1. Comparing Canada's 2018 proposed and 2022 final front-of-pack labelling regulations using generic food composition data and a nationally representative dietary intake survey.
- Author
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Lee JJ, Mulligan C, Ahmed M, and L'Abbé MR
- Subjects
- Humans, Canada, Adult, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Nutrition Policy, Diet Surveys, Young Adult, Diet statistics & numerical data, Aged, Energy Intake, Food Labeling legislation & jurisprudence, Nutritive Value
- Abstract
Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the potential dietary impact of proposed and final front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) regulations (published in Canada Gazette I (CG1) and Canada Gazette II (CG2) , respectively) by examining the difference in the prevalence of foods that would require a 'High in' front-of-pack nutrition symbol and nutrient intakes from those foods consumed by Canadian adults., Design: Foods in a generic food composition database ( n 3676) were categorised according to the details of FOPL regulations in CGI and CGII , and the differences in the proportion of foods were compared. Using nationally representative dietary survey data, potential intakes of nutrients from foods that would display a 'High in' nutrition symbol according to CGI and CGII were compared., Setting: Canada., Participants: Canadian adults (≥ 19 years; n 13 495)., Results: Compared with CGI , less foods would display a 'High in' nutrition symbol (Δ = -6 %) according to CGII (saturated fat = -4 %, sugars = -1 %, sodium = -3 %). Similarly, potential intakes of nutrients-of-concern from foods that would display a 'High in' nutrition symbol were reduced according to CGII compared with CGI (saturated fat = -21 %, sugars = -2 %, sodium = -6 %). Potential intakes from foods that would display a 'High in' nutrition symbol were also reduced for energy and nutrients-to-encourage, including protein, fibre, calcium and vitamin D., Conclusions: Changes to FOPL regulations may have blunted their potential to limit intakes of nutrients-of-concern; however, they likely averted potential unintended consequences on intakes of nutrients-to-encourage for Canadians (e.g. calcium and vitamin D). To ensure policy objectives are met, FOPL regulations must be monitored regularly and evaluated over time.
- Published
- 2024
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