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

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.

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

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01148-1 ◽

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.

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

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002792 ◽

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.

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

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061835 ◽

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.

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Exploring claims and marketing techniques in Brazilian food labels

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-08-2018-0516 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 121 (7) ◽

pp. 1550-1564 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rafaela Corrêa Pereira ◽

Michel Cardoso de Angelis-Pereira ◽

João de Deus Souza Carneiro

Keyword(s):

Product Category ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Claims ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Content Type ◽

Food Market ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Nutrition And Health Claims

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the packaged food market in Brazil by examining the use of nutrition and health claims and marketing techniques, as well as the different levels of industrial food processing in relation to product category, nutrition information and price. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted on the labels of pre-packed foods and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in a home-shopping website in Brazil. Findings The authors showed that the use of nutrition and health claims on packaged foods in Brazil is widespread and varied across different food categories. Marketing techniques were also prevalent, and techniques emphasising general health, well-being or naturalness were the most frequent type used. Overall, products carrying nutrition and health claims and/or using marketing techniques had lower content of fat and higher content of fibre. However, the high prevalence of these strategies in ultra-processed foods is alarming. The presence of health claims and use of marketing techniques was not found to be an effective modifier of the three price measures. However, processed and ultra-processed foods were more expensive than unprocessed foods when considering price per energy and price per 100 g or mL. Originality/value These results indicate that there are clear opportunities to improve the packaged food environment in supermarkets. It is important to highlight the need to develop public policies to address these issues, including restriction of the promotion and advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages and use of warning labels.

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Ultra-processed family foods in Australia: nutrition claims, health claims and marketing techniques

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001148 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 38-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Claire Elizabeth Pulker ◽

Jane Anne Scott ◽

Christina Mary Pollard

Keyword(s):

Market Share ◽

Health Claims ◽

Food Marketing ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Added Sugars ◽

Nutrition Claims ◽

Common Food ◽

Healthy Family ◽

Nutrition And Health Claims

AbstractObjectiveTo objectively evaluate voluntary nutrition and health claims and marketing techniques present on packaging of high-market-share ultra-processed foods (UPF) in Australia for their potential impact on public health.DesignCross-sectional.SettingPackaging information from five high-market-share food manufacturers and one retailer were obtained from supermarket and manufacturers’ websites.SubjectsIngredients lists for 215 UPF were examined for presence of added sugar. Packaging information was categorised using a taxonomy of nutrition and health information which included nutrition and health claims and five common food marketing techniques. Compliance of statements and claims with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and with Health Star Ratings (HSR) were assessed for all products.ResultsAlmost all UPF (95 %) contained added sugars described in thirty-four different ways; 55 % of UPF displayed a HSR; 56 % had nutrition claims (18 % were compliant with regulations); 25 % had health claims (79 % were compliant); and 97 % employed common food marketing techniques. Packaging of 47 % of UPF was designed to appeal to children. UPF carried a mean of 1·5 health and nutrition claims (range 0–10) and 2·6 marketing techniques (range 0–5), and 45 % had HSR≤3·0/5·0.ConclusionsMost UPF packaging featured nutrition and health statements or claims despite the high prevalence of added sugars and moderate HSR. The degree of inappropriate or inaccurate statements and claims present is concerning, particularly on packaging designed to appeal to children. Public policies to assist parents to select healthy family foods should address the quality and accuracy of information provided on UPF packaging.

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Nutrition and health claims on healthy and less-healthy packaged food products in New Zealand

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114516002981 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 116 (6) ◽

pp. 1087-1094 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Haya H. Al-Ani ◽

Anandita Devi ◽

Helen Eyles ◽

Boyd Swinburn ◽

Stefanie Vandevijvere

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Food Choices ◽

Health Claims ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Nutrition Claims ◽

Nutrient Profiling ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Nutrition And Health Claims

AbstractNutrition and health claims are displayed to influence consumers’ food choices. This study assessed the extent and nature of nutrition and health claims on the front-of-pack of ‘healthy’ and ‘less-healthy’ packaged foods in New Zealand. Foods from eight categories, for which consumption may affect the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, were selected from the 2014 Nutritrack database. The internationally standardised International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) taxonomy was used to classify claims on packages. The Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) was used to classify products as ‘healthy’ or ‘less healthy’. In total, 7526 products were included, with 47 % (n 3557) classified as ‘healthy’. More than one-third of products displayed at least one nutrition claim and 15 % featured at least one health claim on the front-of-pack. Claims were found on one-third of ‘less-healthy’ products; 26 % of those products displayed nutrition claims and 7 % featured health claims. About 45 % of ‘healthy’ products displayed nutrition claims and 23 % featured health claims. Out of 7058 individual claims, the majority (69 %) were found on ‘healthy’ products. Cereals displayed the greatest proportion of nutrition and health claims (1503 claims on 564 products), of which one-third were displayed on ‘less-healthy’ cereals. Such claims could be misleading consumers’ perceptions of nutritional quality of foods. It needs to be explored how current regulations on nutrition and health claims in New Zealand could be further strengthened (e.g. using the NPSC for nutrition claims, including general health claims as per the INFORMAS taxonomy) to ensure consumers are protected and not misled.

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Prevalence and Credibility of Nutrition and Health Claims: Policy Implications from a Case Study of Mongolian Food Labels

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207456 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7456

Author(s):

Nyamragchaa Chimedtseren ◽

Bridget Kelly ◽

Anne-Therese McMahon ◽

Heather Yeatman

Keyword(s):

Claim Data ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Health Claims ◽

Accurate Information ◽

The European Union ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrition Claims ◽

Nutrition And Health Claims ◽

The Eu

Nutrition and health claims should be truthful and not misleading. We aimed to determine the use of nutrition and health claims in packaged foods sold in Mongolia and examine their credibility. A cross-sectional study examined the label information of 1723 products sold in marketplaces in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The claim data were analysed descriptively. In the absence of national regulations, the credibility of the nutrition claims was examined by using the Codex Alimentarius guidelines, while the credibility of the health claims was assessed by using the European Union (EU) Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006. Nutritional quality of products bearing claims was determined by nutrient profiling. Approximately 10% (n = 175) of products carried at least one health claim and 9% (n = 149) carried nutrition claims. The credibility of nutrition and health claims was very low. One-third of nutrition claims (33.7%, n = 97) were deemed credible, by having complete and accurate information on the content of the claimed nutrient/s. Only a few claims would be permitted in the EU countries by complying with the EU regulations. Approximately half of the products with nutrition claims and 40% of products with health claims were classified as less healthy products. The majority of nutrition and health claims on food products sold in Mongolia were judged as non-credible, and many of these claims were on unhealthy products. Rigorous and clear regulations are needed to prevent negative impacts of claims on food choices and consumption, and nutrition transition in Mongolia.

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Banning front-of-package food labels: First Amendment constraints on public health policy

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010002843 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 1123-1126 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Timothy D Lytton

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

First Amendment ◽

Government Regulation ◽

Nutrition Policy ◽

Health Claims ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Food Labels ◽

Nutrition And Health ◽

Food Packages ◽

Nutrition And Health Claims

AbstractIn recent months, the FDA has begun a crackdown on misleading nutrition and health claims on the front of food packages by issuing warning letters to manufacturers and promising to develop stricter regulatory standards. Leading nutrition policy experts Marion Nestle and David Ludwig have called for an even tougher approach: a ban on all nutrition and health claims on the front of food packages. Nestle and Ludwig argue that most of these claims are scientifically unsound and misleading to consumers and that eliminating them would ‘aid educational efforts to encourage the public to eat whole or minimally processed foods and to read the ingredients list on processed foods’. Nestle and Ludwig are right to raise concerns about consumer protection and public health when it comes to front-of-package food labels, but an outright ban on front-of-package nutrition and health claims would violate the First Amendment. As nutrition policy experts develop efforts to regulate front-of-package nutrition and health claims, they should be mindful of First Amendment constraints on government regulation of commercial speech.

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