Conflicting Messages on Food and Beverage Packages: Front-of-Package Nutritional Labeling, Health and Nutrition Claims in Brazil

We assessed the prevalence of front-of-package (FoP) claims in the Brazilian packaged food supply and examined whether foods with claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients. Using data from a random 30% subsample of 11,434 foods and beverages collected in the five largest food retailers in Brazil in 2017 (n = 3491), we classified claims into nutrition, health, and environment. We examined whether foods with claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients using 95% confidence intervals. Claims were found in 41.2% of the products. Nutrition claims were the most prevalent (28.5%), followed by health (22.1%), and environment-related claims (5.2%). More than 85% of the breakfast cereals, granola bars, and nectars contained claims, which were found in 51% of the dairy beverages. Foods with nutrition claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients (65.3%; 95% CI 62.3, 68.2% vs. 54.1% 95% CI 52.1, 56.0). Products with health (52.9%; 95% CI 49.3, 56.4% vs. 58.5%; 95% CI 56.6, 60.3) and environment-related claims (33.5%; 95% CI 27.0, 40.8% vs. 58.6%; 95% CI 56.9, 60.2%) were less likely to be high in critical nutrients. FoP claims are prevalent in Brazil, and nutrition claims are more likely to have a poorer nutritional profile. Policymakers should consider restricting the presence of claims on unhealthy products.

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Nutritional Profile and the use "Whole Grains" Claims in Packaged Food in Brazil

10.21203/rs.3.rs-200460/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Giovanna Andrade ◽

Laís Amaral Mais ◽

Camila Ricardo ◽

Ana Clara Duran ◽

Ana Paula Martins

Keyword(s):

Food Choices ◽

Whole Grains ◽

Whole Grain ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Pan American ◽

Health Organization ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Critical Nutrients ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background: Although the nutrition claim “whole grains” can be found in packaged foods marketed in Brazil, the current legislation does not establish composition or labelling criteria to its use, which may confuse and misinform consumers and lead to inadequate food choices. Thus, the present study aims to assess the use of “whole grains” claims in food products marketed in Brazil, and to assess the nutritional profile of these products. Methods: We used data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017. Using the INFORMAS’s protocol for food labelling, we estimated the prevalence of packaged foods with “whole grains” claims. The amount of whole grains was evaluated using the ingredients list. We compared the nutritional profile of the products with and without "whole grains" claims using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile criteria. Results: Results show that about 19% of the assessed products had "whole grains" claims; of these, 35% did not have any whole grain among the top three ingredients. These products also had a high proportion of refined ingredients (e.g. refined flour and sugar) and were high in critical nutrients according to PAHO´s criteria. Conclusion: Our results showed the need to improve Brazilian food labeling regulation in order to determine thresholds for wholemeal flour content to allow foods to receive “whole grains” claim.

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The Food Supply Prior to the Implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labeling and Advertising

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11010052 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 52 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Rebecca Kanter ◽

Marcela Reyes ◽

Boyd Swinburn ◽

Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽

Camila Corvalán

Keyword(s):

Food Supply ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Food Labeling ◽

Warning Label ◽

Missing Information ◽

Total Sugars ◽

Food And Beverage ◽

Advertising Law ◽

Packaged Food ◽

Critical Nutrients

This study aimed to evaluate the composition of the food supply ahead of the implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labeling and Advertising (Law 20.606) in June 2016. The INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support) framework for monitoring the composition of the food supply was used. The Law’s initial (2016) and final (2019) limits were used to evaluate if foods would receive a “High in” warning for Calories, Sodium, Sugars and/or Saturated Fats (initial/final, solids: >350/275 kcal; >800/400 mg; >22.5/10 g; >6/4 g; liquids: >100/70 kcal; >100/100 mg; >6/5 g; >3/3 g respectively). Foods were excluded if they required reconstitution, had missing information or if total labeled energy was estimated as incorrect (n = 942). In February 2015 and 2016, fieldworkers photographed a purposeful sample of packaged food and beverage products (n = 5421 and n = 5479) from 6 different supermarkets in Santiago, Chile. Seven percent of foods had no added critical nutrients (n = 720). Two-thirds of products had critical nutrients exceeding at least one initial limit indicative of a “high in” warning. Under the final phase limits, only 17% of foods would have zero warning labels. By 2019, 10 of the 17 food and beverage categories studied are predicted to have less than half of their products without a high in sodium warning label. While 8 of the 17 categories studied are predicted to have less than half their products without a high in total sugars or a high in total calories warning label, respectively; while even fewer food and beverage categories are predicted to be without a high in saturated fat warning label. Most products will have to be reformulated to avoid at least one front-of-package warning label.

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Role of different nutrient profiling models in identifying targeted foods for front-of-package food labelling in Brazil

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019005056 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ana Clara Duran ◽

Camila Zancheta Ricardo ◽

Laís Amaral Mais ◽

Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins

Keyword(s):

Warning Labels ◽

Food Category ◽

Nutrient Profiling ◽

Food Retailers ◽

Canned Vegetables ◽

Packaged Foods ◽

Using Data ◽

Health Organization ◽

Critical Nutrients

Abstract Objective: To compare the degree of strictness and agreement of different nutrient profiling models (NPM) used to identify which foods would be required to show front-of-package (FOP) warning labels. Design: Using data of 11 434 packaged foods found in the five largest food retailers in Brazil, we used two published NPM: the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) model and the NPM used in the Chilean nutritional FOP labelling policy, and compared them with a NPM proposed by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The proportion of foods that would be required to show FOP warning labels was calculated overall and by food category. We also tested whether a modified version of the PAHO NPM would behave similarly to the original version. Setting: Brazil. Results: Two-thirds of the packaged products (62 %) would receive FOP warning labels under the PAHO NPM, as compared with 45 % of products using the proposed Anvisa NPM and 41 % if the Chilean NPM was applied. The PAHO NPM identified more foods high in critical nutrients such as sweetened dairy and non-dairy beverages, canned vegetables and convenience foods. Overall agreement between models was considered good with kappa coefficient ranging from 0·57 to 0·92 but was lower for some food categories. Conclusions: We found variations in the degree of strictness and agreement between assessed NPM. The PAHO NPM identified more foods and beverages high in sugar which are among the top contributors to sugar and energy intake in Brazil.

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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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Association between Dyslipidemia and Mercury Exposure in Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020775 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 775

Author(s):

Purum Kang ◽

Hye Young Shin ◽

Ka Young Kim

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Subjective Health ◽

Targeted Prevention ◽

Adult Males ◽

Subjective Health Status ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

Metal Levels ◽

Using Data

Background—Dyslipidemia is one of the prominent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Dyslipidemia has various causes, including metabolic capacity, genetic problems, physical inactivity, and dietary habits. This study aimed to determine the association between dyslipidemia and exposure to heavy metals in adults. Methods—Using data from the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2017), 5345 participants aged ≥20 years who were tested for heavy metal levels were analyzed in this study. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess the factors affecting the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Results—The risks of dyslipidemia among all and male participants with mercury (Hg) levels of ≥2.75 μg/L (corresponding to the Korean average level) were 1.273 and 1.699 times higher than in those with levels of <2.75 μg/L, respectively. The factors that significantly affected the dyslipidemia risk were age, household income, body mass index, and subjective health status in both males and females. Conclusions—In adult males, exposure to Hg at higher-than-average levels was positively associated with dyslipidemia. These results provide a basis for targeted prevention strategies for dyslipidemia using lifestyle guidelines for reducing Hg exposure and healthy behavioral interventions.

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Nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods advertised in small food retailers

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.248 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

C A Borges ◽

C Kikuta ◽

P C Jaime

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Well Being ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Saturated Fats ◽

Food Retailers ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background It is necessary to analyze the nutritional profile and advertising claims of ultra-processed foods available in small food retailers. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study that carried out an audit on small food businesses. Information was collected on advertising, price, ingredient list, nutritional composition and portion size. All investigated foods were grouped according to the NOVA food classification. Food advertising was categorized into 11 different consumer appeals. The relationship between the type of advertising appeal of the ultra-processed food and its nutritional profile was analyzed. A comparison was made between the nutritional composition of the advertised food and the recommendations of sugar, saturated fat and sodium of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Results The most prevalent ultra-processed foods in small retailers were sweets and treats (18.5%); sugary sweetened beverages (15.7%), sausages (12.0%) and baked goods (11.1%). Most of the advertising on the packaging of ultra-processed foods was about healthy eating and physical activity and sensory aspects of the product (color, flavor, texture). Foods classified as high in sugars had the highest number of advertisements related to healthy eating and physical activity, foods high in sugar and saturated fats, had the highest number of advertisements related to sensory aspects, healthy eating and physical activity and foods high in sodium and / or saturated fats, had more advertising related to convenience. Conclusions Identifying that advertising for ultra-processed foods is associated with health and well-being, physical activity and sensory aspects leads us to a better understanding of the factors that influence consumer perception in small businesses. Advertising for foods rich in sugar, saturated fat and sodium based on health and well-being should be better regulated by public agencies in Brazil, supporting consumers to make healthier choices. Key messages Ultra-processed foods induce to consume large quantities, due to the convenience and the advertising present in their packaging that stimulate a healthy life, physical activity and sensory aspects. It is necessary support and defend changes in nutrition labeling, in order to clarify the nutritional information to consumers.

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Adequacy and Sources of Protein Intake among Pregnant Women in the United States, NHANES 2003–2012

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030795 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 795

Author(s):

Mary M. Murphy ◽

Kelly A. Higgins ◽

Xiaoyu Bi ◽

Leila M. Barraj

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Protein Intake ◽

First Trimester ◽

The United States ◽

Limited Information ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

Animal Source ◽

Usual Intake ◽

First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽

Using Data

Limited information is available on protein intake and adequacy of protein intake among pregnant women. Using data from a sample of 528 pregnant women in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003–2012, usual intake of protein (g/day and g/kg body weight (bw)/day) and prevalence of intake below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) by trimester of pregnancy were calculated using the National Cancer Institute method. Percent contributions to protein intake by source (i.e., plant and animal, including type of animal source) were also calculated. Mean usual intake of protein was 88 ± 4.3, 82 ± 3.1, and 82 ± 2.9 g/day among women in trimester 1, 2, and 3 of pregnancy, respectively, or 1.30 ± 0.10, 1.35 ± 0.06, and 1.35 ± 0.05 g/kg bw/day, respectively. An estimated 4.5% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy consumed less protein than the EAR of 0.66 g/kg bw/day; among women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, 12.1% and 12.8% of women, respectively, consumed less protein than the EAR of 0.88 g/kg bw/day. Animal sources of protein accounted for approximately 66% of total protein. Findings from this study show that one in eight women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy have inadequate intake of protein. Pregnant women should be encouraged to consume sufficient levels of protein from a variety of sources.

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