Exposure and power of TV food advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a content analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Brazilian population has increased the time spent at home and watching television (TV). Since food advertising exposure is a key driver of food choices, this study described the content of food advertisements (ads) on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an exploratory study. A total of 684 h of TV programming comprised of three free-to-air channels and two pay-per-view channels was recorded from 06 a.m. to 12 a.m. for eight non-consecutive days in June 2020. A content analysis of all the food-related ads was carried out. The data collection process followed INFORMAS Protocol for TV food advertising monitoring. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 7,083 ads, 752 (10.6%) of which were food-related and 487 (6.9%) were promoting ultra-processed foods. The content analysis indicated seven thematic categories, all of them with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic: brand and product differentials (79.8%); visual and sound effects (70.2%); thematic campaigns (56.0%); digitization (22.9%); convenience (16.5%); economic benefits (11.9%); and commensality and social interaction (6.1%). Ads content varied according to the day of the week, the time of the day, the length of the ad, and the channel type. CONCLUSIONS: The thematic of food advertising on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned with the country's health crisis context and varied during the programming.

Irregular practices in drugstores in the offer of products for children under three years old / Práticas irregulares em drogarias na oferta de produtos para crianças menores de três anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the compliance with the commercialization of children's products included in the Brazilian Code of Marketing of Infant and Toddlers Food and Childcare-Related Products (NBCAL) in drugstores in Uberlândia/MG. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 143 drugstores that sold infant products: infant formula (IF), follow-up IF, nipples, teats, pacifiers and nipple shields; FI for young children, transition foods and cereal-based foods, fluid or powdered milk, modified/similar milks of plant origin and dairy compounds. The location of drugstores in the five geographic sectors was performed by geoprocessing. The data collected were: types of promotion and types of drugstore administration (drugstore chains/drugstores with independent administration). Irregular commercial promotion was expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Irregular commercial promotion was found in 11.7% of nipples, pacifiers and bottles, in 10.0% of IF and follow-up formula, in 9.5% of IF for young children, in 11.1% fluid or powdered milk, in 25.0% of transition foods and cereal-based foods and in 59.1% of dairy compounds. In commercial drugstore chains, the presence of promotion for dairy (81.8 vs. 28.6%, respectively) was higher than in drugstores with independent administration. The opposite ocurred for fluid or powdered milk, modified and similar milks of plant origin. The downtown and eastern sectors had the highest percentages of promotions (26%). Conclusions: NBCAL violations still occur in drugstores, mainly in the sale of young children's foods and in the commercial network drugstores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a conformidade da comercialização dos produtos infantis incluídos na Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos, Chupetas e Mamadeira (NBCAL) e de compostos lácteos em drogarias de Uberlândia/MG. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 143 drogarias que vendiam produtos infantis: fórmulas infantis (FI) para lactentes, FI de seguimento para lactentes, mamadeiras, bicos, chupetas e protetores de mamilo; FI para crianças de primeira infância, alimentos de transição e alimentos à base de cereais, leites fluidos/em pó, leites modificados/similares de origem vegetal e composto lácteo. A localização das drogarias nos cinco setores geográficos foi realizada por geoprocessamento. Os dados coletados foram: tipos de promoção comercial irregular e tipo de administração da drogaria (rede/independente). As promoções comerciais irregulares foram expressas em frequências absoluta e relativa. Resultados: Verificamos a presença de promoção comercial irregular em 11,7% dos bicos, chupetas e mamadeiras, em 10,0% das FI lactentes/seguimento de lactentes, em 9,5% das FI para crianças de primeira infância, em 11,1% dos leites, em 25,0% de alimentos de transição e em 59,1% dos compostos lácteos. Nas drogarias de rede, a presença de promoção comercial irregular foi maior para compostos lácteos (81,8 vs. 28,6%, respectivamente) e, para leites, foi maior nas drogarias independentes (30,8 vs. 6,0%). Os setores central e leste apresentaram os maiores percentuais de promoção comercial irregular (26%). Conclusões: As violações à NBCAL ainda ocorrem nas drogarias, principalmente para os produtos destinados às crianças de primeira infância, e nas drogarias de rede.

Revolutionising food advertising monitoring: a machine learning-based method for automated classification of food videos.

OBJECTIVE: Food advertising is an important determinant of unhealthy eating. However, analysing a large number of advertisements (ads) to distinguish between food and non-food content is a challenging task. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based method to automatically identify and classify food and non-food ad videos. DESIGN: Methodological study to develop an algorithm model that prioritises both accuracy and efficiency in monitoring and classifying advertising videos. SETTING: From a collection of Brazilian television (TV) ads data, we created a database and split it into three sub-databases (i.e. training, validation and test) by extracting frames from ads. Subsequently, the training database was classified using the EfficientNet neural network. The best models and data-balancing strategies were investigated using the validation database. Finally, the test database was used to apply the best model and strategy, and results were verified with field experts. PARTICIPANTS: The study used 2124 recorded Brazilian TV programming hours from 2018 to 2020. It included 703 food ads and over 20 000 non-food ads, following the protocol developed by the INFORMAS network for monitoring food marketing on TV. RESULTS: The results showed that the EfficientNet neural network associated with the balanced batches strategy achieved an overall accuracy of 90·5 % on the test database, which represents a reduction of 99·9 % of the time spent on identifying and classifying ads. CONCLUSIONS: The method studied represents a promising approach for differentiating food and non-food-related video within monitoring food marketing, which has significant practical implications for researchers, public health policymakers, and regulatory bodies.

Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS: Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS: The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

Food additives and PAHO's nutrient profile model as contributors' elements to the identification of ultra-processed food products.

The NOVA classification system categorizes foods according to the extent and purpose of industrial processing. Ultra-processed food products (UPF) are frequently composed of excessive amounts of sugars, salt, oils, and fats, and cosmetic additives designed to make them palatable and/or appealing. We aimed to describe the presence of critical nutrients in excess and cosmetic additives in packaged foods and beverages and to evaluate the proportion of UPF that can be correctly identified through the presence of critical nutrients in excess or the presence of cosmetic additives in food products. A total of 9851 items available in Brazilian supermarkets containing lists of ingredients and nutrition facts panels were analyzed. Cosmetic additives and critical nutrients in excess, according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)'s nutrient profile model, were assessed. All food items were categorized into the four NOVA classification groups. Relative frequencies of items with at least one critical nutrient in excess and one type of cosmetic additive were estimated. For UPF, 82.1% had some cosmetic additive, and 98.8% had some cosmetic additive or a nutrient in excess. This combined criterion allowed the identification of 100.0% of sweet cookies, salted biscuits, margarine, cakes and sweet pies, chocolate, dairy beverages, and ice cream. Combining the presence of cosmetic additives and the PAHO's nutrient profile model contributes to the identification of UPF.

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

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.

Information on food additives on food labels in Brazil: a critical analysis.

Questions about the safety of food additives and their consumption have been raised in recent years. The increased exposure to these substances, either by intake of ultra-processed foods or by the broad use and combination of various categories of additives, may be related to higher risks to consumer health. This article comments on the results of a study that quantified and characterized food additives found on the labels of 9,856 packaged foods and beverages available in Brazilian supermarkets. The study adopted a field diary method to record and analyze nonconformities in the lists of ingredients. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of additives identified on the labels and the limitations of Brazilian legislation, which should guarantee the right to information and health.

Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

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.

Information on food additives on food labels in Brazil: a critical analysis / Informação sobre aditivos alimentares nos rótulos de alimentos no Brasil: análise crítica

ABSTRACT Questions about the safety of food additives and their consumption have been raised in recent years. The increased exposure to these substances, either by intake of ultra-processed foods or by the broad use and combination of various categories of additives, may be related to higher risks to consumer health. This article comments on the results of a study that quantified and characterized food additives found on the labels of 9,856 packaged foods and beverages available in Brazilian supermarkets. The study adopted a field diary method to record and analyze nonconformities in the lists of ingredients. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of additives identified on the labels and the limitations of Brazilian legislation, which should guarantee the right to information and health.

RESUMO Nos últimos tempos, questões vêm sendo levantadas sobre a segurança no uso de aditivos alimentares e em seu consumo. verificou-se que o aumento da exposição a essas substâncias, seja pela ingestão mais frequente de alimentos ultraprocessados ou pela ampla utilização e combinação de várias categorias de aditivos pela indústria, pode estar relacionado ao maior risco à saúde do consumidor. Um estudo quantificou e caracterizou aditivos alimentares encontrados nos rótulos de 9.856 alimentos e bebidas embalados disponíveis nos supermercados brasileiros. nele, foi adotado um diário de campo para registro de falhas e inconformidades nas informações presentes nas listas de ingredientes, sendo, por fim, analisadas qualitativamente e descritas de forma narrativa. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste comentário é apresentar e discutir o uso desses aditivos identificados nos rótulos e as limitações da legislação brasileira, que deveria garantir o direito à informação e a saúde da população.

"I Like the One With Minions": The Influence of Marketing on Packages of Ultra-Processed Snacks on Children's Food Choices.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the most consumed school snacks using the free listing and understand how marketing strategies on food labels influenced children's perceptions of snacks via focus groups. Design: The study design involved free lists and semi-structured focus group interviews. Setting: São Paulo, Brazil. Participants: A total of 69 children were involved in this study. Phenomenon of Interest: Children's perceptions of food labels. Analysis: Food groups mentioned on the free lists were analyzed for their frequency and priority of occurrence. The focus groups were analyzed through content analysis. Results: Juices and chips were the most salient snacks, with availability and flavor as reasons for their consumption. Children found images on labels appealing, which created a desire for the food, although could be deceptive. Snacks perceived as healthy were encouraged by parents, and children could more easily convince them to buy snacks with health claims. Colors and brands were important to catch children's attention and make the snack recognizable. Television commercials and mascots reinforced marketing strategies on labels. Conclusions and Implications: Our results point to the need for public health strategies to deal with the obesity epidemic through creating and implementing specific legislation to regulate food labels to discourage the consumption of unhealthy snacks and prohibit food marketing targeted at children.

Consumer perceptions of non-caloric sweeteners and the content of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners in ultra-processed products in Brazil.

Food industries are reformulating their products to lower total sugar and caloric content. Caloric sugars are often substituted by or combined with non-caloric sweeteners. Our study analyzed information about the presence, number and type, and content of different sweeteners displayed on the ingredient list of 10 key ultra-processed products (UPP), from 3 different categories. It also assessed consumers' opinions, perceptions and understanding of caloric and non-caloric sugars used in UPPs using data from 12 focus group discussions. Results indicate a large diversity in sweeteners, frequent use of a combination of multiple caloric and non-caloric sweeteners, often in the same product, and a lack of disclosure of the amounts of non-caloric sweeteners on the nutrition labels. Qualitative analysis reflected the inconsistency of information on nutrition labels and the challenges in compliance with regulations. Participants were unsure about the different types of sweeteners, examples of artificial sweeteners and their potential health consequences. Presenting clearer additive and nutrition information would facilitate consumer comprehension and support healthy food choices.

Consumer perceptions of non-caloric sweeteners and the content of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners in ultra-processed products in Brazil / Percepções do consumidor sobre adoçantes não calóricos e o conteúdo de adoçantes calóricos e não calóricos em produtos ultraprocessados no Brasil

Abstract Food industries are reformulating their products to lower total sugar and caloric content. Caloric sugars are often substituted by or combined with non-caloric sweeteners. Our study analyzed information about the presence, number and type, and content of different sweeteners displayed on the ingredient list of 10 key ultra-processed products (UPP), from 3 different categories. It also assessed consumers' opinions, perceptions and understanding of caloric and non-caloric sugars used in UPPs using data from 12 focus group discussions. Results indicate a large diversity in sweeteners, frequent use of a combination of multiple caloric and non-caloric sweeteners, often in the same product, and a lack of disclosure of the amounts of non-caloric sweeteners on the nutrition labels. Qualitative analysis reflected the inconsistency of information on nutrition labels and the challenges in compliance with regulations. Participants were unsure about the different types of sweeteners, examples of artificial sweeteners and their potential health consequences. Presenting clearer additive and nutrition information would facilitate consumer comprehension and support healthy food choices.

Resumo Indústrias alimentícias estão reformulando produtos para reduzir a quantidade total de açúcar. Para reduzir a densidade calórica e manter o dulçor de seus produtos, açúcares são combinados com edulcorantes. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar as informações sobre a presença, número e tipo, e conteúdo de diferentes edulcorantes exibidos na lista de ingredientes de 10 produtos ultraprocessados, de 3 categorias diferentes. O estudo também avaliou as percepções e entendimento dos consumidores sobre adoçantes calóricos e não calóricos usados em produtos ultraprocessados, através da análise de discussões com 12 grupos focais. Observou-se combinação de açúcares com edulcorantes no mesmo produto e, frequentemente, ausência das quantidades dos edulcorantes nos rótulos nutricionais. Esses produtos voltados a crianças oferecem calorias reduzidas às custas do aumento da variedade e concentração desses edulcorantes. Os participantes mostraram-se confusos sobre os diferentes tipos de adoçantes e edulcorantes e suas possíveis consequências à saúde. Apresentar informações mais claras sobre os ingredientes e nutrição facilitariam a compreensão dos consumidores e os apoiariam em escolhas alimentares saudáveis.

Regulatory measures for the protection of adequate and healthy diet in Brazil: a 20-year analysis. / Medidas regulatórias de proteção da alimentação adequada e saudável no Brasil: uma análise de 20 anos.

Regulatory measures are among the strategies for the promotion of adequate and healthy diet recommended by the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Policy (PNAN). Although other actions in the promotion of adequate and healthy diet have made strides in Brazil, regulatory measures have made slow progress. The study aimed to identify and describe factors related to the development and implementation of the principal regulatory measures for the protection of adequate and healthy diet in Brazil in the last 20 years. This qualitative document study assessed a series of federal regulatory measures for the protection of adequate and healthy diet proposed or in discussion from 1999 to 2020. They include the regulation of food advertising, regulation of food product marketing in schools, implementation of mandatory front-of-package labeling on foods, and taxation of sugary drinks. Most of the barriers identified were strategies in corporate political activity led by the private sector, especially by the food industry. The Corporate political activity practices used in the various stages of policy processes include legal actions against the State, substitution of policies (suggesting voluntary or ineffective alternatives), opposition, fragmentation, and destabilization with attempts at support from the community. During the study period, none of the measures was approved. Given this scenario, barriers to the approval of regulatory measures for the protection of adequate and healthy diet need to be overcome in Brazil.

Medidas regulatórias estão entre as estratégias de promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável preconizadas pela Política Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (PNAN). Embora outras ações de promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável tenham avançado no Brasil, essas medidas progridem lentamente. O objetivo do trabalho é identificar e descrever fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento e à implementação das principais medidas regulatórias de proteção da alimentação adequada e saudável no Brasil nos últimos 20 anos. É um estudo qualitativo documental que avaliou algumas medidas regulatórias de proteção à alimentação adequada e saudável federais, propostas ou em discussão, entre 1999 e 2020. São elas: regulação da publicidade de alimentos; regulação da comercialização de alimentos no ambiente escolar; implantação da rotulagem nutricional frontal obrigatória de alimentos; e tributação de bebidas adoçadas. A maioria das barreiras identificadas foram estratégias de atividade política corporativa protagonizadas pelo setor privado, principalmente, pela indústria de alimentos. Dentre as estratégias de atividade política corporativa utilizadas em diversas etapas dos processos políticos destacam-se: ações judiciais contra a ação do Estado; substituição de políticas sugerindo alternativas voluntárias ou inefetivas; oposição, fragmentação e desestabilização, com busca de apoio da comunidade. No período estudado, nenhuma das medidas foi aprovada. Diante desse cenário, os obstáculos para aprovação das medidas regulatórias de proteção a alimentação adequada e saudável necessitam ser superados no Brasil.

Las medidas regulatorias están entre las estrategias de promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable, preconizadas por la Política Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (PNAN). A pesar de que otras acciones de promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable hayan avanzado en Brasil, esas medidas progresan lentamente. El objetivo del estudio es identificar y describir factores relacionados con el desarrollo y la implementación de las principales medidas regulatorias de protección de la alimentación adecuada y saludable en Brasil durante los últimos 20 años. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo documental, que evaluó algunas medidas regulatorias de protección a las alimentación adecuada y saludable federales, propuestas o en discusión, entre 1999 y 2020. Son las siguientes: regulación de la publicidad de alimentos; regulación de la comercialización de alimentos en el entorno escolar; implementación del etiquetado nutricional frontal obligatorio de alimentos; y tributación de bebidas azucaradas. La mayoría de las barreras identificadas fueron estrategias de actividade política corporativa, protagonizadas por el sector privado, principalmente, por la industria de alimentos. Entre las estrategias de actividade política corporativa utilizadas en diversas etapas de los procesos políticos se destacan: acciones judiciales contra la acción del Estado; sustitución de políticas sugiriendo alternativas voluntarias o inefectivas; oposición, fragmentación y desestabilización, con búsqueda de apoyo de la comunidad. En el periodo estudiado, ninguna de las medidas fue aprobada. Ante este escenario, en Brasil, se necesitan superar los obstáculos para la aprobación de las medidas regulatorias de protección a la alimentación adecuada y saludable.

Adherence to voluntary sodium reduction agreements in Brazil. / Adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio no Brasil.

The objective was to assess adherence to voluntary agreements for sodium reduction firmed between the food industries and the Ministry of Health in Brazil and to compare their targets with the limit proposed in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutritional profile model. We used data from 1.553 foods from 32 categories included in the agreements and sold in the largest Brazilian supermarket chains in 2017. The frequency of products with sodium equal or below the cut-offs proposed by the voluntary agreements and by PAHO was calculated. Classification concordance according to the two was evaluated with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Our results showed that 77.7% of products were adequate according to the voluntary agreements, and only 35.9% of them, according to the PAHO model. We identified a weak degree of concordance between both criteria in classifying a product as adequate about sodium content (k = 0.199). In conclusion, the voluntary agreements for sodium reduction are limited in their scope and rigor. The adoption of measures oriented for all products, with more restrictive and mandatory targets, should be considered in the country.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio firmados entre indústrias de alimentos e o Ministério da Saúde e comparar as metas adotadas com o limite de sódio proposto no modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Utilizaram-se informações de 1.553 alimentos de 32 categorias incluídas nos acordos e comercializados nas maiores redes de supermercados brasileiras em 2017. Foram calculadas as proporções de produtos com quantidade de sódio igual ou abaixo do limite proposto pelos acordos e pela OPAS. A concordância de classificação dos itens segundo os dois critérios foi avaliada com o coeficiente kappa de Cohen (k). Nossos resultados mostraram que 77,7% dos alimentos analisados estavam adequados segundo os acordos de redução de sódio, porém apenas 35,9%, segundo o modelo da OPAS. A concordância entre os dois critérios ao classificar um produto como adequado em relação ao conteúdo de sódio foi fraca (k = 0,199). Conclui-se que os acordos voluntários de redução de sódio são limitados em relação à abrangência e ao rigor das metas estabelecidas. A adoção de medidas voltadas a todos os produtos disponíveis, com metas mais restritivas e obrigatórias, deveria ser considerada no país.

Do they really support "your freedom of choice"? FoPNL and the food industry in Brazil.

Introduction: In 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 methods: We 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/Discussion: During 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. Conclusion: The 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.

Electoral campaign contributions: an obstacle to sugary drink industry regulation in Brazil?

OBJECTIVE: To assess corporate electoral campaign contributions from industries related to sugary drinks production and the characteristics of the elected officials financed by the sector. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of electoral campaign contributions from corporations related to sugary drinks production (sugary drink industries and sugary drink input industries) to candidates to the Chamber of Deputies, Brazil. SETTING: Elections to the 55th Congress (2015-2019), held in October 2014. PARTICIPANTS: Candidates to the Chamber of Deputies, Brazil. RESULTS: Forty-nine companies or corporate groups that produce sugary drinks and fifty-two corporations that produce inputs for sugary drinks manufacturing contributed to electoral campaigns of candidates in the 2014 Election. Contributions from this industry sector represented 7·3 % of all corporate contributions and helped finance 11·7 % of the candidates and 46·2 % of the elected officials. The transnationals Ambev and Coca-Cola were the first and second biggest donors, respectively. Revenues mediated by political parties, from sugary drink industries and from corporate members of some industry associations (Abir, Unica and CitrusBR), were more prevalent. Among elected officials, a significant association was found between being financed by the sector and representing the south-east region, having higher education level and referring themselves as being professional politicians. In the multivariate model, financed candidates were 27 % more likely to be elected. CONCLUSIONS: Corporations related to sugary drinks production have contributed to the electoral campaigns of almost half of the Federal Deputies in Brazil in 2014. This possibly facilitates access to decision-makers and could help buy influence on legislative proposals, including health-related food policies.

"Private and personal": Corporate political activity, informal governance, and the undermining of marketing regulation in Brazil.

Few studies have investigated corporate political activity by unhealthy commodity industries in low- and middle-income countries, and the significance of social and political context has been largely neglected. This study aimed to explore the stalled development of marketing restriction policies in Brazil with an analysis of strategies used to undermine the Legal Framework for Early Childhood. Using a constructivist approach based on a typology of corporate political strategies, decision-making processes were assessed to understand interference by food companies in the Legal Framework, and how this was perceived by policy actors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with public health advocates, academics and legislature officials. Three broad strategies that contributed to the stalling of marketing restrictions in the Legal Framework were identified: relational approaches to policy influence; collective participation in formal decision-making; and specific strategy choices (information and financial incentives). Key opportunities for policy influence through informal social networks in the 'backstage' of policy making are found to privilege commercial sector actors. Informal policy making may have a critical function in obstructing the development of health-focused regulation in Brazil. This highlights the need for a better understanding of non-codified and hidden corporate efforts to shape the policy environment.