Socio-demographic determinants of Filipino consumers reading food product labels and nutrition facts: Findings from the 2018-2019 ENNS

Objectives@#While food product labelling is deemed important in providing consumer information, little is known about the characteristics of those reading and not reading. This study aimed to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of Filipino adult consumers reading and not reading food product labels and nutrition facts to provide insights on their understanding and usage of food labels that may help in designing better label formats of packaged foods and related health education campaigns.@*Methods@#Cross-sectional design using secondary data from the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) 2018- 2019 was employed. A survey form on Reading Food Product Labels and Nutrition Facts in the ENNS 2018-2019 were collected through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, test of proportions, and logistic regression were done using Stata version 16.@*Results@#Always reading product labels were reported only by 19.6% of adult consumers, 18 years old and above, while 45.9% reported not reading food product labels. Among those who read food product labels, only 16.7% reported reading nutrition facts. Higher proportions of adults reading nutrition facts were found among those who attained a higher educational level, were less than 40 years old, living in urban residences, and belonging to higher wealth status. ‘Not interested’ was the top reason of adults who reported not reading nutrition facts.@*Conclusion@#Reading product labels and nutrition facts is not common among Filipino adults. Being not interested was the top reason for not reading food product labels. Older persons, adults with low educational attainment, and belonging to poor households were more likely to not read food product labels and not influenced by nutrition facts which imply the need for a food label format that would cater to those who cannot or have difficulty reading food labels and nutrition facts. An intensified campaign on the importance of reading food product labels is also needed.

Promotion of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: combined use of claims and promotional features on packaging

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the availability of different promotional strategies applied for UPF sales in Brazilian food retailers. METHODS Information available on food packaging was gathered from all packaged products sold in the five largest food retail chains in Brazil in 2017. UPF were identified using the NOVA food classification system. From this sample, data related to promotional characteristics, nutrition claims and health claims were collected and coded using the INFORMAS methodology. Additional claims referring to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines were also collected. RESULTS This study evaluated the packaging of 2,238 UPF, of which 59.8% presented at least one promotional strategy. Almost one third denoted a simultaneous use of different promotional strategies in the same packaging. Nutrition claims were the most commonly found promotional strategy, followed by health claims and the use of characters. The food subgroups comprising the highest prevalence of promotional strategies on their labels were: noncaloric sweeteners (100.0%), breakfast cereals and granola bars (96.2%), juices, nectars and fruit-flavoured drinks (92.9%), other unsweetened beverages (92.9%), and other sweetened beverages (92.6%). CONCLUSIONS Considering the poor nutritional quality of UPF, the widespread presence of promotional features on their packaging highlights the need for marketing restrictions on this kind of product.

Relevance of Food Labels among Selected Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Food labels

pre-packed foods

nutritional information

students.

Association between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nutrition and Food Labels among Selected Higher Educational Institution Students in Klang Valley (Hubungan antara Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Amalan terhadap Pemakanan dan Label Makanan dalam Kalangan Pelajar Institusi Pengajian Tinggi di Lembah Klang) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Nutrition information on food labels guides consumers to purchase healthier food choices. Besides nutrition information, other factors influence a purchase. This study aims to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among tertiary students on nutrition and food labels. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 190 students from three tertiary institutions within Klang Valley completed an online survey. Self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic profiles and KAP questions, available in Malay and English, were distributed. Association between KAP was determined using Spearman's Rho test, while multiple linear regression was used to assess predictors of KAP scores. Mean body mass index (BMI) of the respondents were 20.8 kg/m2. The total mean score for knowledge on food labels was 8.93, followed by attitude and practice with 3.86 and 3.11, respectively. There was a significant correlation between attitude and practice (p<0.005). Nutrient and total calorie information on food labels influenced purchases, with 56.3% of respondents reported looking at the total calorie content, followed by 55.7% and 49.5% checking on sugar and fats, respectively. In addition, other factors such as expiry date (60.9%) and price (59.9%) also influenced purchases. Overall, respondents have a positive attitude on food selection, but male respondents have better knowledge levels than females. However, female respondents interpret food labelling effectively compared to male respondents. Despite having good knowledge and attitude towards nutrition, respondents were still making poor choices. A more extensive range of healthier food options and targeted healthy eating campaigns may empower students to choose more nutritious foods.

Tipos de edulcorantes nos alimentos para diabéticos: análise de rótulois de produtos alimentícios / Types of sweeteners in foods for diabetics: analysis of food labels

Objetivo ­ Avaliar adequação dos rótulos de produtos zero açúcar e sem adição de açúcar e confrontar com a legislação vigente. Consumidores, de forma geral, buscam informações sobre os alimentos consumidos. A Rotulagem Nutricional Obrigatória (RNO) é importante ferramenta para obtenção desta. No Brasil, existem regulamentos técnicos e legislações norteiam o processo de produção desenvolvimento de rótulos de alimentos, como é o caso dos alimentos zero açúcar e sem adição de açúcar. O consumidor, além de não ter o hábito de ler rótulos, quando o faz não tem conhecimento suficiente para interpretar e identificar o significado de termos tecnológicos o que pode resultar em consumo inadequado. Métodos ­ A pesquisa exploratória foi realizada pela verificação da RNO em cinco (5) amostras de sete (7) tipos de alimentos identificados como zero açúcar e sem adição de açúcar comercializados em supermercados do município de Jacareí/SP. Resultados ­ Constatou-se que 29% dos produtos apresentaram-se inadequados para consumo por indivíduos diabéticos ou que consomem dietas com restrição de açúcares. As inadequações observadas podem induzir a consumo incorreto dos produtos. Conclusão ­ Faz-se necessária fiscalização pelos órgãos responsáveis, de modo a assegurar que a RNO atenda ao estabelecido pela legislação de forma a não induzir o consumidor a erro no momento da aquisição e consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados

Objective ­ To evaluate the adequacy of zero sugar products labels and without addition of sugar and to compare with current legislation. Consumers, in general, seek information about food consumed. Compulsory Nutrition Labeling (RNO) is an important tool for obtaining this. In Brazil, there are technical regulations and legislation that guide the production process of developing food labels, such as zero-sugar foods and no added sugar. The consumer, in addition to not being in the habit of reading labels, when he does not have enough knowledge to interpret and identify the meaning of technological terms which can result in inappropriate consumption. Methods ­ The exploratory research was carried out by the verification of the RNO in five (5) samples of seven (7) types of foods identified as zero sugar and without added sugar commercialized in supermarkets in the municipality of Jacareí/SP. Results ­ It was verified that 29% of the products were inadequate for consumption by diabetic individuals or that they consume diets with sugar restriction. The inadequacies observed may induce incorrect consumption of the products. Conclusion ­ It is necessary to supervise the responsible bodies in order to ensure that the RNO meets the requirements established by law so as not to mislead the consumer when purchasing and consuming processed and ultraprocessed foods

Exposición de seres humanos a alimentos y cosméticos que contienen colorantes: un estudio de encuestas / Human beings’ exposure to food and cosmetics containing colorants: a study based on surveys / Exposição de seres humanos a alimentos e cosméticos que contêm corantes: um estudo de pesquisas

La mayor parte de la población de Argentina se concentra en ciudades y consume productos industrializados que contienen aditivos, entre los que se incluyen los colorantes. Los colorantes más utilizados en cosméticos y productos de higiene personal coinciden con los más utilizados en alimentos. Se realizaron encuestas para evaluar preliminarmente el consumo de los productos citados por parte de diferentes muestras poblacionales. Se realizó además el análisis de los rótulos de dichos productos para conocer el listado de colorantes declarados. Los resultados muestran consumos similares en encuestas en papel realizadas en San Martín y en otras realizadas on line. Encuestas realizadas en Caleta Olivia fueron de un tamaño de muestra de prueba. Los alimentos más consumidos fueron las golosinas y las bebidas gaseosas; los cosméticos y productos de higiene personal más consumidos fueron pasta dental, jabón, champú y acondicionador de cabello. La tartrazina y otros colorantes azoicos fueron principalmente declarados en gran cantidad de productos. En cosméticos se agregó el azul brillante. El dióxido de titanio fue importante en algunas categorías de productos. Nuevas encuestas sobre frecuencias y cantidades consumidas, y la cuantificación de los colorantes en los productos permitirán conocer su incorporación diaria posible por personas de las franjas etarias seleccionadas.

Most people in Argentina nowadays live in cities and consume industrialized products containing additives, including colorants. Colorants more frequently used in cosmetics and personal care products are usually the same as the ones used in food. Preliminary surveys were carried out to evaluate the consumption of the cited products by different population samples. Colorants declared in the food labels of these products were also investigated. The results show similar patterns in surveys filled on paper sheets carried out in San Martín city and in surveys filled "on line". Other surveys, carried out in Caleta Olivia city were considered as proof surveys, due to their small sample size. Sweets and carbonated beverages reached the highest percentages of food consumption, and tooth pastes, soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners were the cosmetic and personal care products most consumed by respondents. Tartrazine and other azo-compounds were highly distributed in the ingredient section of the products. Brilliant blue was also highly declared in cosmetics and personal care products. Titanium dioxide was important in selected categories of products. Further investigations on the frequency of intake of these products and the quantification of colorants there will make it possible to calculate the possible daily intake for these selected age groups.

A maior parte da população da Argentina concentra-se em cidades e consome produtos industrializados que contêm aditivos, incluindo corantes. Os corantes mais utilizados em cosméticos e produtos de higiene pessoal coincidem com os mais utilizados em alimentos. Pesquisas para avaliar de forma preliminar o consumo dos produtos mencionados foram realizadas por parte de diferentes amostras populacionais. Também foram analisados os rótulos de tais produtos para conhecer a listagem de corantes declarados. Os resultados apresentam consumos similares em pesquisas de campo realizadas em San Martin e em outras realizadas online. Pesquisas realizadas em Caleta Olivia foram de um tamanho de amostra de prova. Os alimentos mais consumidos foram guloseimas e refrigerantes; os cosméticos e produtos de higiene pessoal mais consumidos foram pasta de dentes, sabonete, shampoo e condicionador de cabelo. A tartrazina e outros corantes azoicos foram principalmente declarados em grande quantidade de produtos. Em cosméticos se adicionou o azul brilhante. O dióxido de titânio foi importante em algumas categorias de produtos. Novas pesquisas sobre frequências e quantidades consumidas, e a quantificação dos corantes nos produtos, permitirão conhecer sua possível incorporação diária por pessoas das faixas etárias selecionadas.

Consumer's Use and Satisfaction of Allergic Food Labels / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: A life threatening systemic anaphylaxis can be caused by a food allergy, and the complete avoidance of all foods containing problematic allergens is the only way to manage food allergies. To prevent unexpected exposure to causative foods, food labeling systems have developed and are used in Korea. This study was conducted to evaluate the consumer's use and satisfaction of food labels, and to make recommendations for improving food labels. METHODS: A total of 962 subjects from 7 university hospitals, 130 adults had adverse food reactions (adult-AFR), 177 parents of children/adolescents that had AFR (parent-AFR), and 655 adults did not have AFR or no family history of AFR (no-AFR), were enrolled. We evaluated the use and satisfaction of food labels using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Only 25.4% of adult-AFR and 49.7% of parent-AFR, read food labels. Over 73% of the subjects were not satisfied with current labeling system, and the information was thought to be difficult to find or read, incorrect or insufficient, and required more information. The major suspected causes of AFR in adults were peach, egg, milk, mackerel, peanut/tree nuts, crab, shrimp and milk, peach, shrimp, pork and peanut/tree nuts in children/adolescent. Among the 12 foods enrolled in Korean allergic food labeling system, from the consumer's aspects, the most important items were egg, milk, peanut, mackerel and pork. CONCLUSION: The consumer's use and satisfaction of allergic food labels was very low. Thus, we need to improve consumer's accessibility and develop an education and information system for food labels.