scholarly journals Nutrition Food Labeling in the Saudi Market between Compliance and Relaxing Policy

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amal AlMughthem ◽  
Hoda Jradi ◽  
Amen Bawazir
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
Nutritional Elements ◽  
Nutritional Components ◽  
Hydrogenated Fat ◽  
Nutritional Facts

Background: With increased demand for prepackaged food, the nutrient content of those products has increased especially fat, sugar, and sodium. We aimed to assess the compliance of nutritional labeling and to analyze the stated nutritional components as presented on prepackaged food products in Saudi market. Methods: A total of 1153 foods were randomly sampled from fourteen stores. Nutritional information was taken from nutrient declarations present on food labels and assessed through a comparison of mean levels and assess compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations. Results: Overall, of the total number of products surveyed, 88% displayed nutritional facts, while 12% did not. Of the total products that had nutritional facts, only 38% met SFDA requirements while 97% disclosed the four key nutritional elements (energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat). In total, almost one third of the products had a high fat content, 40% were high in sugar and 20% were high in Sodium. We found also, 20% listed hydrogenated fat in their ingredient information, 90% of which was fully hydrogenated, while 10% was partially hydrogenated. Conclusion: There was a high percentage of products that displayed nutritional facts, but only a small percentage complied with SFDA's recent regulations. Food reformulation could have an extraordinary potential to overcome the increase in nutrition-related chronic disease in Saudi Arabia, and the information acquired from this paper provides an overview of thinking about the food supply as a major source needed for a national intervention.

scholarly journals Does the current Scope of nutrition labelling provided in the Saudi markets cope with the increasing trend of chronic disease?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda Jr ◽  
Amal AlMughthem ◽  
Amen A Bawazir
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Nutritional Components ◽  
Hydrogenated Fat ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Nutritional Facts

Abstract Background: With increased demand for prepackaged food, the nutrient content of those products has increased especially fat, sugar, and sodium. We aimed to assess the compliance of nutritional labeling and to analyze the stated nutritional components as presented on prepackaged food products in Saudi market. Methods: A total of 1153 foods were randomly sampled from fourteen stores. Nutritional information was taken from nutrient declarations present on food labels and assessed through a comparison of mean levels and assess compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations. Results: Overall, of the total number of products surveyed, 88% displayed nutritional facts, while 12% did not. Of the total products that had nutritional facts, only 38% met SFDA requirements while 97% disclosed the four key nutritional elements (energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat). In total, almost one third of the products had a high fat content, 40% were high in sugar and 20% were high in Sodium. We found also, 20% listed hydrogenated fat in their ingredient information, 90% of which was fully hydrogenated, while 10% was partially hydrogenated. Conclusion: There was a high percentage of products that displayed nutritional facts, but only a small percentage complied with SFDA's recent regulations. Food reformulation could have an extraordinary potential to overcome the increase in nutrition-related chronic disease in Saudi Arabia, and the information acquired from this paper provides an overview of thinking about the food supply as a major source needed for a national intervention.

scholarly journals ROTULAGEM DE ALIMENTOS COMO VEÍCULO DE INFORMAÇÃO AO CONSUMIDOR: ADEQUAÇÕES E IRREGULARIDADES

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
NÁDIA YOSHIZAWA ◽  
RENATA TOEDTER POSPISSIL ◽  
ALESSANDRA GODINHO VALENTIM ◽  
DANIELA SEIXAS ◽  
FERNANDA SANT’ANNA ALVES ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Labeling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Essential Nutrients ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
Brazilian Legislation ◽  
Efficient Control ◽  
Therapeutic Properties ◽  
The Law ◽  
Obligatory Information

Investigou-se a adequação de 220 rótulos de alimentos de diferentes categorias com ênfase nos alimentos para fins especiais e os adicionados de nutrientes essenciais. Observou-se que a maioria dos fabricantes não cumpre a legislação brasileira em vigor, pois todos os rótulos analisados apresentaram alguma irregularidade. Verificou-se ausência de informações sobre o modo de conservação do produto (25%) e sobre a presença de corante ou aroma artificial (16,77%) nos alimentos. Também foram encontradas informações que poderiam causar engano ao consumidor (19,9%), incluindo alegações de propriedades terapêuticas dos alimentos. Em mais de 50% dos rótulos analisados, segundo a Resolução RDC 40/01, foram constatadas incorreções relativas à informação nutricional. As principais discordâncias em relação às demais portarias vigentes envolveram informações e declarações obrigatórias e específicas de cada norma. Concluiu-se que a maioria dos rótulos dos produtos analisados encontrava-se em desacordo com a legislação, havendo necessidade de fiscalização mais eficaz para reforçar o compromisso dos fabricantes com o consumidor. FOOD LABELING AS A MEANS OF INFORMATION TO THE CONSUMER: ADEQUACY AND IRREGULARITIES Abstract It was investigated for adequacy 220 food labels of different categories, with emphasis on food for special dietary uses and foods with essential nutrients added. It was observed that most of the manufacturers do not fulfill the actual Brazilian legislation because all the labels analyzed showed some irregularities. It was verified absence of information about the product conservation (25%) and the presence of colorant or artificial flavor (16,77%) in the foods. Also information that could confuse the consumer (19,9%) was found, including allegations of therapeutic properties of the food. In more than 50% of the labels analyzed according to Resolution RDC 40/01, a discrepancy involving the established nutritional information was verified. The main inconsistencies in relation to the actual law involved obligatory information and statements of each norm. It was concluded that most of the labels in the market was in disagreement with the law, proclaiming the need of a more efficient control and a higher commitment of the manufacturers with the consumer.

scholarly journals Food Labeling: Analysis, Understanding, and Perception

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Daniela Martini ◽  
Davide Menozzi
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Food Labels

Food labels are the first informative tool found by the customers during shopping, and are informative in terms of ingredients, nutrient content, and the presence of allergens of the selected product [...]

Food labels – status and consumers’ attitude on the Serbian food market

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilija Djekic ◽  
Nada Smigic
Keyword(s):  
Food Products ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sport Activities ◽  
Label Information ◽  
Food Market ◽  
Nutritional Facts

Purpose – This paper aims to present results from a research that analyzed the quality of labels available in the Serbian food market and consumers’ attitudes toward food labels. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 899 food labels have been analyzed in relation to the presence of legally required information, their readability to average consumer and presence of nutritional/health claims and/or nutritional information. In parallel, 400 respondents were interviewed in the survey of consumers’ attitudes regarding labels. Findings – Results revealed that 38.2 per cent of food products hold labels that are not fully readable to average consumers. Regarding basic label information, 11 per cent of foods have missing information in terms of series/lot identification. The majority of the products (87.4 per cent) have only basic nutritional information with 4.6 per cent of products holding nutritional claims. Consumers with active sport activities showed higher awareness of nutritional information. There were no statistically significant differences between smokers and non-smokers regarding their attitudes toward nutritional information. Age and education play a significant role in ranking nutritional facts. The most important nutritional information is fat content, followed by sugar and vitamins. Research limitations/implications – The nature of the study did not allow conclusions regarding causal relationship between food products and consumers as well as if nutritional information affects consumers’ choices and purchasing patronage. Originality/value – The findings of this study are worthy, as they report the Serbian consumers’ understanding of labels and nutritional information as well as the status food labels sold in the Serbian market.

scholarly journals Consumer Knowledge about Food Labeling and Fraud

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1095
Author(s):  
Maria João Moreira ◽  
Juan García-Díez ◽  
José M. M. M. de Almeida ◽  
Cristina Saraiva
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Consumer Knowledge ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Food Fraud ◽  
Different Types

Food fraud is a growing problem and happens in many ways including mislabelling. Since lack of consumers’ knowledge about mandatory food labeling information and different types of food fraud may impact public health, the present work assesses consumers’ knowledge about these issues. Principal component analysis was performed to obtain a smaller number of uncorrelated factors regarding the usefulness and confidence of information displayed in food labels and the perception of food fraud. Results indicated that information displayed in food labels is useful, however the way it is presented may decrease consumer interest and understanding. Regarding respondents’ confidence in foodstuffs, over half of them stated that information provided in food labels is reliable. However, a lack of confidence about food composition is observed in those processed foodstuffs such as meat products. Food fraud is recognized by more than half of respondents with a higher perception of those practices that imply a risk to public health than those related to economic motivation. Age and education of consumers influenced the perception of the information displayed in the food labels, their confidence and knowledge about food fraud. Implementation of education programs to increase consumer knowledge about food labelling and fraud is essential. Respondents’ perception results could be use as guidelines by the food industry to improve food label design in order to enhance consumer understanding.

scholarly journals Relationship between Marketing to Children on Food Labeling and Critical Nutrient Content in Processed and Ultra-Processed Products Sold in Supermarkets in Lima, Peru

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3666
Author(s):  
Daniella Torres-Schiaffino ◽  
Lorena Saavedra-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Processed Products ◽  
Marketing To Children

Consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased alarmingly, representing a risk to children’s health. Different techniques in marketing to kids (M2K) used on food labels are influencing the purchasing decisions of these products. This study aims to provide useful information about M2K found in labeling of food products sold in a supermarket chain in Lima, Peru and to determine its relationship with critical nutrient content. This was an observational, correlational, descriptive study. Data were collected by photographing the front-of-pack (FoP) of 2747 product labels sold in three supermarkets in Lima, but only those that met all the inclusion criteria were evaluated (n = 1092). A relationship was found between the use of techniques in marketing to kids and the level of critical nutrient regarding saturated fat (PR = 0.56; CI95%: 0.52–0.63), total sugar (PR = 1.70; CI95%: 1.64–1.77), and sodium (PR = 1.05; CI95%: 1.03–1.07). Particularly with sugar, the presence of M2K is a risk factor. New regulatory policies for the use of these food labeling techniques should be implemented to improve children’s health at the population level.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Awareness and Knowledge of Beans in Relation to Their Nutrient Content and Role in Chronic Disease Risk

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doma ◽  
Farrell ◽  
Leith-Bailey ◽  
Soucier ◽  
Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Heart Health ◽  
Chronic Disease Risk ◽  
Total Fat

Awareness and knowledge of nutrient-dense foods are important for older adults to help them make dietary choices that support a food-first approach to healthy aging. This is especially important since age is a major risk factor for chronic disease and the proportion of older adults in North America is increasing. Beans can contribute to a food-first approach to healthy aging as they are nutrient-dense and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, studies exploring awareness and knowledge of beans in older adults are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore older adults’ awareness of beans in relation to their nutrient content and role in chronic disease risk. Community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years old) were recruited and completed a validated researcher-administered questionnaire (n = 250), which was followed by 10 focus groups (n = 49). Results showed that the majority of older adults considered beans as a healthy food and thought consuming them could improve their health (99.2% and 98.0%, respectively); however, only 51.2% were bean consumers. While the majority (83.6%) of older adults were aware that a serving of beans is high in dietary fibre, bean consumers were significantly more likely to think that consuming beans could improve health areas related to dietary fibre including body weight management and constipation. Furthermore, most (84.8%) older adults thought consuming beans could improve heart health; however, bean consumers were significantly more likely to be aware that one serving of beans is low in nutrients relevant to heart health including total fat, saturated and trans fat as well as cholesterol. This research can help to inform healthcare professionals and public health agencies to create specific dietary strategies focusing on increasing older adults’ awareness and knowledge of beans in relation to their nutrient profile and role in promoting health.

The contradictions of food labelling policy

1995 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Lang
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Market Theory ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Nutritional Information

A variety of food labelling issues are reviewed: information about manufacturers' names, quality standards and quality marks, nutritional information, health claims, advertising, additives, genetically modified organisms, pesticides, organic foods, eco-labelling and animal welfare. Some of these issues are reasonably fully reflected in food labels and others not at all. There are different possible explanations for this variation in coverage. There is little consistency of approach to labelling, and there are grounds for questioning whether food labelling is working to the benefit of consumers. Market theory requires consumers to be fully informed for the market to work. But theory and reality are ill-matched because food labelling has itself become a battleground, rather than a tool to enable the market to work. Market theory either needs to be applied or to be changed. Food labelling is not the answer to getting better food, better food production, or even better flows of information. At best, the struggle for more honest labelling can be an educational process in itself.

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