scholarly journals Total and Free Sugar Levels and Main Types of Sugars Used in 18,784 Local and Imported Pre-Packaged Foods and Beverages Sold in Hong Kong

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3404
Author(s):  
Lok Yin Chan ◽  
Daisy Coyle ◽  
Jason Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

There is limited information regarding the free sugar content of pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong. This study aims to assess the free sugar content and identify the most frequently used free sugar ingredients (FSI) in pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong. Data from 18,784 products from the 2019 FoodSwitch Hong Kong database were used in this analysis. Ingredient lists were screened to identify FSI. Total sugar content was derived from nutrition labels on packaging. Free sugar content was estimated based on adaptation of a previously established systematic methodology. Descriptive statistics of the total sugar and free sugar content, as well as the mean ±SD contribution of free sugar to total sugar of the audited products were calculated, stratified by food groups. Almost two-thirds (64.5%) of the pre-packaged foods contained at least one FSI. ‘Sugar (sucrose)’ was the most popular FSI that was found in more than half (54.7%) of the products. ‘Fruit and vegetable juices’ (median 10.0; IQR 8.3–11.5 g/100 mL) were found to have a higher median free sugar content than ‘Soft drinks’ (8.0; 6.0–10.6 g/100 mL). Mean ±SD contribution of free sugar to the total sugar content was 65.8 ± 43.4%, with 8 out of 14 food groups having > 70% total sugar as free sugar. To conclude, free sugar, especially sucrose, was extensively used in a wide variety of pre-packaged products sold in Hong Kong. Further studies are needed to assess the population intake of free sugar in Hong Kong to inform public health policy on free sugar reduction.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2371
Author(s):  
Daiana Quintiliano Scarpelli ◽  
Anna Christina Pinheiro Fernandes ◽  
Lorena Rodriguez Osiac ◽  
Tito Pizarro Quevedo

Chile has implemented several strategies to decrease the burden of obesity and chronic diseases. The Food Labeling and Advertising Law (Law 20.606) requires a front-of-package “high in” warning label when energy and nutrients of concern (ENC) (total sugar, saturated fats, sodium) exceed established limits. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Law 20.606 on the ENC declaration of packaged foods in Chile, before and after the law implementation. We analyzed food nutritional labeling declarations from 70% of the most consumed packaged foods in Chile. Data collection was conducted in 2013 and 2019 in Santiago. Pictures from all sides of the package were taken from 476 products, classified into 16 food groups. All food groups had changes in the ENC declaration during the study period. Total sugar content showed the highest reduction (−15.0%; p = 0.001). Dairy, confitures and similar and sugary beverages had the greatest reduction in energy and total sugar content (p < 0.01). Energy, total sugar and sodium front of package “high in” simulation was significantly reduced in dairy, sugary beverages, flour-based foods, confitures and similar, fish and seafoods, fats and oils, spices, condiments and sauces and sugars (p < 0.05). We observed that companies reformulated products to adapt to the new regulation.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3009
Author(s):  
Leng Huat Foo ◽  
Ying Jing Tan

Schools are an important food environment to cultivate and promote healthy food choices and practices among children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess the type and quality of food and beverages sold in school canteens in public primary and secondary schools in Kelantan, Malaysia. Eligible schools were randomly selected from the list of all schools and detailed information of all food and beverage items sold in the school canteens were collected during school days. Food and beverages were classified based on food groups derived from the Malaysian Food Dietary Guideline and the Recommended Foods for Healthy Cafeteria Guideline. An assessment of the traffic-light nutrition food-labelling system of the total sugar content in all pre-packaged foods was also undertaken. A total of 568 food items were identified, with secondary school canteens selling a greater proportion of food items than the primary schools (55.5% vs. 44.5%). In terms of the main food groups, grains and cereal products represented the largest food group served (33–36%), followed by beverages (21–25%) and confectionary and sweet foods (12–13%). In contrast, the vegetable and fruit group represented the smallest proportion of food items sold (1–3%). Comparisons between primary and secondary schools showed a similar trend and pattern of food types and quality of foods sold, except for animal-based foods. A greater percentage of food items in this category was found among secondary schools (12.1%) versus primary schools (6.7%). When total sugar content of all pre-packaged foods was quantified based on the traffic-light nutrition-labelling system, almost one-third of foods and beverages were classified as high (29.1%). Confectionary (19.1%) and flavoured milk and fruit drinks (10.0%) both exceeded the recommended sugar levels of >22.5 g per 100 g and >11.25 mL per 100 m L, respectively. Only one of these packaged foods and beverages (0.9%) was classified as a healthy food choice. About a quarter of the food items available in school canteens were classified as prohibited based on a new revised list of prohibited food and beverage items. These findings indicate that, despite the Guidelines, a large number of unhealthy food items are being sold in school canteens. Hence, interventions such as sustainable healthy school canteen menus should be implemented to promote healthy food choices amongst school-aged children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
Herviana Amriani ◽  
Husain Syam ◽  
Mohammad Wijaya

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding stevia leaves to the production of the crown god fruit tea produced and to find out the reception of the panelists on the produced crown god fruit tea. This study used a one-factor completely randomized design (CRD) method with 6 levels of treatment (Fruit crown god: Stevia leaves), namely 5: 1, 5: 2, 5: 3, 5: 4, 5: 5. The first stage is the red crown of the fruit which is sorted and then washed thoroughly. The second stage of the flesh of the god's crown is then thinly sliced and then dried. The third stage is added dry stevia leaves with various concentrations namely 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g. The last stage is the dried crown god fruit that has been added to the stevia leaf, brewed with 200 ml of hot water, then stirred evenly. The parameters observed were the antioxidant, polyphenol, and sugar levels. The data analysis technique used in this study was variance analysis which was then processed using SPSS version 22. The results showed that the treatment of adding stevia leaves to the antioxidant, polyphenol and total sugar levels in the treatment of the crown god fruit: Stevia leaves (5: 5) is the best treatment with an antioxidant value of 90.73%, polyphenols 0.6128 mg / ml, and total sugar content of 1.42%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (16) ◽  
pp. 2870-2878
Author(s):  
Jodi T Bernstein ◽  
Anthea K Christoforou ◽  
Madyson Weippert ◽  
Mary R L’Abbé

AbstractObjective:To quantify total sugar reformulation in Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages between 2013 and 2017 and identify changes in the nutritional composition of the foods and beverages reformulated to be lower in total sugar.Design:Longitudinal examination of foods and beverages present in both 2013 and 2017 collections of the University of Toronto’s Food Label Information Program database (n 6628 matched products). The proportion of products with changes in sugar levels was determined. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine changes in sugar levels overall for products lower or higher in sugar and changes in nutrient composition for products lower in sugar.Setting:Largest grocery retailers by market share in Canada.Participants:Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages.Results:The majority (76·6 %) of products had no change in total sugar content, 12·4 % were reformulated to be lower in sugar and 11·0 % were higher in sugar. A median sugar reduction of 19·0 % (1·6 g) was seen among products lower in sugar which was offset by a median 18·0 % (1·5 g) increase among products higher in sugar. Overall, median levels of energies and other nutrients stayed the same or decreased among products reformulated to be lower in sugar, the exception was for starch, which increased.Conclusions:Limited progress was made to reformulate foods and beverages to be lower in total sugar between 2013 and 2017. Results from this study identify areas in the food supply where attention may be needed to avoid unintended consequences of sugar-focused reformulation in terms of overall nutritional composition.


2019 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 622-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Eyles ◽  
Kathy Trieu ◽  
Yannan Jiang ◽  
Cliona Ni Mhurchu

ABSTRACT Background Reducing sugar in packaged foods and beverages could help protect children's future health. Clear methods for the development of feasible yet impactful sugar reduction program targets are needed. Objectives To outline methods for the development of program targets that would reduce, by 20%, the total sugar content of packaged foods and beverages commonly consumed by children. New Zealand (NZ) is used as a case study. Methods Sugar content and pack size targets were developed using a 6-step process informed by the UK sugar and salt reduction programs. Food groups contributing ≥2% to children's total sugar intake were identified using national dietary survey data. Consumption volume, sugar content, and pack size were obtained from household panel data linked with a packaged food composition database. Category-specific targets were set as 20% reductions in sales-weighted means adjusted for feasibility, i.e., ∼1/3 of products already meeting the target, and alignment with existing, relevant targets. Results Twenty-two food groups were identified as major contributors to NZ children's total sugar intake. Mean reductions required in sugar content and pack size to meet the targets were 5.2 g  per 100 g/mL (26%) and 61.2 g/mL/pack (23%), respectively. The percentage of products already meeting the sugar targets ranged from 14% for electrolyte drinks and flavored dairy milk to 50% for cereal bars, and for pack size targets compliance ranged from 32% for chocolate confectionary to 62% for fruit juices and drinks. Estimated reductions in annual household sugar purchases if the sugar and pack size targets were met were 1459 g (23%) and 286 g (6%), respectively. Conclusions Methods for the development of sugar and pack size reduction targets are presented, providing a robust, step-by-step process for countries to follow. The results of the case study provide a suggested benchmark for a potential national sugar reduction program in NZ.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1861
Author(s):  
Billy Yin Sing O ◽  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Elizabeth K. Dunford ◽  
Jason H.Y. Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

This study aims to examine the use of non-nutritive (NNSs) and low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) in pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong and the differences in the number of NNSs/LCSs used between products from different regions. In a cross-sectional audit, the types of NNSs/LCSs used in 19,915 pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong were examined by searching the ingredients list of the included products for keywords related to 20 common NNSs/LCSs and their respective E-numbers. Prevalence of use of NNSs and LCSs, the co-presence of NNSs/LCSs and free sugar ingredients (FSI), and the number of NNSs/LCSs used in the included foods were computed. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the total number of NNSs and/or LCSs used in food items from different regions. Sucralose (E955) was the most commonly used NNS (1.9%), followed by acesulfame K (E950, 1.6%). Sorbitol was the most commonly used LCS (2.9%). Overall, the use of LCSs was less common compared with NNSs (3.7% vs. 4.5%). The use of different types of NNSs varied substantially between food types. Notably, 20.2% of potato crisps and 15.2% of other crisps or extruded snacks contained at least one NNS and/or LCS. Co-presence of FSIs and NNSs/LCSs were most common in confectionery (15.7%) and snack foods (15.5%). Asian prepackaged foods were more likely to contain NNSs/LCSs (10.1%) compared with those from other regions. To conclude, NNSs/LCSs were used in a wide range of non-diet pre-packaged products which could be a public health concern due to their higher consumption frequencies than “diet” products.


1993 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Robert ◽  
M.F. Devaux ◽  
A. Qannari ◽  
M. Safar

Multivariate data treatments were applied to mid and near infrared spectra of glucose, fructose and sucrose solutions in order to specify near infrared frequencies that characterise each carbohydrate. As a first step, the mid and near infrared regions were separately studied by performing Principal Component Analyses. While glucose, fructose and sucrose could be clearly identified on the similarity maps derived from the mid infrared spectra, only the total sugar content of the solutions was observed when using the near infrared region. Characteristic wavelengths of the total sugar content were found at 2118, 2270 and 2324 nm. In a second step, the mid and near infrared regions were jointly studied by a Canonical Correlation Analysis. As the assignments of frequencies are generally well known in the mid infrared region, it should be useful to study the relationships between the two infrared regions. Thus, the canonical patterns obtained from the near infrared spectra revealed wavelengths that characterised each carbohydrate. The OH and CH combination bands were observed at: 2088 and 2332 nm for glucose, 2134 and 2252 nm for fructose, 2058 and 2278 nm for sucrose. Although a precise assignment of the near infrared bands to chemical groups within the molecules was not possible, the present work showed that near infrared spectra of carbohydrates presented specific features.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (16) ◽  
pp. 9421-9422 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Peng ◽  
E.V. Davis ◽  
L.X. Wang ◽  
C.W. Zhang

2014 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Ostrzycka ◽  
Marcin Horbowicz ◽  
Włodzimierz Dobrzański ◽  
Leszek S. Jankiewicz ◽  
Jan Borkowski

Tomatillo is widely cultivated in Mexico but is little known in other countries. The chemical composition of fruit from field grown plants was investigated during several vegetative seasons. Tomatillo contained a relatively high percentage of dry matter (7-10%) and extract (6.6-7.4%). Its potassium content was lower than that of tomato growing in the same conditions. The content of iron was higher, and that of other elements was comparable, depending on the conditions during the given year. The total sugar content amounted to 2.8-5.7%, depending on the selected population. The percentage of glucose and fructose decreased during ripening and that of saccharose increased. The content of pectic substances was similar as in tomato but the proportions of particular fractions was different. Tomatillo contained more acids than tomato, and showed an especially high citric and malic acid content. The latter decreased drastically during ripening. The content of oxalic acid was 11-18 mg 100 g<sup>-1</sup> in ripe fruit and up to 54 mg in unripe. The vitamin C content depended on the selected population and amounted to 8-21 mg 100 g<sup>-1</sup>, dehydroascorbic acid prevailing. The content of vitamin PP was 0.8-1.3 mg 100 g<sup>-1</sup>.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1986-1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Machado Rech ◽  
Fábio Henrique Weiler ◽  
Marco Flôres Ferrão

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