghurts in Supermarkets of the Illawarra Region of New South Wales, Australia

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1835
Author(s):  
Sam-Reith S. Wadhwa ◽  
Anne T. McMahon ◽  
Elizabeth P. Neale
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Nutrition And Health Claims

Health and nutrition claims are used by consumers to guide purchasing decisions. In consequence, monitoring and evaluation of such claims to ensure they are accurate and transparent is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of nutrition and health claims on dairy-yoghurt products within select Australian supermarkets and assess their compliance with the revised Food Standards Code (FSC). Nutrition, health, and related claims on yoghurt products were assessed in a cross-sectional audit of five supermarkets in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Claim prevalence, type, and compliance were assessed and products were compared against current rating measures. A total of n = 340 dairy yoghurt products were identified. Most products (97.9%) carried at least one nutrition and/or health claim, with nutrition-content claims (93.9%) the most prevalent. Most products (n = 277) met the nutrient profiling scoring criterion; while 87.9% of products did not carry the health star rating. Almost all claims surveyed (97.4%) were compliant with the FSC. Health and nutrition claims are highly prevalent across yoghurt categories, with the majority of these compliant with regulations. The ambiguity surrounding the wording and context of claims challenges researchers to investigate consumers’ interpretations of health messaging within the food environment.

scholarly journals Caffeine Health Claims on Sports Supplement Labeling. Analytical Assessment According to EFSA Scientific Opinion and International Evidence and Criteria

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 2095
Author(s):  
Pedro Estevan Navarro ◽  
Isabel Sospedra ◽  
Alejandro Perales ◽  
Cristina González-Díaz ◽  
Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
European Food Safety Authority ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Strength Performance ◽  
Scientific Opinion ◽  
Term Performance

Caffeine is a food supplement widely consumed by athletes, but it has not been established. So far, the veracity of their labeling in terms of the dosage and cause/effect relationship aimed at the consumer. The aim is to analyze the health claims and the dosage presented on the labeling of caffeine supplements and to evaluate if they follow the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and international criteria. A descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of caffeine supplements was carried out. The search was done through the Amazon and Google Shopping web portals. In order to assess the adequacy of the health claims, the guidelines of reference established by European Food Safety Authority were compared to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Olympic Committee, and Australian Institute of Sport guidelines; in addition, recent systematic reviews were addressed. A review of labels of 42 caffeine supplements showed that, in less than 3% of the products were the health claims supported by the recommendations and by the labeled quantity of caffeine. The claims that fully complied the recommendations were, “improves or increases endurance performance”, “improves strength performance”, or “improves short-term performance”. In most cases, the recommended dosage was 200 mg/day for these products, which is the minimum for the caffeine effects to be declared. The rest of the health claims were not adequate or need to be modified. Most of the health claims identified indicated an unproven cause and effect, which constitutes consumer fraud, and so must be modified or eliminated.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study of the association between age-related macular degeneration and arthritis in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e035805
Author(s):  
Zhuoting Zhu ◽  
Huan Liao ◽  
Sen Liu ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Yifan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
National Health ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Age Related

ObjectiveTo explore the association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and arthritis in a representative sample of the US population.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study.SettingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008.ParticipantsA total of 4813 participants aged 40 years and older with available information on AMD and arthritis in the 2005–2008 NHANES.MethodsThe status and types of arthritis were obtained from questionnaires. Non-mydriatic fundus photographs were collected. The types of AMD were assessed using the modified Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading Classification Scheme. The association between arthritis and AMD was evaluated using logistic regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, participants with any or early AMD had significantly lower odds of having any type of arthritis (any AMD: OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.86; early AMD: OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.34–0.88) or osteoarthritis (OA) (any AMD: OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.71; early AMD: OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.76) compared with those without AMD. When considering AMD as the outcome, significant negative associations were also found between any arthritis or OA and any (any arthritis: OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.94; OA: OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82) or early AMD (any arthritis: OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.40–0.93; OA: OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.86) in the multivariable logistic models. There was no significant association between different types of arthritis and late AMD.ConclusionsPeople with arthritis, especially those with OA, were less likely to have AMD compared with those without arthritis and vice versa. Further studies are needed to confirm this potential protective effect of arthritis and/or arthritis treatment on AMD and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

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