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Let G(p,q) be a simple graph, where p is the number of vertices and q is the number of edges if there exists a one-to-one mapping f: E(G)→{1,2,...,|E|}, so that for any two vertices uv∈E(G), if d(u)=d(v), then S(u)=S(v), where ... represents the degree of vertex u, f is called the Adjacent Vertex Reducible Edge Labeling (AVREL) of G. Building on the current graph labeling algorithm, a heuristic search algorithm is designed, and this algorithm is used to label random graphs with less than 12 vertices and obtain the result set of adjacent vertex reducible edge labeling. Based on the analysis of the result set and combining it with the known theorem, the adjacent vertex reducible edge labeling law of other compound graphs is obtained, and the related proof is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economica: Revistă Ştiinţifico-Didactică is the property of Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (AESM) / Academia de Studii Economice din Moldova (AESM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most scientists claim that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods are safe for human consumption and offer societal benefits such as better nutritional content. However, many consumers remain skeptical about their safety. Against this backdrop of diverging views, the authors investigate the impact of different GMO labeling policy regimes on the products consumers choose. Guided by the literature on negativity bias, structural alignment theory, and message presentation, and based on findings from four experiments, the authors show that consumer demand for GM foods depends on the labeling regime policy makers adopt. Both absence-focused ("non-GMO") and presence-focused ("contains GMO") labeling regimes reduce the market share of GM foods, with the reduction being greater in the latter case. GMO labels reduce the importance consumers place on price and enhance their willingness to pay for non-GM products. Results indicate that specific label design choices policy makers implement (in the form of color and style) also affect consumer responses to GM labeling. Consumer attitudes toward GMOs moderate this effect—consumers with neutral attitudes toward GMOs are influenced most significantly by the label design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on legal aspects related to animal husbandry labelling, meat industry regulations and environmental information in product labelling. Topics discussed include the new animal husbandry labelling act; the Italian ban on meat-sounding names and cell-cultured meat; the regulatory situation in the European Union (EU) on lab-grown ingredients imitating milk proteins; and highlighting the need for transparency and sustainability in product labeling and consumer choices.

Performance of classifiers is often measured in terms of average accuracy on test data. Despite being a standard measure, average accuracy fails in characterising the fit of the model to the underlying conditional law of labels given the features vector (⁠ Y ∣ X ⁠), e.g. due to model misspecification, over fitting, and high-dimensionality. In this paper, we consider the fundamental problem of assessing the goodness-of-fit for a general binary classifier. Our framework does not make any parametric assumption on the conditional law Y ∣ X and treats that as a black-box oracle model which can be accessed only through queries. We formulate the goodness-of-fit assessment problem as a tolerance hypothesis testing of the form H 0 : E [ D f (B e r n (η (X)) ‖ B e r n (η ^ (X))) ] ≤ τ where D f represents an f -divergence function, and η (x) ⁠ , η ^ (x) ⁠ , respectively, denote the true and an estimate likelihood for a feature vector x admitting a positive label. We propose a novel test, called G oodness-of-fit with Ra ndomisation and S coring P rocedure (GRASP) for testing H 0 ⁠ , which works in finite sample settings, no matter the features (distribution-free). We also propose model-X GRASP designed for model-X settings where the joint distribution of the features vector is known. Model-X GRASP uses this distributional information to achieve better power. We evaluate the performance of our tests through extensive numerical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), the field of creativity faces new opportunities and challenges. This manifesto explores several scenarios of human–machine collaboration on creative tasks and proposes "fundamental laws of generative AI" to reinforce the responsible and ethical use of AI in the creativity field. Four scenarios are proposed and discussed: "Co‐Cre‐AI‐tion," "Organic," "Plagiarism 3.0," and "Shut down," each illustrating different possible futures based on the collaboration between humans and machines. In addition, we have incorporated an AI‐generated manifesto that also highlights important themes, ranging from accessibility and ethics to cultural sensitivity. The fundamental laws proposed aim to prevent AIs from generating harmful content and competing directly with humans. Creating labels and laws are also highlighted to ensure responsible use of AIs. The positive future of creativity and AI lies in a harmonious collaboration that can benefit everyone, potentially leading to a new level of creative productivity respecting ethical considerations and human values during the creative process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of food allergies varies by country, as does each country's food allergen labeling. While labeling laws may vary by country, most follow the Codex Alimentarius. Even developing countries have some degree of labeling guidelines for food allergies, but it is highly developed countries that tend to implement stricter labeling regulations to protect their citizens and tourists. Different organizations, both domestic and international, such as Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), work to advance food allergen labeling laws around the globe. Eating out and traveling can be anxiety-provoking for people with food allergies, especially when traveling to international destinations. Furthermore, experiences that young children, teenagers, and parents have with food allergies can have psychosocial and social impacts. To evaluate food allergen labeling laws across the globe, official legal documents outlining the laws pertaining to foods and allergen food labeling were reviewed for each respective country or region. These were organized according to continent, then region or country. The majority of countries require that major food groups be listed on food labels, including milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, treenuts, fish, and shellfish. There are individual variations across regions depending on staples in respective diets. With increasing rates of food allergies worldwide, legislative action is needed to ensure that people living with food allergies can more safely purchase and consume foods. Until then, the work of avoiding accidental ingestions and anaphylaxis remains primarily with the individual, who must educate themselves on labeling laws and implement other protective measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol labelling laws and policy are contentious and highly politicized. Very few countries have been able to implement health warnings on alcohol labels due to complex legal and governance systems and coordinated industry lobbying. In 2020, Australia and New Zealand implemented a mandatory and evidence-based legal standard for pregnancy warning labels on alcohol products. This article discusses some of the challenges faced in achieving policy change and how these barriers were overcome by public health advocacy groups to build the evidence, counter industry conflicts of interest, consumer test health messages, mobilize community support and gather political support. Reflecting on the decades of ineffective regulation and politicization of this health issue, lessons for other countries include the importance of creating and maintaining relationships with decision makers and regularly updating them with evidence and recommendations, highlighting industry failures and tactics, building broad-based coalitions and sharing lived-experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper leverages a quasi-natural experiment in Vermont to analyze the effects of mandatory GMO labeling on consumer demand. The United States recently mandated disclosure labels on all foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), despite longstanding, widespread use of voluntary third-party non-GMO labeling. We leverage the earlier passage and implementation of a mandatory GMO labeling law in Vermont as a quasi-natural experiment to show that adding this mandatory labeling into a market with pre-existing voluntary non-GMO labels had no effect on demand. Instead, the legislative process made consumers aware of GMO topics and increased non-GMO product sales before the GMO labeling mandate went into effect. The GMO-related legislative processes also increased non-GMO product demand in other states that considered, but did not implement, GMO labeling mandates. We find that 36% of new non-GMO product adoption can be explained by differences in consumer awareness tied to legislative activity. Our findings suggest that voluntary non-GMO labels may have provided an efficient disclosure mechanism without mandatory GMO labels. History: Avi Goldfarb served as the senior editor and Anja Lambrecht served as associate editor for this article. Funding: This research was funded in part by the Cornell University Business of Food Small Grants Program. Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2022.1375. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders impact 1 in 100 live births in France. France is one of the few countries with mandated labelling that must include a pregnancy warning. However, as the regulation passed with minimal specifications regarding the size and colour of the ensuing pictogram, the current pregnancy warning labels (PWLs) is often barely visible. This study investigated the potential influence of the PWL design on women's attention and alcohol product choice. The study used a within-subject experiment, with participants exposed to four PWL conditions. An eye-tracking method was adopted. Eye movement was used as a proxy for measuring visual attention. In total, 4752 observations were collected (99 participants × 48 wine bottles) among women of childbearing age. The results show that almost none of the participants paid attention to the current French PWL. However, the findings also indicate that a larger colourful PWL, with a combined text and pictogram, attracts far more attention, and that participants chose the bottles of wine displaying this type of PWL less frequently. The study indicates that the current French PWL is insufficient to draw women's attention and suggests improvements to the PWL design to help increase its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, based on the author's winning presentation at the BDNG Annual Conference in 2021, considers the flammability and fire risk posed by emollients. To test different risk factors, the author partnered with a local fire brigade, following a conversation with her firefighter husband, to understand the risks posed by emollient-soaked cloths and to carry out practical experiments to see how these risk factors translated to real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite progress made by many countries on the adoption of plain tobacco packaging laws over the last years, low- and middle-income countries, with a large supply of loose cigarettes via informal vendors, remain far behind. To study the potential effectiveness of plain tobacco packaging and dissuasive cigarette sticks, via willingness-to-pay estimates, when illicit cigarette options are available. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) in which respondents chose licit and illicit products with three attributes: packaging (standard vs. plain packaging), stick design (branded stick vs. stick with warning), and price level. The sample, collected on 12/2021, consisted of 1761 respondents from an internet panel involving smokers and nonsmokers. Conditional logit and latent class models were used to estimate the willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid restrictive packaging elements. Nonsmokers are willing to pay USD $5.63 for a pack of cigarettes to avoid plain packaging, which is higher than the actual commercial price of illicit cigarettes (USD $2.40). The WTP increases to USD $12.14 in the presence of illicit alternatives. Smokers are also willing to pay to avoid illicit options, which they also deem riskier, and the presence of such options increases the WTP to avoid plain packaging. However, nonsmokers do not perceive the illicit option as riskier. The dissuasive stick (stick with warning) does not affect perceptions of risk and plays a small role in terms of choice for both smokers and nonsmokers. Even in the presence of illicit tobacco alternatives, plain packaging seems to be as effective in reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products in Colombia as in other countries that have already adopted it. Given conflicting results on the case for dissuasive sticks, there is a need for more research. • Few LMICs have adopted plain tobacco packaging recommendations • Illicit trade (IT) cigarettes and single sticks could reduce policy effectiveness • We designed and implemented a discrete choice experiment in Colombia (N = 1761) • The DCE has as attributes: packaging, stick design, and price level; IT and no IT • Plain packaging reduces the appeal of cigarettes even under the presence of IT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses two polemical works by the Fifth Monarchist John Rogers to argue that Interregnum Millenarian Scriptural hermeneutics cogently draws on Scholastic as well as Reformed authorities. This article traces how in the years of 1652–3, during which England transitions from the rule of the Rump Parliament to the Nominated Assembly, Rogers adapts the questions on voluntary action and human law from Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiæ to extend his defence of Congregationalism to an argument for rule by the Saints. Fifth Monarchists, by labelling all laws and forms of government that were not strictly Biblical as anti-Christian, claim to bypass the problem of how to reconcile human custom with Scriptural law. Ironically, Rogers's argument for the applicability of Deuteronomic law to all nations and at all times draws on Thomistic Aristotelianism to develops its hermeneutical strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warning labels are an important source of health information. This study examined awareness of health warnings on cannabis packages over time in Canada—where large rotating messages are mandated—versus US states with legal adult-use cannabis, which have less comprehensive regulations. Repeat cross-sectional data were collected from the International Cannabis Policy Study online surveys among past 12-month cannabis consumers in Canada and the US (n = 38,448). Free recall of warning messages was assessed in 2018–2020, followed by a prompted recognition task (2020 only). Adjusted logistic regression models tested differences in free recall and recognition of warnings between Canada and US states with and without legal adult-use cannabis ("legal" and "illegal" states, respectively). Free recall of ≥1 warning increased to a greater extent in Canada from 2018 (5%; pre-legalization) to 2019 (13%; post-legalization) compared to US "legal" (AOR = 1.93, p < 0.001) and "illegal" states (AOR = 1.80, p = 0.007), and from 2018 to 2020 (5% vs. 15%) compared to US "legal" states (AOR = 2.23, p = 0.027). In all jurisdictions, free recall of warnings was higher among more frequent consumers (p < 0.001) and those who purchased products from legal retail stores/websites (p < 0.001). With few exceptions, when a specific message was mandated (e.g., impaired driving), consumers were more likely to both freely recall and recognize that message (all p < 0.05). Cannabis legalization is associated with greater recall of health warning messages. Awareness of specific warning messages was higher in jurisdictions where the associated warning was mandated on packages, suggesting that warning labels may improve knowledge of cannabis-related health risks. Supplemental data for this article is available online at [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION South Koreans continue to smoke at high rates. Tobacco manufacturers have a history of branding cigarettes with misleading descriptors including the introduction of low or ultra-low tar brand variants. The government bans traditional misleading descriptors (low, mild) but requires the presence of machine-assessed tar yields on cigarette packages. Literature suggests the presence of quantitative constituents can be misleading for smokers. We analyzed the machine-assessed tar value branding and the presence of additional branding that highlight tar levels on South Korean cigarette packs. METHODS In August 2018, we analyzed 178 unique cigarette packs purchased in Seoul and Busan, South Korea using a systematic protocol. Cigarette packs were coded for tar levels and classified as ultra-low, low, mid, and high tar. The presence of misleading descriptors and any additional branding relating to tar or potentially indicating strength were also coded. RESULTS Machine-assessed tar yields ranged from 0.1 to 8 mg. Cigarettes with a 1 mg machine-assessed tar yield accounted for 38% of all packs purchased. A majority (80%) of packs with tar values <3 mg had additional marketing present on the pack that highlighted tar yields, compared to 45% for packs with tar values 3 mg or greater. Many (85%) of the 1 mg packs and all of the 0.1 and 0.5 mg packs had additional marketing present that referenced tar levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that tobacco manufacturers are highlighting and reinforcing the tar yields of lower tar cigarettes by the deliberate use of tar level branding. These actions have the potential to mislead South Korean consumers that some cigarettes are less harmful than others. Strengthening of tobacco packaging regulations to prohibit references to tar yields on packs are needed to further protect consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nicotine labelling was mostly absent from packaging despite detection of nicotine. • Discrepancy between labelled and actual nicotine concentrations in 63.5 % of samples. • Packaging was altered in response to new Australian legislation in October 2021. • Potentially dangerous prohibited compounds were found in 4.2 % of samples. The sale of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prescription only in Australia, regulated under the Standard for Nicotine Vaping Products (TGO110). Australian e-cigarette users, however, are purchasing e-cigarette products outside of the intended pathways. The labelling of e-cigarette packaging (N = 388 boxes) and the chemical composition of disposable e-cigarettes and pods (N = 428) were analysed for adherence to the current Australian regulations. These samples were confiscated from over-the-counter retailers in NSW by the NSW Ministry of Health during 2022 for non-compliance with Australian regulations. Following the announcement of the prescription only model for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Australia in mid-2021 there was a clear shift in the labelling of products. Any mention of the word 'nicotine' was removed from e-cigarette packaging by early 2022 and nicotine warnings were replaced with generic underage sale warnings. Despite this labelling, the vast majority (98.8 %) of devices analysed contained nicotine, most (89 %) at high concentration (>30 mg/mL) and 4.2 % contained at least one chemical prohibited by the TGO110. It appears that manufacturers have removed any mention of nicotine from the original packaging of nicotine-containing disposable e-cigarettes to circumvent restrictions on nicotine-containing products and continue their sale. The packaging of e-cigarette products in Australia is generally not indicative of their contents, particularly nicotine, and most did not display required warnings. Ingredients with associated health risks, prohibited in legal vapes by the TGO110, were found in samples. Consequently, the risks of e-cigarette use cannot be appropriately identified from the information supplied on the packaging or device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cannabis policy trends toward liberalization, assessing cannabis health warning effects becomes increasingly important. This study investigated underlying mechanisms accounting for the effectiveness of cannabis health warnings on protective health intentions. A sample of 1,095 adults (21+) living in legal recreational US states who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months participated in an online experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to view cannabis health warnings that described risks of impaired driving, mental health, and smoke exposure and varied pictures and text (vs. text-only) attributes in warnings. Outcomes were message reactions (cognitive elaboration, fear, and hope), attitudes and beliefs (perceived severity of cannabis harms and perceived susceptibility to cannabis harms, and perceived response and self-efficacy to prevent cannabis harms), and protective health intentions (information-seeking about cannabis health effects and having interpersonal discussions about cannabis harms with family, friends, and medical professionals). MANCOVA results showed no significant differences between text-only vs. pictorial attributes on protective health intentions; thus, warning conditions were controlled and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM results showed that attention to cannabis health warnings (text-only or pictorial) elicited higher cognitive elaboration, fear, and hope—an emotion associated with coping actions that motivate positive expectations of future events. These outcomes, in turn, were associated with greater perceived severity and susceptibility and greater perceived response efficacy, respectively. Hope, perceived severity, and perceived response and self-efficacy were independently associated with greater intentions to seek information about cannabis health effects and to discuss cannabis health harms. Attention to warnings impacted emotions, attitudes, and protective health intentions. Fear is commonly associated with health warning effects, and our results suggest that hope is also an important factor. This research contributes to understanding the effects of cannabis health warnings and can inform regulatory agencies that mandate warnings on cannabis products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the different Na menu labelling approaches that have been considered by state and local policymakers in the USA and to summarise the evidence on the relationship between Na menu labelling and Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers.Design: Proposed and enacted Na menu labelling laws at the state and local levels were reviewed using legal databases and an online search, and a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted on the relationship between Na menu labelling and Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers.Setting: Local and state jurisdictions in the USA.Participants: Not applicable.Results: Between 2000 and 2020, thirty-eight laws - eleven at the local level and twenty-seven at the state level - were proposed to require Na labelling of restaurant menu items. By 2020, eight laws were enacted requiring chain restaurants to label the Na content of menu items. Five studies were identified that evaluated the impact of Na menu labelling on Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers in the USA. The studies had mixed results: two studies showed a statistically significant association between Na menu labelling and reduced Na content of menu items; three showed no effects.Conclusion: Data suggest that Na menu labelling may reduce Na in restaurant menu items, but further rigorous research evaluating Na menu labelling effects on Na content of menu items, as well as on the Na content in menu items purchased by consumers, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a consumable product, alcoholic beverages are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While allergic reactions are rare, this makes it next to impossible for a consumer to know from where the flavors of their beverage are coming. This note proposes a dual partnership with the FDA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to include ingredient labels on all alcoholic beverages. Though alcoholic beverage producers can cite proprietary, pecuniary, and liberty interests at tension with this proposal, all ultimately pale in comparison to the need for consumers to know what is in their glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern conditions of the free market, the falsification of drugs remains one of the main health problems not only in Russia but throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization, the extent of falsification of drugs can vary from one to several tens of percent of the total market for drugs. For this reason, medicines were among the first to fall under the law on mandatory labeling in the Russian Federation. The article describes the prerequisites, stages and difficulties of the transition of the Russian pharmaceutical market from 2020 to the system of mandatory labeling of drugs with identification tools as an element of the state information system for the drugs movement monitoring (DMM) from manufacturers to end consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Papeles del CEIC is the property of Centro de Estudios sobra la Identidad Colectiva, Facultas de Ciencias Sociales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

INTRODUCTION In South Korea, a bill requesting the implementation of graphic health warning labels (GHWLs) on tobacco products was adopted at the Assembly Plenary Session on 29 May 2015, and the law was implemented on 23 December 2016. During the period, a plan of the technical details of GHWLs, such as the making of graphic warnings, was examined by the Regulatory Reform Committee (RRC). This study aims to investigate what the media reported over that period and whether the RRC's policy decisions changed. METHODS We conducted a content analysis of online media reports from the first legislative examination (22 April 2016) to the re-examination (13 May 2016). We coded 150 news reports according to two types (news and opinions) and three slants in terms of being in favor of or opposed to the initially government's implementation plan of GHWLs: positive, negative, and neutral. RESULTS At the first legislative examination, some committee members recommended placing pictorial warnings at the bottom of a cigarette pack as opposed to the plan. Initially, the media reported the results of the committee decisions neutrally. However, over time, positive news and opinions on tobacco control policy and support for positioning the GHWLs at the top of packages increased before the committee carried out the re-examination. Only 15 (10.0%) news reports adopted a negative slant, while the reports with positive (n=101; 67.3%) and neutral slants (n=34; 22.7%) comprised the majority. At the re-examination, the committee withdrew their earlier recommendation to position the GHWLs at the bottom of cigarette packs, finally deciding that the pictorial warnings should be located at the top of the packs, as per the original government's plan. CONCLUSIONS The friendly media coverage of the tobacco control policy suggests that the media would be a major factor in the policymakers' decision. Because the media play an important role in defining social issues in the policy-decision process, garnering support from the media is important in the tobacco control legislative process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of premature deaths. Tobacco control remains a top priority, and health warning labels (HWLs) are one of the recommended methods. This study is aimed at examining the awareness and perceptions of HWLs on cigarette packs among smokers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 smokers who were randomly recruited from three townships in Mandalay in 2018. A face-to-face interview was done using a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Results. About half were 18-40 years old; the majority were males (96.3%) and smokers (93.4%). Nearly all respondents noticed both pictorial warning and text messages, and about half could identify the current size of HWLs. Most of the smokers generally had positive perceptions and opinions on HWLS, and they strongly supported it. About 75% intended to reduce the number of cigarettes, and 18% were willing to quit within 6 months. Those who desired to reduce the number of cigarettes were more likely to quit within 6 months (aOR = 7.6 , 95% CI 1.6-35.9 and aOR = 19.6 , 95% CI 13.0-294.7 for those who had a little and strong desire, respectively). Conclusion. Awareness status and perceptions of the respondents were acceptable, and HWLs have motivated smokers to quit smoking. The Tobacco Control Program needs to strengthen the tobacco control law that prohibits selling loosies in order to maximize the benefits of HWLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the degree of policy congruence, and by extension policy responsiveness, of U.S. federal‐ and state‐level GMO labeling laws from 2011–2016. Utilizing consumer survey data, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates consumers prefer clear text‐based indication if food products contain genetically modified ingredients. However, the federal law adopted in 2016 mandates GMO labeling but with exceptions permitted to clear on‐package text labeling. The results of this study demonstrate that consumer preferences were not adequately represented at the federal level and were misaligned with state policy activities as captured in the aggregate outcome. State legislatures were actively proposing mandatory legislation with only a few cases of success, which did not adequately represent the wishes of the people. Given the misalignment and overall policy incongruence, the consequences of pending federal law are discussed in light of why the voices of the consumer choir were not heard by lawmakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examined the effect of visual optimizations on warning text recall.Methods: We used Amazon's Mechanical Turk to recruit 1854 young adult (18-34 years) electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users or susceptible nonusers. We conducted a between-subjects 3 × 2 × 2 experiment to examine the influence of color (black text on white background [BW] vs. black on yellow [BY] vs. yellow on black [YB]), shape (rectangle vs. novel), and signal word (presence vs. absence of the word "warning"). We randomized participants to view one of 12 warnings on a fictional e-cigarette advertisement. We coded open-ended recall responses into three categories: (1) recalled nothing, (2) recalled something, (3) recalled the concept. We examined main effects on warning text recall using multinomial regression. We examined differences in attention, perceived message effectiveness, and appeal.Results: Those exposed to BW or BY warnings were more likely than those exposed to YB to recall something (AOR = 1.6, AOR = 1.5, respectively) or the concept (OR = 1.4, BW). Those exposed to novel shape (44.7% novel vs. 37.9% rectangle; p = .003) or color (44.5% BY vs. 41.9% YB vs. 37.5% BW; p = .04) warnings were more likely to report attention to the warning. In aided recall, those exposed to the signal word were more likely than those not exposed to select the correct response (64.0% vs. 31.3%; p < .0001). We did not find differences for message effectiveness or appeal.Conclusions: Visual optimizations such as color may influence warning text recall and should be considered for new warnings. Research should continue exploring variations for advertisement warnings to maximize attention to warning text.Implications: This study examines the impact of visual optimizations on recall of the US Food and Drug Administration-mandated e-cigarette advertisement warning text. We found that color might influence warning text recall, but we did not find effects for shape or signal word. It is possible the newly mandated e-cigarette advertisement warnings, which are required to occupy at least 20% of the advertisement, are currently novel enough to attract attention. Future research should examine optimizations following implementation of the new advertisement warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current consensus on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as human food is that genetic modification poses no great risk on human health. However, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (mandatory labeling law), which came into force in 2016, likely increased concerns of fraudulent mislabeling. In this study, we conducted a market survey in order to investigate the prevalence and labeling accuracy of GMOs in Texas during the 2012-2015 period, which was prior to the start of the mandatory labeling law. Polymerase chain reaction detected common transgenes in GM plants in approximately half of 25 vegetable and 4 cornbased snack/cereal samples tested, indicating a high prevalence of GMOs. We also tested about 20 samples of 100% organic vegetables, imported foods, and vegetables from a fast food chain that has a non-GMO policy. In the United States since 2012, products made only with certified organic ingredients and methods (i.e., no genetic modification) can be labeled "100% organic," and thus all of these samples were supposed to contain no GMOs. Our DNA-level analysis demonstrated that none of these samples were GMO positive. Although routine screening is necessary to ensure correct GMO labeling under the mandatory labeling law, these results indicate an honest attitude of food industries toward GMO labeling in Texas, which will help to facilitate effective scientific communication with the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective: The 2010 Affordable Care Act included a provision requiring chain food establishments to post calories on menus. In 2017, prior to the final implementation of the law, 59 of 90 top‐selling chains had fully implemented labelling. This study extends the documentation of compliance to the 200 top‐selling chains after the nationwide requirement went into effect in May 2018. Methods: To determine if restaurants were compliant with the federal menu labelling law, objective information was collected from all 197 of the 200 highest grossing restaurant chains in the United States. The study team obtained information via site visits and internet searches for a convenience sample of restaurants within each of these chains. Results: 94% had implemented menu calorie labelling after the May 2018 deadline. Of the 11 chains not complying, six were full‐service restaurants. Conclusion: Most chain restaurants have complied with the federal calorie labelling law, suggesting that compliance is attainable for all chains. Given this finding, the Food and Drug Administration should initiate enforcement of labelling for noncompliant chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared alcohol a Class 1 carcinogen 30 years ago, few governments have communicated this fact to the public. We illustrate how alcohol industry groups seek to keep their customers in the dark about alcohol-related cancer risks. In Canada, a federally funded scientific study examining the introduction of cancer warning labels on containers was shut down following industry interference. We show that the industry complaints about the study had no legal merit. Of 47 WHO member countries with alcohol warning labels, only South Korea requires cancer warnings on alcohol containers. However, industry complaints, supported by sympathetic governments, helped weaken the warning labels' implementation. Ireland has legislated for cancer warnings but faces continuing legal opposition expressed through regional and global bodies. Cancer societies and the public health community have failed to counter industry pressures to minimize consumer awareness of alcohol's cancer risks. Placing cancer warnings on alcohol containers could make a pivotal difference in motivating both drinkers to consume less and regulators to introduce more effective policies to reduce the serious harms of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the United Kingdom, standardised packaging for cigarettes was phased in between May 2016 and May 2017. We assessed whether there was an association between using standardised packs and warning salience, thoughts about the risks of smoking, thoughts about quitting, and awareness and use of stop-smoking websites. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with current smokers aged 16 and over (N = 1865) recruited in two regions of England between February-April 2017, when both standardised and fully-branded packs were on the market. Participants were asked about use of standardised packs, warning salience (noticing, reading closely), and whether the packs they were using increased thoughts of the risks of smoking and quitting. They were also asked about awareness of stop-smoking websites, source of awareness (including warnings on packs), and whether they had visited a stop-smoking website. Results: Most participants reported currently using standardised packs (76.4%), 9.3% were not currently using them but had previously used them, and 14.3% had never used them. Compared with never users, current users were more likely to have noticed the warnings on packs often/very often (AOR (95%CI) = 2.76 (2.10, 3.63)), read them closely often/very often (AOR(95%CI) = 2.16 (1.51, 3.10)), thought somewhat/a lot about the health risks of smoking (AOR(95%CI) = 1.92 (1.38, 2.68)), and thought somewhat/a lot about quitting (AOR(95%CI) = 1.90 (1.30, 2.77)). They were also more likely to have noticed a stop-smoking website on packs. Conclusions: Consistent with the broad objectives of standardised packaging, we found that it was associated with increased warning salience and thoughts about risks and quitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a description of country-level laws that regulate electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The mechanisms used to regulate e-cigarettes were classified as either new/amended laws or existing laws. The policy domains identified include restrictions or prohibitions related to the product (sale, manufacturing, importation, distribution, use, product design including e-liquid ingredients, advertising/ promotion/ sponsorship, and trademarks) and regulatory requirements (taxation, health warning labels, and child-safety standards). A range of regulatory approaches are currently being applied to e-cigarettes globally; however, many countries still regulate e-cigarettes using legislation not tailored specifically for e-cigarettes. Only a handful of countries levy a tax on e-cigarettes. Evidence on the harmful effects and benefits of e-cigarettes usage has not been clearly established yet. The regulatory treatment of heated tobacco products varies from country to country, with some classifying e-cigarettes and cigarettes under the same legislation, other countries treating e-cigarettes more favorably, and some jurisdictions banning them altogether. As the evidence base grows, we expect additional activity in the regulatory arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Well-designed health warnings on tobacco packaging enhance costeffectively public awareness of the risks of using tobacco products. However, many countries have experienced difficulties in implementing pictorial warnings. The purpose of this study is to present the topics that arose during the legislative process that preceded implementation of graphic health warning labels (GHWLs) on tobacco products in South Korea, and discuss the outcomes. METHODS We used qualitative content analysis to analyze lawmakers' statements, and those of committee members in meetings that preceded the drafting of the legislative document pertaining to GHWLs in South Korea. RESULTS In discussions surrounding the adoption of the GHWLs, the main point of contention was the level of disgust induced by pictorial warnings. When discussing how warnings should be inscribed on packaging after adoption of GHWLs, lawmakers disagreed regarding the physical position of the warnings. Because of continuous objections raised by some lawmakers, implementation of GHWLs was delayed, and, when actually introduced, the warnings were toned down. Some lawmakers communicated with tobacco companies; thus the companies participated in the legislative process in South Korea. CONCLUSIONS To prevent tobacco companies from negatively influencing tobacco control efforts, it is essential that all communications with such companies be publicly disclosed and that the tobacco industry be prohibited from contacting lawmakers involved in the legislative process of tobacco control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including animal husbandry labelling law; the Italian law that bans cell-cultured meat and the use of meat-sounding names for alternative protein products; and production of laboratory-grown proteins.

Objective: It is unknown how well menu labelling schemes that enforce the display of kilojoule (kJ) labelling at point-of-sale have been implemented on online food delivery (OFD) services in Australia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of kJ labelling on the online menus of large food outlets with more than twenty locations in the state or fifty locations nationally. A secondary aim was to evaluate the nutritional quality of menu items on OFD from mid-sized outlets that have fewer locations than what is specified in the current scheme. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Prevalence of kJ labelling by large food outlets on OFD from August to September 2022 was examined. Proportion of discretionary ('junk food') items on menus from mid-sized outlets was assessed. Setting: Forty-three unique large food outlets on company (e.g. MyMacca's) and third party OFD (Uber Eats, Menulog, Deliveroo) within Sydney, Australia. Ninety-two mid-sized food outlets were analysed. Participants: N/A. Results: On company OFD apps, 35 % (7/23) had complete kJ labelling for each menu item. In comparison, only 4·8 % (2/42), 5·3 % (2/38) and 3·6 % (1/28) of large outlets on Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo had complete kJ labelling at all locations, respectively. Over three-quarters, 76·3 % (345/452) of menu items from mid-sized outlets were classified as discretionary. Conclusions: Kilojoule labelling was absent or incomplete on a high proportion of online menus. Mid-sized outlets have abundant discretionary choices and yet escape criteria for mandatory menu labelling laws. Our findings show the need to further monitor the implementation of nutrition policies on OFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies investigate the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act's (NLEA's) impact on how consumers use nutrition information. Field and laboratory studies compare, but do not detect any changes in, consumers' search for nutrition information or their recall of this information in the pre-and post-NLEA periods. However, the search activities of a select group (highly motivated and less knowledgeable consumers) benefited more from the NLEA than did other groups. Additional results from the field and lab studies indicate that the NLEA changed attention to negative nutrition attributes (such as fat and sodium, of which less is better) more than it changed attention to positive attributes such as calcium and vitamins. Analyses of scanner databases confirm this trend (with the exception of calories). Focus group results also reflect these findings. The authors discuss implications for public policy, management, academic research, and consumer welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented that explores why the World Health Organization (WHO) should not support alcohol industry co-regulation in the health labeling of alcoholic beverages. It describes how as of 2021 the WHO is undertaking work to develop a new action plan on alcohol to take place between the years 2022 and 2030, which will involve the alcohol industry as a co-regulator of consumer information like heath warnings. Prior failures in industry self-regulation are also discussed.

The country marking displayed by a product repeatedly has been found to affect consumer product evaluations. This study provides a detailed examination of the ‘tests of transformation’ statutes, which form the international basis for determination of country marking. Four major legal tests (name, character, and use; essence; value-added; and article of commerce) are presented, and practical examples are provided to illustrate their strategic uses. Finally, strategic guidelines are provided for global marketing strategists for obtaining appropriate country markings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Only in 2005 was a product labeling law passed in Israel that requires food companies to mark a choking hazard. We wished to investigate the influence of the hazard warning on the number of foreign body aspirations (FBA) in Israel, as well as the racial differences in the prevalence of and death rates from FBA. Materials and Methods: All the medical records of patients under the age of 14 who arrived at our center's emergency department between the years 2007 and 2015 with suspected FBA were retrospectively reviewed. Population data was extracted from the Central Bureau of Statistics. Results: Overall, 90 children arrived at the hospital with suspected FBA during 2007–2015. Forty-six (51%) of the patients were males, the mean age was 3.5 years. Seventy-one bronchoscopies were performed due to high suspicious presence of a foreign body. The most common objects aspirated were different types of nuts and seeds. In all cases, the patient's parents witnessed the aspiration of the foreign body. Most children (77, 86%) were of Arab ethnicity. The yearly prevalence of FBA in children 0–4 years of Arab ethnicity was 16.6:100,000 compared to 6.0:100,000 in the non-Arab population (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FBA is still a common injury in our region. Since most cases are preventable, efforts should be targeted among the population at higher risk, which are parents of children under the age of 4 and parents of Arab ethnicity. We believe that national effort and support for preventive education are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this paper, we assess characteristics of health warning labels (HWLs) on waterpipe tobacco packages sold in the US and changes after the FDA’s minimum required warning statement went into effect in August 2018. Methods: We sampled 16 brands and 45 sub-brands/ flavors of the most popular waterpipe tobaccos 6 months before and 4 months after the FDA’s compliance deadline. HWL characteristics assessed included type (pictorial or text), message theme, location, and relative size. Results: Before the deadline, all packages had at least one text-only HWL that covered <25% of the surface, with most inconspicuously placed (such as side panel), and focusing on general health risks of tobacco rather than waterpipe-specific risks. After the deadline, only 1 of 10 brands had adopted the new required HWL, adding it to the existing one. Conclusions: HWLs were common on waterpipe tobacco packages in the US prior to the FDA mandate, but did not adhere to recommended standards of being pictorial, large (least 50% of the package), conspicuously placed, and using relevant, rotating message themes. The FDA’s required warning has not yet been adopted by most brands. Doing so may improve the efficacy of HWLs to reduce smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The Government of India has taken several steps to reduce tobacco use, including legislation in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) requiring health warnings on tobacco products. This study assessed compliance with the legislation on warnings, and awareness of these warnings and their perceived impact in preventing tobacco uptake among college students in a district of Karnataka, India. METHODS This study consisted of two components, pack collection and a survey. For the first, tobacco packs were obtained from all tobacco selling shops in an urban and a rural locality in the Karkala block of Udupi district. Empty cigarette packs were collected from shops, and full packs were purchased if empty packs were not available . The packs were collected to measure their dimensions, as per the Tobacco Pack Surveillance System guidelines, and assessed for compliance, as per COTPA. For the second component of the study, a questionnaire was distributed to each college student to fill in; this was done to assess awareness of the new warnings at the time of the pilot survey, knowledge of harms, and perceptions of the warnings in reducing tobacco uptake. RESULTS We collected 26 tobacco packs. Two (8%) packs had warnings that were the correct size (85% of the main display areas), 15 (58%) packs had clear and legible warnings, and 18 (69%) packs had warning messages in the appropriate language. In the student survey, 60% of males and 52% of females indicated that they would not start using any tobacco products on seeing the new warnings. CONCLUSIONS Only a few studies other than our pilot study have assessed compliance with legislation on health warnings in low- or middle-income countries. Although health warnings were perceived as a deterrent to tobacco use among students, compliance with national legislation in this pilot study was found to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A federal court ruled tobacco companies violated racketeering laws and ordered them to publish corrective statements. This study assesses effects of exposure to the statements and related court findings on attitudes toward tobacco-related policies and tobacco company influences on policymaking. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of US adults (N = 2010) prior to publication of the statements. Participants were randomly assigned to the "unexposed" group (N = 1004), which answered attitude questions before reading the statements and court findings, or the "exposed" group (N = 1006), which answered attitude questions after reading the statements and court findings. Results: The exposed group was less likely to think lawmakers should trust tobacco companies as much as other companies (β = -.24, p < .001) or that lawmakers should trust tobacco company lobbyists to provide accurate information (β = -.17, p = .019), compared to the unexposed group. The exposed group also was more likely to support requiring graphic warning labels (β = .15, p = .014) and point-of-sale quitline signs (β = .13, p = .028). Conclusions: Exposure to the statements and court findings may aid tobacco industry denormalization and tobacco-related policy initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]