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Nutrition claims (NCs) on food packaging are, from one side, an informative tool about the nutritional characteristics of the product. From another side, they could bias the consumer in perceiving such products as healthier than those without claims. In order to investigate whether products with NCs have a better nutritional composition that those without claims, the present study aimed to compare the nutrition facts of 376 breakfast cereals, with and without fibre-related NCs, available in 13 Italian retailer online stores. Among these products, 73 items claimed to be a “source of fibre” and 109 “high in fibre”. In addition to a higher fibre content, products “high in fibre” showed higher protein and fat contents but lower carbohydrate, sugar and salt contents compared to both “source of fibre” and without fibre-related NC items. Overall, a high variability in nutritional values was also observed within products with the same type of fibre-related NC. In conclusion, the results suggested that fibre-related NCs should not be considered as a marker of a better nutritional composition of breakfast cereals, and thus consumers should be educated to carefully read the entire nutritional information reported in the food labelling.

Abstract Background In 2010, nutrition claims were investigated in Canadian foods; however, many nutrition and other claims have been introduced since then. This study aimed to determine: i) the proportion of foods carrying claims in 2013, ii) the types and prevalence of nutrition claims (nutrient content claims, health claims, general health claims) and other claims displayed on labels in 2013, iii) and trends in use of nutrition claims between 2010 and 2013. Methods Repeated cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) of Canadian foods (2010/11 n = 10,487; 2013 n = 15,342). Regulated nutrition claims (nutrient content, health claims) were classified according to Canadian regulations. A decision tree was used to classify non-regulated general health claims (e.g., front-of-pack claims). Other claims (e.g., gluten-free) were also collected. Proportions of claims in 2013 were determined and χ2 was used to test significant differences for different types of claims between 2010 and 2013. Results Overall, 49% of products in 2013 displayed any type of claim and 46% of foods in FLIP 2013 carried a nutrition claim (nutrient content claim, health claim, general health claim). Meal replacements and fruits/fruits juices were the categories with the largest proportion of foods with claims. At least one approved nutrient content claim was carried on 42.9% of products compared to 45.5% in 2010 (p

Abstract Background Health-related claims are statements regarding the nutritional content of a food (nutrition claims) and/or indicate that a relationship exists between a food and a health outcome (health claims). Their impact on food purchasing or consumption decisions is unclear. This systematic review measured the effect of health-related claims, on pre-packaged foods in retail settings, on adult purchasing decisions (real and perceived). Methods In September 2016, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CAB abstracts, Business Source Complete, and Web of Science/Science Citation Index & Social Science Citation Index for articles in English published in peer-review journals. Studies were included if they were controlled experiments where the experimental group(s) included a health-related claim and the control group involved an identical product without a health-related claim. Included studies measured (at an individual or population level); actual or intended choice, purchases, and/or consumption. The primary outcome was product choices and purchases, the secondary outcome was food consumption and preference. Results were standardised through calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the likelihood of choosing a product when a health-related claim was present. Results were combined in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results Thirty-one papers were identified, 17 of which were included for meta-analyses. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n = 17) and the USA (n = 7). Identified studies were choice experiments that measured the likelihood of a product being chosen when a claim was present compared to when a claim was not present, (n = 16), 15 studies were experiments that measured either; intent-rating scale outcomes (n = 8), consumption (n = 6), a combination of the two (n = 1), or purchase data (n = 1). Overall, 20 studies found that claims increase purchasing and/or consumption, eight studies had mixed results, and two studies found consumption/purchasing reductions. The meta-analyses of 17 studies found that health-related claims increase consumption and/or purchasing (OR 1.75, CI 1.60–1.91). Conclusion Health-related claims have a substantial effect on dietary choices. However, this finding is based on research mostly conducted in artificial settings. Findings from natural experiments have yielded smaller effects. Further research is needed to assess effects of claims in real-world settings. Trial registration PROSPERO systematic review registration number: CRD42016044042 .

Abstract Background Contemporary food systems are vast and complex, creating greater distance between consumers and their food. Consequently, consumers are required to put faith in a system of which they have limited knowledge or control. Country of origin labelling (CoOL) is one mechanism that theoretically enables consumer knowledge of provenance of food products. However, this labelling system has recently come under Australian Government review and recommendations for improvements have been proposed. Consumer engagement in this process has been limited. Therefore this study sought to obtain further consumer opinion on the issue of CoOL and to identify the extent to which Australian consumers agree with Australian Government recommendations for improvements. Methods A citizens’ jury was conducted with a sample of 14 South Australian consumers to explore their perceptions on whether the CoOL system allows them to make informed food choices, as well as what changes (if any) need to be made to enable informed food choices (recommendations). Results Overall, jurors’ perception of usefulness of CoOL, including its ability to enable consumers to make informed food choices, fluctuated throughout the Citizens’ Jury. Initially, the majority of the jurors indicated that the labels allowed informed food choice, however by the end of the session the majority disagreed with this statement. Inconsistencies within jurors’ opinions were observed, particularly following delivery of information from expert witnesses and jury deliberation. Jurors provided recommendations for changes to be made to CoOL, which were similar to those provided in the Australian Government inquiry. Conclusions Consumers in this study engaged with the topical issue of CoOL and provided their opinions. Overall, consumers do not think that the current CoOL system in Australia enables consumers to make informed choices. Recommendations for changes, including increasing the size of the label and the label’s font, and standardising its position, were made.

This study investigates consumers’ preferences for mandatory labelling conveying the health and safety attributes of genetically modified soybean oil. The enhanced mandatory labelling includes allergen presence labelling, nutrient and compositional change labelling and traceability codes. The data were collected from a consumer survey in the eastern, central and western regions of China, with a total sample size of 804 respondents. We evaluated consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for enhanced mandatory labelling using a choice experiment approach. The results show that Chinese consumers are most favorable to traceability codes with a WTP of RMB 8.92, followed by allergen presences labelling, with RMB 6.57. Eastern consumers would like to pay a higher premium for the three types of enhanced mandatory labelling information, while central consumers only show a positive preference for traceability codes. The results imply that the efforts and policy strategies for enhanced mandatory labelling will benefit residents. Further studies can be expended to other genetically modified (GM) foods. This study provides information for the agency to improve mandatory GM food labelling management. This paper contributes to the growing body of the GM food literature by explicitly investigating consumer preference and WTP for mandatory labelling conveying the health and safety attributes of the GM foods.

Summary: We compared the healthiness of packaged foods and beverages between selected countries using the Health Star Rating (HSR) nutrient profiling system. Packaged food and beverage data collected 2013–2018 were obtained for Australia, Canada, Chile, China, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia, South Africa, the UK, and USA. Each product was assigned to a food or beverage category and mean HSR was calculated overall by category and by country. Median energy density (kJ/100 g), saturated fat (g/100 g), total sugars (g/100 g) and sodium (mg/100 g) contents were calculated. Countries were ranked by mean HSR and median nutrient levels. Mean HSR for all products (n = 394,815) was 2.73 (SD 1.38) out of 5.0 (healthiest profile). The UK, USA, Australia and Canada ranked highest for overall nutrient profile (HSR 2.74–2.83) and India, Hong Kong, China and Chile ranked lowest (HSR 2.27–2.44). Countries with higher overall HSR generally ranked better with respect to nutrient levels. India ranked consistently in the least healthy third for all measures. There is considerable variability in the healthiness of packaged foods and beverages in different countries. The finding that packaged foods and beverages are less healthy in middle‐income countries such as China and India suggests that nutrient profiling is an important tool to enable policymakers and industry actors to reformulate products available in the marketplace to reduce the risk of obesity and NCDs among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Regulation (EC) 1924/2006, health claims made on foods need an authorisation and the effect must be 'established by generally accepted scientific data'. The scientific assessment on applications for health claims is the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Thus, the Authority plays the crucial role in the scientific acceptance or rejection of health claims. In accordance with Regulation (EC) 353/2008, in order to substantiate a health claim, data from human studies are required to prove the relationship between the consumption of the food/food constituent and the claimed effect. In this context, EFSA considers double-blind randomised controlled trials in humans to be the gold standard. So far, the Authority has not published an exclusive guidance for reporting of human intervention studies in order to present transparent and consistent criteria for these studies. Thus, clear and concrete guidelines for adequately performing such studies are missing, which represents a general problem for applicants. Therefore, based on an evaluation of all scientific opinions on claims according to Article 13, this paper addresses key factors that EFSA requests to report on the design, conduct and statistical analysis of human intervention studies with foods or food constituents for scientific substantiation of health claims. It also shows that EFSA's work often is neither transparent nor consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to compare consumers' objective understanding of five FoPLs [Health Star Rating system (HSR), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL), Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes (RIs), Warning Symbol] in Mexico. Materials and methods. 1 001 Mexican consumers were recruited and asked to rank three sets of label-free products according to their nutritional quality, via a survey. Upon completion of this task, participants were randomized to one of five FoPL conditions and were again asked to rank the same sets of products, this time with a FoPL displayed on pack. Change in ability to correctly rank products across the two tasks was assessed by FoPL using ordinal logistic regression. Results. Nutri-Score and MTL performed best, followed Warning Symbol, HSR and RIs. Conclusion. Nutri-Score and MTL appear as efficient schemes to inform consumers on the nutritional quality of foods, in particular in Mexico, where it would be a helpful tool for consumers in purchasing situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the ingredients and nutritional information of commercially-available gluten-free bread (GFB) in Brazil. A total of 128 products were studied, of which 87% presented the sandwich loaf shape. Traditional GFBs (n = 114) had as main ingredient the refined rice flour and starches, whereas alternative ones (n = 14) presented whole rice flour. Raw materials suggested by science to improve nutrients and bioactive compounds of gluten-free foodstuffs were observed in the ingredient list of most products (n = 86); however, they were used in lower levels, thus no significant differences were observed for nutritional information between the different categories of GFB. No products with added vitamins or minerals were found, though 77% of them included hydrocolloids in their formulations - other food additives were also observed. Despite the increased gluten-free food market, there is still a gap between science and market, especially regarding the approaches to improve the GFB diversity and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food labelling is a means of communication between food business operators and consumers, representing an important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. The enforcement of the new food labelling policy is aimed to improve food safety and public health through the mandatory indication of information and nutritional values. To understand the usefulness of the information provided for consumers, a survey was carried out to assess the efficacy of the information presented in food labelling. Principal component analysis was performed to obtain a smaller number of uncorrelated factors regarding the usefulness of food labelling. Results showed consumers usually do not read food labels due to lack of time and excessive information. Additionally, food labelling was observed to be more useful for specific consumer groups, such as, athletes, consumers with health conditions or consumers concerned with a healthy lifestyle. The results of the present study highlight the need of information campaigns by public health authorities to show the importance and advantages of reading food labels as well as the development of essential information which should be quickly and clearly seen and understood by consumers. [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]

Objectives: To investigate the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in the UK and to explore the use of health and nutrition claims.Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a wide range of UK food retailers. Products marketed to children above the age of 1 year containing any of a range of child friendly themes (i.e. cartoons, toys and promotions), and terms suggesting a nutritious or healthy attribute such as 'one of 5-a-day', on product packaging were identified both in stores and online. Information on sugar, salt and fat content, as well as health and nutrition claims, was recorded. The Ofcom nutrient profiling model (NPM) was used to assess if products were healthy.Results: Three hundred and thirty-two products, including breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, fruit-based drinks, dairy products and ready meals, were sampled. The use of cartoon characters (91.6%), nutrition claims (41.6%) and health claims (19.6%) was a common marketing technique. The one of 5-a-day claim was also common (41.6%), but 75.4% (103) of products which made this claim were made up of less than 80 g of fruit and vegetables. Sugar content (mean±SD per 100 g) was high in fruit snacks (48.4±16.2 g), cereal bars (28.9±7.5 g) and cereals (22.9±8.0 g). Overall, 41.0% of the products were classified as less healthy according to the Ofcom NPM.Conclusion: A large proportion of products marketed to children through product packaging are less healthy, and claims used on product packaging are confusing. Uniform guidance would avoid confusion on nutritional quality of many popular foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Foods were displayed with either a high or low variety label or no label. • The 'variety-labelling' manipulation had no effect on ideal portion size. • The 'variety-labelling' manipulation had no effect on expected fullness. • The 'variety-labelling' manipulation had no effect on snack intake. • Bayesian analyses suggested no effect of a variety-labelling manipulation. Abstract As greater food variety has been shown to increase intake and is associated with a higher BMI, interventions that modify the effects of food variety have implications for combatting obesity. Previous research has shown that labelling a food with 'high variety' flavour-specific labels can reduce an individual's satiation whilst eating. We were interested in whether the effects of 'variety labelling' would also be observed on portion size selection and ad libitum food intake. Therefore, two studies were conducted to explore the effects of labelling foods with different levels of variety on ideal portion size, ratings of expected fullness, and actual intake. In Study 1 (N = 294), participants viewed images of a range of foods that were presented with either high variety labels (descriptions of within-food components), low variety labels (general names of food items), or no label in an online survey. They selected their ideal portion size and rated their expected fullness for each food. In Study 2 (N = 99), they also consumed one of these foods ad libitum in the laboratory. It was hypothesised that foods presented with high variety labels would have an increased ideal portion size, reduced expected fullness, and increased intake compared to foods presented with low variety labels or no label. Our findings failed to support these predictions, and we found no evidence of an effect of variety labelling on ideal portion size, expected fullness or food intake. These findings highlight the importance of considering the ecological validity of consumer research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the factors affecting consumers' motivation to engage with food product labelling in the new product context. Using yogurt as a case food, due to its positive association with health, enjoyment and convenience, this study uses eye-tracking experiments, a retrospective think-aloud protocol and semi-structured interviews, to bring to light the conscious and subconscious mechanisms associated with label usage, in order to explore the cognitive processes underlying usage of labels for new product offerings and situate these within the participant's personal context. Key information usage and decision-making strategies and the factors which give rise to these are identified. Findings suggest that consumer involvement is being shaped by the perceived importance of negative consequences (i.e. risk importance) and is further reflected in the label usage strategies identified, which align to the negotiability and specificity of health-related goals. Integration of eye-tracking, retrospective think-aloud and interview data reveal that although labelling cues promoted non-volitional attention through design features, in the absence of 'personal motivational relevance', information attended to was discounted from the evaluation process, confirming the importance of needs-based information provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this qualitative case study is to examine how two post-socialist nation-states-Latvia and Estonia-have appropriated and implemented the European Union (EU) food quality schemes in order to protect traditional food products. Relying on documents, interviews and observations, the focus is on analysing the process of applying for EU quality labels such as Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The results demonstrate that in both countries, these EU quality labels seem to compensate for a lack of national quality schemes for traditional food products. EU quality products are considered as national property and are used as tools for marketing small, post-socialist countries among member states within the EU. The state authorities in Latvia and Estonia have different degrees of intervention in the process of applying for quality labels. Micro and small-scale producers especially lack the administrative resources and expertise needed for the application, as well as surveillance. This study suggests that the implementation of the EU food quality schemes not only benefits food producers but also compels them to confront the multiple controversies related to transforming traditional foods into standardised and certified "European products". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. This study provides a general overview about household food waste in Montenegro. An online survey was carried out in 2015 with a random sample of 371 adult Montenegrins (70.1% female; 91.1% less than 44 years old; 81.2% high-educated). Most of the respondents (90.8%) had high concerns related to food waste. Bakery products are the most wasted foods. Monthly economic value of food waste is 5-25 Euro. Raising Montenegrins' awareness about environmental, ethical and economic implications of household food wastage is crucial to address this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the consumers' stated demand for a farm animal welfare label in Germany, where we contrast stated demand in an individual and a collective decision situation. Under the collective decision framing, we find significantly higher support rates for animal welfare-labelled products, indicating the possible existence of free-rider behaviour. In addition, we find determinants of the choice for labelled meat to differ: while normative demeanour is important in both frames, only in the individual purchase situation expected better taste is relatively more important than normative considerations about farm animal welfare. These findings question the success of such labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses the importance of the protected designation of origin (PDO) as a selection criterion in purchases of traditional food products in a consumer's daily life, the awareness of products with a PDO label, and determinants of use of the PDO label for purchasing PDO-labelled products. A survey questionnaire was distributed by regular mail to a representative sample of Slovenian consumers. The survey results show that the presence of a PDO label on a food package is not too important for respondents. Slovenian consumers tend to pay greater attention to the taste of the product, its positive impact on their health, and the ingredients. There is low awareness of PDO-labelled products, which may be explained by the fact that Slovenia has a weak tradition in using geographical indications. Among consumers who were aware of products with a PDO label, their interests and quality perceptions played a significant role in shaping their use of the PDO label. The study demonstrated a direct relationship between the belief the PDO signals a better-quality product and use of the PDO label. A PDO label is not too important to Slovenian consumers. There is poor awareness of the PDO label. It is worth investing in PDO labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine consumers' ability to correctly interpret front-of-package (FOP) 'high in' warnings in the presence of a voluntary claim for the same or a different nutrient. Design: A between-group experimental task assigned respondents to view food products labelled as 'high in sodium', with a 'reduced sodium' claim positioned next to the warning, away from the warning or absent. A second experiment assigned participants to view a food product labelled as 'high in sugar', with a 'reduced fat' claim positioned next to the warning, away from the warning or absent. For both tasks, respondents were asked to identify whether the products were high in the indicated nutrient. Setting: Online survey (2016). Subjects: Canadians aged 16–32 years (n 1000) were recruited in person from five major cities in Canada. Results: Respondents were less likely to correctly identify a product as 'high in sodium' when packages also featured a voluntary 'reduced sodium' claim, with a stronger effect when the claim was positioned away from the FOP symbol (P <0·001). The number of correct responses was similar across conditions when the nutrient claim was for a different nutrient than the one featured in the FOP 'high in' warning. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that the presence of a voluntary nutrient claim can undermine the efficacy of mandated FOP labels for the same nutrient. Countries considering nutrient-specific FOP warnings, including Canada, should consider regulations that would prohibit claims for nutrients that exceed the threshold for nutrient-specific FOP warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive sugar intake and the associated increased obesity risk indicate that food reformulation is needed. Non-alcoholic beverages are often high in free sugars, making reformulation with low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) a common choice. Our knowledge of the use of LNCS in the European food supply is, however, very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the trends in the use of LNCS in different non-alcoholic beverages in the Slovenian food supply over the course of two years. We assessed which LNCS are most used and how the use of LNCS affects energy and sugar content. We analyzed labeling information of non-alcoholic beverages in selected grocery stores, covering the majority of the Slovenian food supply. Selected grocery stores were located in the capital city (Ljubljana). LNCS were present in 13.2% and 15.5% of non-alcoholic beverages in the years 2017 and 2019, respectively. The use of LNCS has significantly increased only in energy drinks (p < 0.01). The most used LNCS in 2017 were acesulfame K, aspartame, and cyclamates. In 2019 the use of sucralose increased significantly (p < 0.01) to become the second most used LNCS. Energy and sugar content varied between subcategories, which depended on the presence of added sugar and LNCS. Comparison between the energy value and the presence of the LNCS showed an almost 50% lower energy content of beverages containing both added sugar and LNCS (E2017 = 92.8 kJ; E2019 = 96.2 kJ per 100 mL), compared with beverages with only added sugar (E2017 = 161.8 kJ; E2019 = 159.0 kJ per 100 mL). In beverages sweetened only with LNCS, the difference was even more noticeable (E2017 = 22.3 kJ; E2019 = 14.3 kJ per 100 mL). Results show that the use of LNCS can help producers reduce the energy value of non-alcoholic beverages. Still, compared to other countries, the offer of such products in the Slovenian food supply is relatively low. However, due to possible public health risks of excessive use of LNCS, producers should be further encouraged for reformulation and production of less sweet products without LNCS, enabling consumers to adapt to less sweet taste of beverages. Further monitoring of LNCS in the food supply is therefore recommended, preferably also with consideration of sales data.

Nous rapportons un cas d'anaphylaxie sévère à la noix de cajou, chez un garçon de 11 ans 1/2, due à une erreur d'étiquetage alimentaire. Cet enfant a ensuite bénéficié d'une induction de tolérance orale (ITO) mixte, à la noix de cajou et à la pistache. Nous présentons les résultats de son ITO et nous rappelons l'intérêt de l'éducation thérapeutique (ETP) et de l'importance d'un étiquetage alimentaire rigoureux. We report a case of severe cashew anaphylaxis in an 11 1/2 year old boy due to a food labelling error. This child then received mixed oral tolerance induction (OTI) with cashew nuts and pistachio nuts. We present the results of his ITO and we recall the interest of therapeutic education (TTE) and the importance of rigorous food labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food labelling procedures, with their focus on geographic origin of food, contribute to shape territorial identities at different spatial levels. International institutions, above all UNESCO and the European Union, become guarantors of local identities linking food traditions to specific places. However, to support in international arena local claims are the nation-states, which end up using international institutions to achieve global recognition for their national branding. The paper aims at analysing the entanglement between local, national and international identities in the process of heritagization of food, related to issues of authenticity, tradition, terroir.

Nudge theory describes how indirect suggestions and positive reinforcement can influence decision-making. We used nudge theory to implement a traffic-light labeling and choice architecture (modifying product placement) intervention at Harvard University cafeterias, but found no significant change in sales. Survey and focus group data showed that some students thought the labeling may exacerbate eating disorders, however, there is extremely limited research on potential negative consequences of labeling. One way to describe these findings is through 20th century philosopher Michel Foucault's concept of biopower. Biopower manipulates cultural norms and nudges individuals to engage in self-surveillance and self-discipline, de facto subjugating themselves to certain ways of being. Biopower may lead to the creation of an in-group and an out-group based on who can adopt the new behaviors, such as healthy eating. Those in the out-group may face additional unintended consequences, highlighting the need for mixed-methods research to better evaluate public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify ingredients from products and by-products derived from GM crops in packaged food products and to analyse the presence of these ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: A search of the scientific literature to identify the use of products and by-products derived from GM crops in foods in Brazil and a study of food labels in a supermarket belonging to one of the ten largest supermarket chains in Brazil.Subjects: To identify the ingredients present in packaged food products and their nomenclatures, the labels of all packaged food products available for sale in a supermarket were analysed. Subsequently, the presence of potential GM ingredients in the foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population was analysed.Results: A total of twenty-eight GM crops' by-products with applications in the food industry (from soyabeans, corn, cotton and a yeast) were identified. Such by-products are presented as food ingredients or additives on food labels with 101 distinct nomenclatures. Most of the variety (63·8 %) and the quantity (64·5 %) of the foods most commonly consumed by Brazilians may contain a least one GM ingredient.Conclusions: The presence of at least one potential GM ingredient was observed in more than half of the variety of foods most commonly consumed by the Brazilian population. Such ingredients were identified with distinct nomenclatures and incomplete descriptions, which may make it difficult to identify potential GM foods and confuse consumers when making food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the influence of three summary indicator front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels on consumer perceptions of the healthiness of different beverage products. In 2016, a total of 675 respondents in southwestern Ontario aged 16 and over viewed images of soda, unflavoured milk and chocolate milk displaying one of four FOP label conditions (no FOP label, numeric rating, health star rating (HSR), or simplified traffic light (STL)), and rated the products' healthiness. Participants also indicated their preference for summary indicator versus nutrient-specific FOP labels. Logistic regression models comparing correct responses across label conditions found no differences across label conditions for unflavoured milk or soda. Consumers in the HSR and STL conditions were more likely to correctly perceive a chocolate milk beverage as 'moderately healthy' (p = 0.004, p = 0.016). No differences in responses were identified across sociodemographic groups. Most respondents (93%) indicated that they would like to see a health rating or nutrient-specific information on the front of food products. Results of this study suggest that the influence of FOP labels may vary based on the nutritional quality of food products, and may have the greatest influence on consumer perceptions of 'nutritionally ambiguous' foods. Consumers indicated almost unanimous support for implementing FOP nutrition labelling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this contribution is to approximate Muslims' preferences towards selected attributes of halal meat. A comprehensive literature review on the influence of religion was undertaken with special emphasis on Muslims, a significant and growing community in Austria. An empirical study was conducted to estimate part-worth utilities. In particular, the attributes of halal label, price, slaughtering method, and country of origin were included in the empirical design. Based on the literature review, a conjoint experiment model was developed to approximate the importance of selected attributes and attribute levels. The methodological approach followed the so-called limit conjoint analysis. With this method, a no-choice option is included in the experimental design, meaning it comes closer to real shopping behaviour. A sample from the Austrian Muslim community was selected. Data collection within this community was demanding, mainly because of cultural aspects. The results of the conjoint experiment show that the most important attribute is the halal label. This clearly demonstrates the significance of correct and trustworthy labelling of halal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU Regulation 1169/2011 also known as food information to consumers' regulation introduced two advancements - a mandatory nutrition declaration for prepacked food as well as mandatory allergen labelling for prepacked foods plus minimum requirements for allergen representation for non-prepacked foods. The article analysis the interaction between the relevant EU laws and Member State regulations. For this study there were four Member States chosen - Latvia, France, the Netherlands and the UK. Article then looks at the legal evaluation and observes the implications to common market. As the possible consequences are named restriction on free movement of goods and market fragmentation. In addition the purpose of Regulation 1169/2011, which is the protection of consumer health, can be jeopardized. The front of pack labelling systems can disrupt balanced diet of a consumer. Products bearing precautionary labels can actually contain allergen traces yet a consumer will disregard the warnings due to advisory label common occurrence. Article concludes by determining that the current food labelling area has encountered two issues yet rules in place does not provide for solutions. Thus the further development in the food labelling area, specifically nutrition and allergen labelling, is to be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In South Africa there has been a paucity of data on food and nutrition labelling since the publication of the new food‐labelling legislation. This study aimed to explore whether the nutrition information on food products influences consumer purchasing behaviour; reasons for reading or ignoring nutrition information on labels, and to investigate expectations regarding food / nutrition labelling. Nine focus‐group discussions were held with adult consumers (N=67) in Cape Town, South Africa. Food price was sometimes the only consideration when selecting food products, irrespective of quality and nutritional value. When buying products for the first time, consumers were more inclined to read the nutrition information compared to habitual purchases or buying known brands. The list of ingredients, nutrient content claims and specific health endorsement logos were considered important. Reasons for reading nutrition information were mainly to assess the nutritional value or health properties, to avoid certain ingredients/allergens and to determine quality. Consumers struggled to understand the information on labels, specifically the nutrition information table. A lack of time or interest, price concerns and trust in labelling information also emerged as reasons why consumers ignore the nutrition information. There is a need for simpler food labelling, more graphics, and less complex terminology, information overload and quantitative information. It is recommended that a standardised front‐of‐package labelling scheme and a single health endorsement logo for South Africa be considered. More should be done to educate consumers on utilising the information on food labels correctly, in order for them to make healthier food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand parents' knowledge and use of nutrition labelling and to explore its associated factors.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Setting: Two schools providing a nine-year educational programme in Putuo District, Shanghai, China, were selected for the study. Information was included on demographic data and knowledge of the Chinese Food Pagoda.Subjects: Students and their parents (n 1770) participated in a questionnaire survey.Results: Of questionnaires, 1766 were completed (response rate 99·8 %). Utilization rate of nutrition labelling was 19·3 %. Among 624 parents knowing nutrition labelling, 22·1 % understood all the information included, 70·7 % understood it partially and 7·2 % could not understand it at all. Use of nutrition labelling by parents was related to the following factors (OR; 95 % CI): high educational level of parent (1·465; 1·165, 1·841), parent's knowledge of the Chinese Food Pagoda (1·333; 1·053, 1·688), parent's consumption of top three snacks which are unhealthy (1·065; 1·023, 1·109), parent's assumption that nutrition labelling would affect their choice of food (1·522; 1·131, 2·048), student's willingness to learn about labels (1·449; 1·093, 1·920) and student's knowledge and use of labels (2·214; 1·951, 2·513).Conclusions: Parents' knowledge and use of nutrition labelling are still at a lower level, and some information included in the nutrition labels is not understood by parents. The forms of the existing nutrition labelling need to be continuously improved to facilitate their understanding and usefulness. It is necessary to establish nutrition projects focusing on education and use of nutrition labels which help parents and their children make the right choices in selecting foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop health-endorsement logos (HEL) for food products indicating healthy choices based on the South African nutrient profile model and to pilot test these logos with consumers.Design: Multistage mixed-methods design.Setting: Cape Town, South Africa.Subjects: Nine focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with adult consumers to explore what types of HEL are preferred and why. Based on the findings, ten HEL were designed by a graphic design team. A modified Delphi technique, conducted with experts in the fields of nutrition and food science, was employed to eliminate lowest-scoring HEL and to improve the design of the remaining logos. Participants from the initial FGD participated in pilot testing the improved logos.Results: Participants from FGD (n 67) were positive about a single HEL, stating it would make food labelling less confusing as they did not understand the various HEL used. Participants indicated the logo should include wording related to 'healthy choice' or 'better choice' and pictures/symbols related to health and/or food. During two rounds of scoring and comments by experts (n 19), five logos were eliminated and the design of the remaining five improved. Three of five remaining logos received overall rankings of 3·08/5, 3·28/5 and 3·39/5, respectively, during FGD (n 36) in the pilot-testing phase.Conclusion: HEL were designed and consumer tested. Three designs were submitted to the national Department of Health to consider for implementation, after further testing, as a tool to assist in addressing the high incidence of non-communicable diseases in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present research aimed to investigate the impact of the physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) front-of-pack label on consumption, prospective consumption and liking of familiar and unfamiliar discretionary snack foods.Design: In a within-subject randomised design, participants tasted and rated liking (9-point hedonic scale) and prospective consumption (9-point category scale) of four different snack foods with four different labels (i.e. blank, fake, PACE, PACE doubled) and four control snack foods. The twenty snack foods were presented during two 45 min sessions (i.e. ten snack foods per session) which were separated by one week. The amount participants sampled of each snack food was measured.Setting: The study was conducted in the Centre for Advanced Sensory Sciences laboratory at Deakin University, Australia.Subjects: The participants were 153 university students (126 females, twenty-seven males, mean age 24·3 (sd 4·9) years) currently enrolled in an undergraduate nutrition degree at Deakin University.Results: When the PACE label was present on familiar snack foods, participants sampled 9·9 % (22·8 (sem 1·4) v. 25·3 (sem 1·5) g, P=0·03) less than when such label was not present. This was in line with a decreased prospective snack food consumption of 9·1 % (3·0 (sem 0·2) v. 3·3 (sem 0·2) servings, P=0·03). Such pattern was not seen in unfamiliar snacks.Conclusions: The PACE label appears to be a promising way to decrease familiar discretionary snack food consumption in young, health-minded participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The noncommunicable disease burden can be addressed through population‐wide interventions, including the promotion of healthy diets through the provision of adequate nutrition information on food labels. The study aimed to determine consumer knowledge and reading of nutrition information on food labels; the self‐reported impact of food and nutrition labelling on purchasing behaviour; and barriers to and expectations of reading nutrition information. In this cross‐sectional descriptive study, an interviewer‐administered electronic survey was conducted on adult consumers (N = 960) at 16 randomly selected grocery stores (from the four main food retailers in South Africa) in four health districts of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. Data from the survey were exported from SurveyMonkey® to Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATISTICA Version 13. The relation between nominal variables was investigated with contingency tables and likelihood ratio chi‐squared tests. Regression analysis of a continuous response variable vs. ordinal input was done and the strength of the relationship was measured with Spearman correlation. A p‐value of p < .05 represented statistical significance. Only 36.0% of participants indicated that they frequently/always read nutrition information on food labels. Older individuals (p < .05), white participants (p < .001), those with a higher level of education (p < .001) and income (p < .001) read nutrition information more frequently. The main reasons for not reading nutrition information included buying the same type of product all the time (34.28%) and not being interested in the nutrition information (31.44%). The mean food and nutrition label knowledge score was 44.4% (fair or below average) with those that often read the nutrition information on labels having a significantly higher score (p < .01). Main factors influencing food purchasing behaviour included price (81.25%), sell‐by date (89.16%) and products on special/promotion (87.08%). Participants would prefer less complex terminology (79.69%), more pictures/colours (71.15%), a single health endorsement logo (73.33%) and bigger font sizes (69.17%) to be used on food labels. Cape Town consumers have fair food and nutrition label knowledge and do not regularly read nutrition information on labels. This could explain why nutrition information was not mentioned as an important determinant of food purchasing. More should be done to educate consumers on utilizing the nutrition information on food labels to make healthier food choices and to simplify food labels for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimated prevalence of food allergy amongst children in the west is around 6-8% but there is paucity of data in the Indian population. There is a complex interplay of environmental influences and genetic factors in the immuno-pathogenesis and manifestations of food allergy. A reliable thorough clinical history, combined with positive skin prick tests or food-specific IgE, is essential for a more precise diagnosis of food allergy. Currently there is no cure for food allergy. The management of food allergy usually includes strict avoidance, patient education and provision of emergency medication (adrenaline-autoinjectors). Emerging therapies based on evolving research are focused on a more active approach to management which includes early introduction of potentially allergenic foods, anticipatory testing and desensitisation to food allergens. Lack of food labelling policy and non availability of adrenaline auto-injectors is a huge limiting factor for effective management of food allergy among children in India. The present review focuses on IgE mediated food allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the nutrient quality of breads and breakfast cereals identified using the wholegrain definition of ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre ratio.Design: Following a cross-sectional study design, nutritional information was systematically gathered from food labels of breads and breakfast cereals that met the ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre criterion. The median nutrient content was compared with the UK Food Standards Agency's nutrient profiling standards and the associations between carbohydrate:fibre ratio and other nutrients were analysed. Subgroup analyses were undertaken for products with and without fruit, nuts and/or seeds.Setting: Products from four major supermarket stores in the UK.Subjects: Breads (n 162) and breakfast cereals (n 266).Results: Breads which met the ≤10:1 criterion typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, low sugar and medium Na. Breakfast cereals typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, high sugar and low Na. In both groups, as the carbohydrate:fibre ratio decreased, fat content increased (bread: P=0·029, r=-0·171; breakfast cereal: P=0·033, r=-0·131) and, in breakfast cereals, as the ratio increased, sugar content increased (P<0·0005, r=0·381). Breakfast cereals with fruit, nuts and/or seeds contained, per 100 g, more energy (P=0·002), fat, saturated fat and sugar (all P<0·0005), while seeded breads had more energy, fat and saturated fat (all P<0·0005).Conclusions: Overall, breads and breakfast cereals meeting the ≤10:1 criterion have good nutritional quality, suggesting that the criterion could be useful in public health and/or food labelling. The utility of applying the ≤10:1 criterion to products containing fruit, nuts and/or seeds is less clear and requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study explored factors that shaped the development of Australia's Health Star Rating system for front‐of‐pack labelling (FoPL) on packaged foods and whether insights could be drawn from this experience to inform the development of global FoPL standards. Methods: Ten individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with public health or consumer advocates, academics in the field of nutrition labelling and policy, a food industry employee, and Australian public servants. Thematic analysis was undertaken, guided by Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework, to identify factors which shaped Australian and international FoPL policy processes. Results: Senior Australian bureaucrats played the policy entrepreneur role to facilitate the development of the Health Star Rating system. The public health and consumer advocacy groups formed an alliance to counter‐balance the influence of the food industry in the Health Star Rating development process. Public health and consumer groups have less influence at Codex Alimentarius, where policy‐making is constrained by political alliances and consensus voting structures. Conclusions: Strong leadership, policy entrepreneurship and a coherent alliance between public health and consumer groups enabled the development of a FoPL system in Australia and could contribute to advancing FoPL standards at the international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory changes in Canada will require food labels to have a benchmark [% Daily Value, %DV] for total sugars, based on 100 g/day, while US labels will require a %DV for added sugars, based on 50 g/day. The objective of this study was to compare two labelling policies, a total sugars DV (100 g/day) and a free sugars DV (50 g/day) on food labels. This cross-sectional analysis of the Food Label Information Program database focussed on top sources of total sugars intake in Canada (n = 6924 foods). Products were categorized as "less healthy" using two sets of criteria: a) free sugars levels exceeding the WHO guidelines (≥10% energy from free sugars); and b) exceeding healthfulness cut-offs of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (FSANZ-NPSC). The proportion of "less healthy" products with ≥15%DV (defined as "a lot" of sugars i.e. high in sugars, based on Health Canada's %DV labelling footnote and educational message for dietary guidance) were compared for each sugar labelling scenario. The free sugars DV showed better alignment with both methods for assessing "healthfulness" than the total sugars DV. The free sugars DV identified a greater proportion of "less healthy" foods with ≥15%DV, based on both the FSANZ-NPSC (70% vs. 45%, p < .0001) and WHO guidelines (82% vs. 55%, p < .0001); particularly in sweet baked goods, sugars and preserves, chocolate bars, confectionery, and frozen desserts categories. Compared to total sugars DV labelling, using a free sugars DV identified more "less healthy" foods. Findings support the adoption of free sugars labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]