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AbstractThe NF concept was first established by Regulation (EC) 258/97 and includes any food that has not been used to a significant extent for human consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997. Synthetic novel foods (SNF) are a currently undefined group of NF without a universal definition. The objectives of this work are to perform an analysis of those currently authorized in the EU, identify their potential adverse effects and health benefits, and their health claims. For that, an extensive review of the available legislative documents and scientific literature regarding SNF was performed, and a market analysis was performed regarding their commercial availability. This review considers SNF as those that are obtained by chemical synthesis, excluding genetically modified foods. A total of 29 SNF were identified and classified into 9 categories, and their potential risks and benefits were described. All SNF were considered safe and different health benefits were studied and suggested for various categories. Currently, 22 SNF are available on the EU market. This work characterizes a previously unexplored food group and expands the knowledge in a new and promising research area combining health and toxicological perspectives with legislation for more optimal risk management in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is the top priority for the people, and safety is the top priority for food. The quality and safety of food are related to the national economy and people's livelihood. With the development of Chinese economy and the improvement of people's quality of life, the scale of the food industry has also grown year by year, and the society and consumers have more stringent requirements on the quality of food production and its own safety. However, food quality and safety incidents occur frequently, making food quality and safety management an important task for improving people's livelihoods. Machine learning has been widely applied in the field of food quality and safety, with strong self-learning ability, good non-linear fitting ability, and fast modeling. Among them, neural network models and supervised learning methods can accurately and quickly detect and control the quality of food in the production process. This article focuses on the research progress of machine learning in the field of food quality and safety, and discusses it in three directions: Food quality inspection, food process traceability, and food safety warning. In order to clarify the focus, advantages and disadvantages, and future development direction of machine learning algorithms in food regulation, and provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the intelligent development of ensuring food quality and safety.

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Imperfect information on food safety and risk has created a system with less safety than the public wants. Consumers cannot pay for the level of safety they desire. Tort under-compensates for foodborne illness due to difficulty proving causation. When market controls are ineffective at producing the level of safety desired by consumers, the classic approach is government regulation. However, government regulators face challenges that impede the translation of scientific knowledge into regulatory controls. This often results in an equilibrium of private interests and bureaucratic interests rather than the public interest. To restore republican deliberation on food safety we need greater citizen involvement in the decision-making. Access to the courts is an effective means for citizens to participate directly in the decisions affecting food safety; thus, a private cause of action to our national food safety laws is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is the top priority for the people, and safety is the top priority for food. The quality and safety of food are related to the national economy and people's livelihood. With the development of Chinese economy and the improvement of people's quality of life, the scale of the food industry has also grown year by year, and the society and consumers have more stringent requirements on the quality of food production and its own safety. However, food quality and safety incidents occur frequently, making food quality and safety management an important task for improving people's livelihoods. Machine learning has been widely applied in the field of food quality and safety, with strong self-learning ability, good non-linear fitting ability, and fast modeling. Among them, neural network models and supervised learning methods can accurately and quickly detect and control the quality of food in the production process. This article focuses on the research progress of machine learning in the field of food quality and safety, and discusses it in three directions: Food quality inspection, food process traceability, and food safety warning. In order to clarify the focus, advantages and disadvantages, and future development direction of machine learning algorithms in food regulation, and provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the intelligent development of ensuring food quality and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New food sources and production systems (NFPS) are garnering much attention, driven by international trade, changing consumer preferences, potential sustainability benefits, and innovations in climate-resilient food production systems. However, NFPS can introduce new challenges for food safety agencies and food manufacturers. Most food safety hazards linked to new foods have been identified in traditional foods. However, there can be some food safety challenges that are unique to new foods. New food ingredients, inputs, and processes can introduce unexpected contaminants. To realize the full potential of NFPS, there is a need for stakeholders from governments, the food industry, and the research community to collectively work to address and communicate the safety of NFPS products. This review outlines known food safety hazards associated with select NFPS products on the market, namely, plant-derived proteins, seaweeds, jellyfish, insects, microbial proteins, as well as foods derived from cell-based food production, precision fermentation, vertical farming, and 3D food printing. We identify common elements in emerging NFPS regulatory frameworks in various countries/regions. Furthermore, we highlight current efforts in harmonization of terminologies, use of recent scientific tools to fill in food safety knowledge gaps, and international multi-stakeholder collaborations to tackle safety challenges. Although there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the regulatory oversight for ensuring the safety of NFPS, there is a need to develop consensus-based structured protocols or workflows among stakeholders to facilitate comprehensive, robust, and internationally harmonized approaches. These efforts increase consumers' confidence in the safety of new foods and contribute toward fair practices in the international trade of such foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of the international food regulatory system to global health, is often overlooked. There are calls to reform this system to promote healthy and sustainable food systems centred on the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the United Nation's (UN's) standard-setting body. Yet this presents a significant political challenge, given Codex has historically prioritized food safety risks over wider harms to public health, and is dominated by powerful food exporting nations and industry groups with a primary interest in trade expansion. To better understand this challenge, we examine who participates and contests Codex standards, using the development of the new Guidelines on Front-of-pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) as a case study. Methods: The study involved: (i) collecting Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) documents (2016-2023); (ii) identification, categorization, and enumeration of actors involved in the development of the Guidelines; and (iii) guided by a constructivist framework, analysis of how actors framed and contested key provisions of the Guidelines. Results: Country representation was skewed towards high-income (47.9%). Member state delegations were dominated by non-health ministries (59.8%) and industry actors (16.1%). Industry actors comprised the large majority of observers (84.2%) and civil society actors representing public health interests the least (12.2%). Commercial actors used frames supporting positive FOPNL messages (eg, low in salt) opposing negative ones (eg, "high-in" sugar warnings) and called for product exemptions (eg, sports foods and baby foods). Public health actors used frames supporting simplified FOPNL to reduce consumer confusion, that hold up public health goals, and prevent inappropriate marketing. Conclusion: Participation in the Guidelines development process suggests stronger preferences for trade facilitation and commerce over public health. Ambitions to reform the international food regulatory system may require an examination of who participates and how to address this asymmetrical representation of interests. These results suggest the need to greatly strengthen public health representation at Codex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current debate on the origins of science-based legislation, it is important to clarify the historical perspective on the origins of Portuguese food regulation. This article situates food regulation in the European context at the end of the 19th century and contextualizes the Portuguese case until the beginning of the 20th century. It provides the framework of the dynamics of regulation in Portugal and the internalization of scientific practices of these first legislative movements. Although it identifies clear traces of political selection regarding legislation, the elaboration of regulations seems to have emerged from a movement of scientific experts, perhaps outside the sphere of business (as is the case in Europe). The article also analyses the evolution of food legislation in Portugal until the consolidation of these practices in 1903 and their revision in 1905.

Producing enough healthy food for a globally growing urban population within planetary boundaries requires more resource-efficient and localized food production systems. Controlled-environmental food production systems (CEFPS) are a widely discussed new approach for sustainable food production in urban contexts. However, little research has addressed innovation processes of CEFPS in urban or rural areas. This paper aims to address this research gap by adapting an innovation system perspective, developing a conceptual framework for ‘urban food production innovation systems’ (UFoPrInS) and applying it to a paradigmatic case study in Berlin. Based on a content analysis of the relevant literature and 23 semi-structured expert interviews, we analyse (a) the main characteristics and (b) the key elements of the UFoPrInS and their relationships during different stages of the innovation process. The case results show that UFoPrInS faces various challenges related to possible structural failures that can occur in infrastructure, interactions, capabilities of actors and institutions. The current institutional framework at EU and national level was seen as the major barrier to innovations. To support new food production innovations, a comprehensive regulatory framework for CEFPS is needed that considers in an integrated approach the specifics of (1) the highly-intensive production processes, (2) the diverse types of products and (3) the urban location.

Nutrition labelling is any description intended to inform consumers about the nutritional properties of a food product and has focused primarily on nutrients. However, literature has shown that the nutritional quality of packaged foods is not limited to the amount of nutrients, considering that individuals do not consume only nutrients separately, but rather the entire food matrix. Therefore, to analyze the nutritional quality of a packaged food, it is necessary to read its ingredients. This scoping review aims to discuss (1) the list of ingredients as a source of health and nutrition information in food labelling; (2) opportunities to improve the nutrition labeling policies around the world. The study was carried out through a systematic search on Codex Alimentarius meeting reports. Results show that the list of ingredients is used as a source of nutritional and health information on food labelling; however, this label item is not considered in the regulatory field as a nutrition labelling requirement. It is suggested that nutrition labelling be discussed as a tool for food choices in the context of public health from a broader, consistent, convergent perspective, considering the list of ingredients as an item of nutrition labelling requirement to be included in public policies around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweets, especially milk-based sweets, are considered to be a ubiquitous part of Bengali cuisine. In March 2020, amidst the lockdown, the Government of West Bengal designated hours during the day for sweet shops to operate to avoid wasting milk. Such state notifications constitute an important site to study how legal meanings of sweetness revolve around the idea of 'essential commodities'. Through a close reading of the Control Orders issued by the Government of West Bengal in the 1960s I show how the statist measures to ensure the supply of milk, an essential commodity, extend to not only the commodity itself but also the products—in this case, sweets. Control Orders, follow-up court cases, newspaper debates and the state's attempt to create a compassionate lobby through a much-publicised speech on All India Radio show how the legal meanings of sweets—as wastage of milk vs. cultural logic of sweetness, as an integral part of Bengali life—come into play. I show that Control Orders work with lists, one of the classic modes of documentation, and I argue that by listing milk as essential the Control Orders ended up listing milk products—especially chhana, as excess—and regulating sweets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many are calling for transformative food systems changes to promote population and planetary health. Yet there is a lack of research that considers whether current food policy frameworks and regulatory approaches are suited to tackle whole of food systems challenges. One such challenge is responding to the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in human diets, and the related harms to population and planetary health. This paper presents a narrative review and synthesis of academic articles and international reports to critically examine whether current food policy frameworks and regulatory approaches are sufficiently equipped to drive the transformative food systems changes needed to halt the rise of UPFs, reduce consumption and minimise harm. We draw on systems science approaches to conceptualise the UPF problem as an emergent property of complex adaptive food systems shaped by capitalist values and logics. Our findings reveal that current food policy frameworks often adjust or reform isolated aspects of food systems (e.g., prices, labels, food composition), but under-emphasise the deeper paradigms, goals and structures that underlie the rise of UPFs as a systems phenomenon, and its socio-ecological implications. We propose that a 'leverage points' framework illuminates where to intervene in food systems to generate multi-level changes, while the theory of ecological regulation highlights how to respond to complex multi-factorial problems, like the rise of UPFs, in diverse ways that respect planetary boundaries. More research is needed to better understand the transformative potential of ecological regulation to advance food systems transformation and attenuate whole of food systems challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For risk communication, it is important to understand the difference between "hazard" and "risk". Definitions can be found in Codex Alimentarius and the European Union (EU) General Food Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. The use of these terms as synonyms or their interchange is a recurrent issue in the area of food safety, despite awareness-raising messages sent by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and other interested entities. A quick screening of the EU's food regulations revealed several inconsistencies. Hence, it was considered necessary to further investigate if regulations could act as a source for this problem. A software tool was developed to support the detection and listing of inconsistent translations of "hazard" and "risk" in certain EU food regulations. Subsequently, native-speaking experts working in food safety from each EU country were asked to provide their individual scientific opinion on the prepared list. All data were statistically analysed after applying numerical scores (1–5) describing different levels of consistency. Results showed that the most common problem was the interchange of "hazard" with "risk" and vice versa. This lack of consistency can create confusion that can further translate into misjudgments at food risk assessment and communication levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We aimed to understand the process of setting or varying food standards related to non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in Australia and New Zealand. Overconsumption of added sugars is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Limiting added sugar consumption is recommended by the World Health Organization. NNS are sweet substances with little to no energy that can be used to maintain the sweetness of packaged food when added sugar is reduced. The health and dietary pattern impacts of NNS are contested. Understanding how and why applications for NNS are submitted, assessed and approved within food regulatory systems is important to contextualize the increasing availability of NNS in the food supply. We completed an interpretive content analysis of applications to change the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) Code, risk assessments and stakeholder submissions. Literature used in risk assessments were drawn from a mixture of documents supplied by industry and peer-reviewed studies. Risk assessments were primarily focussed on toxicological outcomes, while broader public health outcomes were not explicitly considered. Consumption data available to FSANZ were collected several years prior to dietary exposure assessments, and thus may not accurately represent current intakes. The study findings raise questions about whether the scope of what constitutes a 'risk' to public health in the setting of food standards needs to extend beyond immediate toxicological and food safety concerns, to include longer-term dietary balance considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 10 years have passed since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. This study verifies the efficacy of longitudinal regulation on internal exposure doses and analyzes food group contributions to radiation doses using accumulated monitoring test results. The committed effective doses in 10,000 virtual persons from fiscal year (FY) 2012 to 2021, with and without regulation, were estimated as products of radioactivity concentrations randomly sampled from the test results, food intake, and dose coefficient. The distributed values of food intake rather than a mean value in dose estimation were assumed to reflect food intake variations and avoid underestimation of internal exposure doses for high-intake consumers. Furthermore, the ingestion of radioactive cesium from the calculation was analyzed per food group. The 95th percentile of the internal exposure dose (the dose of a "representative person") was less than 1 mSv/year in both FYs. The regulation effect was substantial in FY 2012, and no noticeable difference in radiation doses was found between the regulation and no regulation conditions after FY 2016. Internal exposure doses decreased until approximately FY 2016 and then remained constant. It was also shown that not only radioactivity concentration but also food intake is a major factor affecting cesium intake. In summary, it was confirmed that Japan had ensured food safety regarding radioactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing enough healthy food for a globally growing urban population within planetary boundaries requires more resource-efficient and localized food production systems. Controlled-environmental food production systems (CEFPS) are a widely discussed new approach for sustainable food production in urban contexts. However, little research has addressed innovation processes of CEFPS in urban or rural areas. This paper aims to address this research gap by adapting an innovation system perspective, developing a conceptual framework for 'urban food production innovation systems' (UFoPrInS) and applying it to a paradigmatic case study in Berlin. Based on a content analysis of the relevant literature and 23 semi-structured expert interviews, we analyse (a) the main characteristics and (b) the key elements of the UFoPrInS and their relationships during different stages of the innovation process. The case results show that UFoPrInS faces various challenges related to possible structural failures that can occur in infrastructure, interactions, capabilities of actors and institutions. The current institutional framework at EU and national level was seen as the major barrier to innovations. To support new food production innovations, a comprehensive regulatory framework for CEFPS is needed that considers in an integrated approach the specifics of (1) the highly-intensive production processes, (2) the diverse types of products and (3) the urban location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile has enacted stringent legislation regulating food and beverage labeling and advertising. This study assesses the changes in the average relative allocations of food and beverage budgets for regulated versus not regulated products in households of different socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds. A household fixed effect before–after model is estimated and the marginal effects in the changes of levels and trends in budget shares and purchased volumes after the implementation of the regulations are examined. The results highlight how impactful food policies can shift consumption toward healthier products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental context: With mushroom consumption increasing worldwide, it is important to know about the concentration of different arsenic species in the most commonly eaten mushroom species, especially since the toxicity depends on the chemical structure. No dangerous amounts of the highly toxic inorganic arsenic were detected in the studied mushrooms. It is therefore safe to consume mushroom fruit-bodies of the investigated species, at least with regard to the arsenic content. Rationale: A large variety of different mushroom species is considered edible. They are often considerably distinct from each other in a wide range of properties, among others the elemental profile and the speciation of various elements, e.g. arsenic. Methodology: In this first comprehensive study of arsenic and its species in the most popular cultivated and wild-grown edible mushrooms in central Europe, the arsenic mass fraction and the arsenic speciation of a total of 93 mushroom samples were investigated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ICPMS. Results: The arsenic mass fractions ranged from <0.004 to 1.02 mg kg−1 dry mass. For some mushroom species (e.g. Cantharellus cibarius), only low amounts of the total arsenic could be extracted with water, and other mushrooms revealed unusual arsenic speciation profiles and the presence of compounds that are rarely found in the terrestrial environment, for example dimethylarsinoylacetic acid, accounting for around 12% of the total arsenic in Boletus edulis. Over all, the results highlight the diversity of arsenic species in mushrooms, but also reveal a high consistency within the individual mushroom species. Discussion: With mushroom production increasing each year, it is important to know the content of possibly dangerous compounds. The toxic inorganic arsenic was generally below 0.2 mg kg−1 dry mass. Considering the maximum limit that can be eaten of inorganic arsenic without increased health risk, at least 2 kg of the studied mushrooms could be consumed by an average person per day on a regular basis. Environmental context. With mushroom consumption increasing worldwide, it is important to know about the concentration of different arsenic species in the most commonly eaten mushroom species, especially since the toxicity depends on the chemical structure. No dangerous amounts of the highly toxic inorganic arsenic were detected in the studied mushrooms. It is therefore safe to consume mushroom fruit-bodies of the investigated species, at least with regard to the arsenic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food risk assessment plays an important role in protecting public health worldwide. Stakeholders involved in food risk assessment, such as national authorities, agencies, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), industry and consumers, need to properly understand the terminology of food risk assessment effectively. In this respect, the first part of the EU‐FORA work programme (WP1) aimed to provide insights into the actual translation of two essential terms used in food risk assessment. 'Hazard' and 'risk' were first identified and compared between the English version of various food regulations and their equivalents in the national legislation of EU Member States. The comparison and critical evaluation revealed several inconsistencies. These inconsistencies could lead to misinterpretations, followed by errors in conducting risk assessments or communicating risks. We recommend that consistency is restored and maintained so that the message is properly communicated. The second part of the work programme (WP2) was focused on a specific area within chemical risk assessment (CRA). In this context, special attention was given to the impact of the food matrix on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of heavy metals and metalloids. After collection and careful selection of data from scientific journals, a database with information on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in different food matrices was created for future statistical analyses related to dietary exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo determine store availability, total number of products, and types of Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia, along with their stated nutrition content, sweeteners added, total number, and type of claims displayed on the packaging.DesignA cross-sectional, visual product audit of mainstream retailers.SettingSupermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores, and gym/fitness centres.ResultsA total of 558 products were captured in the audit, 275 of which displayed the correct mandatory packaging attributes. Three categories of products were identified, based on the dominant nutrient. Only 184 products appeared to display the correct energy value based on the listed macronutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fibre). The stated nutrient content was highly variable across all product subcategories. Nineteen different sweeteners were identified, with most foods containing only one (38.2%) or two (34.9%) types. The predominant sweetener was stevia glycosides. Packages displayed multiple claims, with a maximum of 67 and minimum of 2 claims. Nutrition content claims were most frequently displayed (on 98.5% of products). Claims included regulated, minimally regulated and marketing statements.ConclusionSports food consumers should be provided with accurate and detailed on pack nutrition information, to ensure informed choices are made. However, this audit showed multiple products which did not conform to current standards, appeared to provide inaccurate nutrition information, contained multiple sweeteners, and displayed an overwhelming number of on-pack claims. The increase in sales, availability, and products available in mainstream retail environments, could be impacting both intended consumers (athletes), and general non-athlete population. The results indicate underperformance in manufacturing practices which preference marketing over quality and stronger regulatory approaches are needed to protect consumer health and safety, and to prevent misleading consumers.

IntroductionIn 2020, Brazil approved the introduction of a new front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) in the format of a magnifying glass (MG) after years of discussion. There is currently a lack of understanding of the role of the food industry in that process. This study aimed to describe the corporate political activity (CPA) of the food industry and conflicts of interest situations, as they happened during the development and approval of a new FoPNL system in Brazil.Materials and methodsWe undertook bibliographical and documentary searches using material from food companies, trade associations and front groups involved in the regulatory process. We (1) collected information about the case study context, (2) collected data from documentary sources, and (3) prepared a synthesis of the results and a timeline of key events.Results/DiscussionDuring the FoPNL regulatory process in Brazil, the food industry opposed the introduction of warning labels, a model supported by health authorities and implemented with success in other countries in Latin America. The food industry rather promoted a traffic-light labeling system, known to be less effective at guiding individuals to make healthier food choices. Later in the process, when it was evident that its preferred model would not be used, and a MG would rather be introduced, the food industry argued for the use of a different version of this FoPNL model. We found that the food industry, all along the process, was directly involved in and influenced the development of the FoPNL, by providing technical support, advising and lobbying policymakers. The food industry also established relationships with a consumer non-governmental organization and nutrition professional societies. The food industry also produced and disseminated information supporting its position in order to influence public opinion and high-level decision makers, and used the legal system to delay the process.ConclusionThe FoPNL in Brazil is neither aligned with the recommendations of international health organizations nor with existing independent scientific evidence. The new FoPNL, as adopted in Brazil, reflects some of the preferences of the industry; it is likely that the influence of that sector during the legislative process was pivotal, even if its initial proposal was not adopted.

For risk communication, it is important to understand the difference between “hazard” and “risk”. Definitions can be found in Codex Alimentarius and the European Union (EU) General Food Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. The use of these terms as synonyms or their interchange is a recurrent issue in the area of food safety, despite awareness-raising messages sent by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and other interested entities. A quick screening of the EU’s food regulations revealed several inconsistencies. Hence, it was considered necessary to further investigate if regulations could act as a source for this problem. A software tool was developed to support the detection and listing of inconsistent translations of “hazard” and “risk” in certain EU food regulations. Subsequently, native-speaking experts working in food safety from each EU country were asked to provide their individual scientific opinion on the prepared list. All data were statistically analysed after applying numerical scores (1–5) describing different levels of consistency. Results showed that the most common problem was the interchange of “hazard” with “risk” and vice versa. This lack of consistency can create confusion that can further translate into misjudgments at food risk assessment and communication levels.

Background Policy makers are increasingly using nutrition classification schemes (NCSs) to assess a food's health potential for informing nutrition policy actions. However, there is wide variability among the NCSs implemented and no standard benchmark against which their contrasting assessments can be validated. Objectives This study aimed to compare the agreement of nutrient-, food-, and dietary-based NCSs in their assessment of a food's health potential within the Australian food supply, and examine the conceptual underpinnings and technical characteristics that explain differences in performance. Methods A dataset combining food compositional data from the Mintel Global New Products Database and the Australian Food Composition Database (AUSNUT 2011–2012) (n  = 7322) was assembled. Products were classified by 7 prominent NCSs that were selected as representative of one or other of 1) nutrient-based NCSs [the Chilean nutrient profile model (NPM), Health Star Rating (HSR), Nutri-Score, the WHO European Region's NPM (WHO-Euro NPM), and the Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO) NPM]; 2) food-based NCS (NOVA), and 3) dietary-based NCS [Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs)]. Results The PAHO NPM classified the lowest proportion (22%) of products as "healthy", and the HSR the highest (63%). The PAHO NPM, NOVA, WHO-Euro NPM, and the Chilean NPM classified >50% of products as "unhealthy," and the ADGs, HSR, and Nutri-Score classified <50% of products as "unhealthy." The HSR and Nutri-Score had the highest pairwise agreement (κ = 0.7809, 89.70%), and the PAHO NPM and HSR the lowest (κ = 0.1793, 53.22%). Characteristics of NCSs that more effectively identified ultraprocessed and discretionary foods were: category-specific assessment, the classification of categories as always "healthy" or "unhealthy," consideration of level of food processing, thresholds for "risk" nutrients that do not penalize whole foods; and no allowance for the substitution of ingredients. Conclusions Wide variation was observed in agreement of the assessment of a food's health potential among the NCSs analyzed due to differing conceptual underpinnings and technical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated lipids either of industrial origin or naturally occurring in ruminant meat and milk. TFAs generated through food processing (industrial) is the main source in our diet and studies provide converging evidence on their negative effect on cardiovascular health. Since April 2021, the European Commission has put into effect a regulation for TFAs providing maximum 2% of total fat in all industrially produced foods. In light of this development, we review the evidence regarding the health attributes of different types of TFAs, their dietary sources and current intakes, and we describe the history of TFA-related legislative actions in an attempt to anticipate the efficiency of new measures.Data Synthesis: The PubMed database was searched including original research (observational and intervention studies), systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Scientific reports of competent authorities and organizations have also been screened.Conclusions: Trans-fat elimination provides a fine example of how evidence has led to the application of horizontal regulatory measures regarding legal food ingredients in order to protect consumers' health. In EU Member States, TFAs currently provide on average less than 1% of energy (1%E) and intakes marginally exceed recommendations primarily among young adults. Large dietary surveys however provide evidence for additional, less-well known sources of TFAs in the diet. Raising public awareness of "hidden" trans-fat found naturally in foods such as cheese, as well as of the trans-fat generated through traditional cooking practices is needed, if the goal to eliminate trans-fat from the diet is to be met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the importance of wild vegetables for local residents, this study aims to validate the effects of food regulations under the current criteria (e.g., 100 Bq/kg for general foods) established approximately a year after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Over 2,500,000 monitoring tests were performed under the criteria until fiscal year (FY) 2020. We estimated changes in internal exposure dose using test results. The effective dose was estimated using the radioactive concentration randomly sampled from the results, food intake, and dose conversion factor. As a new attempt, dose estimation reflecting the intake of wild vegetables that may have irreplaceable value for local residents was conducted. The median, 95th, and 99th percentile of the estimated dose without reflecting the wild vegetables' intake were 0.0485, 0.183, and 10.6 mSv/year, respectively, in the estimation with all test results (no regulation) and 0.0431, 0.0786, and 0.236 mSv/year, respectively, in the estimation with results within the standard limits (regulated) in FY2012. These doses decreased with time. Although estimated doses with or without the reflection of wild vegetables' intake were similar, estimation that is more plausible is possible, particularly for a high percentile, by reflecting the wild vegetables' intake. Radiation doses (regulated) were significantly less than 1 mSv/year in different FYs. In Japan, food regulation measures benefit food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition and health claims have been regulated by Standard 1.2.7 of the Food Standards Code since 2016. Standard 1.2.7 was introduced in 2013, with a three-year transition period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Standard 1.2.7 by a) identifying the number of nutrition and health claims across 16 product categories, and b) identifying changes in the use of claims since the introduction of the Standard by comparing the present findings against those of previous similar surveys (in 2014/15 and 2016/7). Packaged food labels (700) were randomly selected from 16 prespecified categories in GS1 NZ’s On Pack label database, representative of foods and beverages available in New Zealand retail. Labels were assessed for the presence of nutrition and health claims, and against regulations. A total of 44% of products had at least one nutrition content claim (NCC) or general level health claim (GLHC). Since 2016/17, the proportion of products carrying claims increased among the categories “meat and meat products”, “dairy and dairy products” and “eggs”. Among the remaining 13 categories, the proportion of claims decreased or remained the same. NCCs appeared in 43% of products, but among categories this ranged from 10% (alcohol) to 70% (special-purpose foods). The three most common types of NCCs (in descending order) were about vitamins (mostly vitamin C and B vitamins), “gluten free” and minerals (mostly iron and calcium). In comparison with 2016/17, NCCs regarding vitamins, minerals, sugar and protein were more common, while NCCs for dietary fibre, sodium and fat (including cholesterol) were less common. “Gluten free claims” remain consistently popular. Individual use of GLHCs has increased since 2016/17 (6% compared with 3%), with the highest numbers in “special purpose foods” (40%). Further analysis of these survey data will reveal the proportion of claims that meet the regulatory requirements and identify areas requiring further guidance.

Over 10 years have passed since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. This study verifies the efficacy of longitudinal regulation on internal exposure doses and analyzes food group contributions to radiation doses using accumulated monitoring test results. The committed effective doses in 10,000 virtual persons from fiscal year (FY) 2012 to 2021, with and without regulation, were estimated as products of radioactivity concentrations randomly sampled from the test results, food intake, and dose coefficient. The distributed values of food intake rather than a mean value in dose estimation were assumed to reflect food intake variations and avoid underestimation of internal exposure doses for high-intake consumers. Furthermore, the ingestion of radioactive cesium from the calculation was analyzed per food group. The 95th percentile of the internal exposure dose (the dose of a “representative person”) was less than 1 mSv/year in both FYs. The regulation effect was substantial in FY 2012, and no noticeable difference in radiation doses was found between the regulation and no regulation conditions after FY 2016. Internal exposure doses decreased until approximately FY 2016 and then remained constant. It was also shown that not only radioactivity concentration but also food intake is a major factor affecting cesium intake. In summary, it was confirmed that Japan had ensured food safety regarding radioactive materials.

Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food regulations protect consumer health, mitigate environmental concerns, and promote animal welfare, but they can also hinder innovation, limit entrepreneurship, and generate higher consumer prices. This study examines the number of federal and state regulatory restrictions affecting the beef, pork, poultry, sheep, goat, and seafood industries, including processing, wholesale distribution, and retail sales. We also examine state regulatory heterogeneity associated with animal protein products. Our results suggest that protein supply chains have become subject to tens of thousands of regulatory constraints over the past half-century. We also find substantial heterogeneity in the number of state restrictions associated with animal production, indicative of large differences in the amount of administrative law across states. Results highlight that the patchwork approach of U.S. food policy creates overlapping, cumbersome guidelines for manufacturers, and given the interconnectivity of modern food supply chains, the framework can create additional hurdles for interstate commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional role of food in promoting health and preventing illness is integral to many Asian cultures. This commentary provides a brief overview of health‐related food products regulation in Asia. We cover regulations initiated to promote health and prevent chronic diseases and regulations of traditional medicine food products. We focus on specific regulations in Japan and Singapore that encourage the consumption of certain foods to promote population health and prevent chronic diseases. We also examine the complexity and difficulty of regulating traditional medicine food products in Malaysia and Singapore, where these products are important not just for health but also in promoting cultural traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to understand how the policy was represented as a 'problem' in food regulatory decision-making in Australia, and the implications for public health nutrition engagement with policy development processes. Bacchi's 'what's the problem represented to be?' discourse analysis method was applied to a case study of voluntary food fortification policy (VFP) developed by the then Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (ANZFRMC) between 2002 and 2012. As a consultative process is a legislated aspect of food regulatory policy development in Australia, written stakeholder submissions contributed most of the key documents ascertained as relevant to the case. Four major categories of stakeholder were identified in the data; citizen, public health, government and industry. Predictably, citizen, government and public health stakeholders primarily represented voluntary food fortification (VF) as a problem of public health, while industry stakeholders represented it as a problem of commercial benefit. This reflected expected differences regarding decision-making control and power over regulatory activity. However, at both the outset and conclusion of the policy process, the ANZFRMC represented the problem of VF as commercial benefit, suggesting that in this case, a period of 'formal' stakeholder consultation did not alter the outcome. This research indicates that in VFP, the policy debate was fought and won at the initial framing of the problem in the earliest stages of the policy process. Consequently, if public health nutritionists leave their participation in the process until formal consultation stages, the opportunity to influence policy may already be lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in fish processing has led to the production of a substantial amount of waste. Sustainable resource management increasingly recognizes the need to use fish and fishery wastes to manufacture edible food items. The utilization of innovative technology for the transformation of fishery waste materials into food-useable ingredients is being studied. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current advances in the incorporation of fish and fisheries waste in food formulations. This paper looks at the different safety and quality issues associated with the integration of these waste materials into food products and their impact on food quality and consumer acceptance. The regulations pertaining to the incorporation of fishing waste-derived substances into food formulations are also discussed. Despite the growing incorporation of fish and fisheries waste components into various food products, there is limited research and regulatory guidelines addressing the safety considerations associated with this practice. The current emphasis on waste utilization has prompted numerous studies that prioritize the examination of safety elements associated with the presence of pollutants, germs, and hazardous chemicals coming from these materials that have the potential to pose harm to human health. Legislations must be formulated taking into account the appropriateness of particular waste-derived materials for use in food, together with an evaluation of their potential effects on human health. Current developments in the incorporation of fish and fishery waste into food formulations. • The utilization of fish and fishery by-product for socio-economic development. • The evaluation of safety, quality, and acceptability pertaining to the utilization of fish and fishery waste. • The effects of emerging technologies on the utilization of fish and fishery waste • The regulatory framework governing the utilization of fish and fisheries waste [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has brought to center stage the most important health issue of our era, largely ignored by policymakers and the public to date: non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the cause of 71% of deaths per year worldwide. People living with NCDs, and particularly those living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), are at higher risk of severe symptoms and death from COVID-19. As a result, the urgent need for policy measures to protect cardiovascular health is more apparent than ever. One example of “low-hanging fruit” in the prevention of CVD is the elimination of industrially-produced trans fatty acids (iTFA). Their removal from the global food supply could prevent up to 17 million deaths by 2040 and would be the first time an NCD risk factor has been eliminated.

ABSTRACT The participation of the ultra-processed products industry in efforts to reduce obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases has been questioned, especially because there is evidence of its interference in policy-making processes. This article builds on the Collective Action Theory and the literature of political science to discuss the role of this sector as a special interest group that uses its significant economic power to influence government decisions in its favor. In Brazil, its participation occurs mainly with industry associations. However, it has not yet been established whether their interests prevail in the decision-making process. It has been suggested that research should be carried out to determine the degree of success of their actions, identifying the conditions associated with the convergence of policy results with their interests and indicating to what extent civil society organizations are able to make public interests override private ones.

To make well-informed choices, consumers need access to reliable and clear messages regarding the benefits of functional substances in food. This study identified foods with function claims (FFCs) in Japan that had a gap between actual labeling and efficacy information of functional substances not visible on their food package. Between April 1, 2015, to July 20, 2018, 1,310 FFCs were submitted to the regulatory agency and analyzed. The proportion of FFCs with a gap was highest in the health claim category of blood pressure management (79.5%), followed by neutral fat reduction in blood (75%) and suppression of blood sugar spikes (73.4%). These gaps are attributable to differences in food development strategy. Thus, to ensure the quality of benefit communication on FFC to consumers, scientific evidence regarding health claims of functional substances should be managed in an integrated manner.

Abstract Background In line with calls for action from international health organizations, Chile implemented in June 2016 a set of regulations to tackle the obesity epidemic. The new regulation includes the mandatory use of front-of-package warning labels on packaged foods/beverages high in energy, sugars, saturated fats and sodium. Additionally, such foods cannot be sold nor offered in daycares/schools and cannot be promoted to children under 14yo. The law is targeted to children; thus, this study examined mothers’ understanding, perceptions, and behaviors associated with the regulation one year after its implementation, using a qualitative approach. Methods Nine focus groups of mothers (7–10 people each) of children (2-14yo) were conducted in July 2017 in Santiago-Chile. They were stratified by socioeconomic status (SES) and children’s age. Macrocodes were developed by three researchers, combining an iterative process of deductive and inductive thematic analyses. Quotations representing each category were selected. Results Mothers understood the new regulation as a policy to fight child obesity and were aware that products with more labels were less healthy than products with fewer labels. Attention and use of labels in the buying decision-making process ranged from participants who did not pay attention to others who relied on them as a quick shortcut (mostly from middle and upper-SES); many mothers indicated changing their purchase habits only when buying new products. Mothers declared that young children accepted school environment changes while teens/preteens resisted them more. Many mothers agreed that schools have become key promoters of food behavioral change. Mothers were less aware about the food marketing regulations. Mothers declared that they perceived that the regulation was changing the perceptions, attitudes and behaviors toward healthier eating patterns. Conclusion After the first year of implementation, the regulation was well known by mothers of diverse SES and different children ages. The degree of use of warning labels was heterogeneous among participants, but most of them agreed that their children, particularly the youngest have positive attitudes toward the regulation and have become promoters of change in their families. Many mothers also expressed that they perceived an important shift toward healthier eating, which may lead to a change in eating social norms. This information contributes to better understand how regulatory actions may influence people’s consumer behaviors.

Focusing on the importance of wild vegetables for local residents, this study aims to validate the effects of food regulations under the current criteria (e.g., 100 Bq/kg for general foods) established approximately a year after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Over 2,500,000 monitoring tests were performed under the criteria until fiscal year (FY) 2020. We estimated changes in internal exposure dose using test results. The effective dose was estimated using the radioactive concentration randomly sampled from the results, food intake, and dose conversion factor. As a new attempt, dose estimation reflecting the intake of wild vegetables that may have irreplaceable value for local residents was conducted. The median, 95th, and 99th percentile of the estimated dose without reflecting the wild vegetables’ intake were 0.0485, 0.183, and 10.6 mSv/year, respectively, in the estimation with all test results (no regulation) and 0.0431, 0.0786, and 0.236 mSv/year, respectively, in the estimation with results within the standard limits (regulated) in FY2012. These doses decreased with time. Although estimated doses with or without the reflection of wild vegetables’ intake were similar, estimation that is more plausible is possible, particularly for a high percentile, by reflecting the wild vegetables’ intake. Radiation doses (regulated) were significantly less than 1 mSv/year in different FYs. In Japan, food regulation measures benefit food safety.

Over the last two decades research has grown regarding dairy intake and health. It has been reported by many that yogurt intake may be associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). In this report, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to announce a qualified health claim for yogurt products regarding reduced risk of T2D in response to a Danone North America petition is discussed. Relevant literature cited in the petition along with supporting evidence from PubMed and Google Scholar databases until April 1st, 2024 were used. Literature was found using relevant keywords. On March 1st, 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the first ever qualified health claim, stating that eating yogurt regularly may reduce the risk of T2D according to limited scientific evidence. The enforcement discretion letter was critically reviewed and discussed regarding its future implications for people with T2M and public health. It is unclear how this FDA decision will affect public health and nutrition in the long-term. Limited scientific evidence suggests that at least 3 servings of yogurt per week may reduce the risk of T2D incidence for the general population. Yogurt will not cure or treat people with T2D. • The FDA announced a qualified health claim for yogurt and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. • At least 3 servings of yogurt per week may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. • It is unclear how this FDA decision will affect public health and nutrition in the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy and nomenclature are important aspects of biological science, as they allow unambiguous communication about all living species. In contrast to higher life forms, microbes have no comparable sexual reproduction, upon which bacterial speciation can be based. Therefore, alternative criteria have to be used, which differ depending on the group of microorganisms. In the past, phenotypic criteria such as fermentation patterns, enzymatic profiles and DNA-DNA hybridisation were cornerstone techniques for speciation. But today, the wider availability of high-throughput sequencing technology and the relatively small genome size of bacteria have allowed phenotypic testing to be replaced by genome sequencing as the main source of taxonomic information. Not unexpectedly, the results of phylogenetic analyses based on these new data do not always match results from phenotypic approaches. Based on a recent analysis of the genome sequences of 222 species of the genus Lactobacillus and related taxa, it is expected that the genus Lactobacillus will be split in a considerable number of new genera. In October 2018 LABIP organised an expert workshop to discuss the economic, scientific and regulatory consequences of this taxonomic change. This report represents a summary of the considerations and outcomes of this workshop, supplemented with some later reflections and recent literature. • Genome sequences reveal a high heterogeneity within the genus Lactobacillus. • What is the effect for the industry of renaming 200 lactobacilli? • Industry, regulators, doctors and scientists prefer a soft but profound nomenclatural correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focusses on the future of food in the UK in the context of Brexit. It examines the claims and promises made by Brexiteers before the referendum and juxtaposes these with the approach pursued by the Conservative‐led government since. The article argues that there is a clear dissonance between the two. This dissonance is the result of two important factors. First, the government is stuck in a non‐decision‐making mode, making it unable to pursue clear policies. Second, the food claims and promises made by Brexiteers are in opposition to what the vast majority of the public, food experts, farmers and food businesses want. Through exploring these two factors, and the Brexiteers' claims and promises, the article explains what leaving the EU might mean for the future of food in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sale of raw drinking milk from cows is banned in Australia due to regulatory requirements that all milk must be pasteurised. Such a prohibition is based on concern about public health and safety risks, and was upheld in the most recent review of raw milk product regulation undertaken by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). However, this decision is not one that is universally accepted, with some people challenging the conclusion that raw milk is dangerous, and choosing to still source and drink it. In this paper, the contested regulation of raw milk is examined by questioning the normative assumption that the object in question, raw milk, is a singular entity, and one which is always dangerous. Drawing on analysis of six FSANZ documents released as part of its raw milk review, this paper discusses the practices that stabilise raw milk as always risky; processes that are found to wash away the possibility of other, potentially safe, versions of raw milk. It concludes by finding that such stabilisation has tangible impacts for public health policy and regulation, including limiting the parameters within which debate can occur, and precluding the possibility that other versions of raw milk could exist, or be accounted for in food safety regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Food Standards Code regulates health claims on Australian food labels. General-level health claims highlight food-health relationships, e.g. 'contains calcium for strong bones'. Food companies making claims must notify Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and certify that a systematic literature review (SLR) substantiating the food-health relationship has been conducted. There is no pre- or post-notification assessment of the SLR, potentially enabling the food industry to make claims based on poor-quality research. The present study assessed the rigour of self-substantiation.Design: Food-health relationships notified to FSANZ were monitored monthly between 2013 and 2017. These relationships were assessed by scoping published literature. Where evidence was equivocal/insufficient, the relevant government food regulatory agency was asked to investigate. If not investigated, or the response was unsatisfactory, the project team conducted an independent SLR which was provided to the government agency.Setting: Australia.ParticipantsSelf-substantiated food-health relationships.Results: There were sixty-seven relationships notified by thirty-eight food companies. Of these, thirty-three relationships (52 %) from twenty companies were deemed to have sufficient published evidence. Four were excluded as they originated in New Zealand. Three relationships were removed before investigations were initiated. The project initiated twenty-seven food-health relationship investigations. Another six relationships were withdrawn, and three relationships were awaiting government assessment.Conclusions: To ensure that SLR underpinning food-health relationships are rigorous and reduce regulatory enforcement burden, pre-market approval of food-health relationships should be introduced. This will increase consumer and public health confidence in the regulatory process and prevent potentially misleading general-level health claims on food labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Global trade has grown at twice the rate of the economy since the 1990s. Today's food system is a complex network of trade dependencies and supply chains which underpin global food security. International trade is a crucial element in providing UK consumers with meat-based produce in their diet. The international meat trade was estimated at $112.5 billion (£74.25 billion or €104.10 billion) in 2015 and UK imports are worth over 5% making the UK the 5th largest market. Understanding how Brexit might alter the landscape for UK meat imports is an important socio-economic issue. Scope and approach Data was analysed from the Chatham House resourcetrade.earth database, which is open access and collated from a range of global sources, allows analysis of data for imports into the UK of beef, pork, lamb and poultry and of exports of these meat types from the UK have been completed using R-studio statistical package. Key findings and conclusions : The UK's global market significance in each meat type ranges from 3% in beef to 9.9% in sheep, and most imports originate from the EU especially Pork (99.8% from EU) and Poultry (95.5%). Analysis of the Food Safety QUAD countries (USA, New Zealand, Canada and Australia) highlights that the USA has capacity to cover any loss of imports to the UK from Europe post Brexit, with New Zealand and Australia being able to replace the 11.1% of lamb, which comes from the EU. The Rotterdam Effect is also explored highlighting how countries like Thailand and Brazil may offer future imports of poultry and beef if trade with EU becomes disrupted. Highlights • Global food trade for meat: important for domestic food security. • UK is the fifth largest meat importer in the world. • The EU provides most of the meat imports to the UK. • QUAD food safety countries have the capacity to provide meat to the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]