What Is Quality Food? The Opinion of Key of the Brazilian Food System.

The aim of the study was to explore the concept of quality food in the opinion of key informants of the food system. This qualitative research included 208 key informants related to the food supply for Brazilian public food services. The participants were grouped into three groups according to their participation in the food system: 1. Food production; 2. Management and marketing; 3. Meal's production process. Key informants answered the following question: "In your opinion, what is quality food?". The answers were analysed through qualitative content analysis. The data analysis resulted in 52 codes grouped into eight categories, expressing the opinion of the study participants about what quality food is: nutritional, sustainable, sensory, hygienic-sanitary, care, regulatory, dependability and symbolic. Nutritional and sustainable dimensions were predominantly considered. The activities carried out in the food system seem to influence the opinion on food quality. The groups linked to food production put more emphasis on the sustainable dimension, followed by the nutritional dimension, while the groups linked to management and marketing and to the meals production process put more emphasis on the nutritional and sensory dimensions. These differences may indicate a difficulty in the transition towards a more sustainable and healthy food system.

Approach to food processing in the main messages of food-based dietary guidelines: A qualitative analysis / Abordagem sobre o processamento de alimentos nas mensagens principais de guias alimentares mundiais: uma análise qualitativa

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the content of the main messages of the world food guides, identifying the approach regarding the food processing level. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted through documentary research based on analyzing the main messages of 96 consumption guides selected from the database provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The unit of analysis consisted of segments of the main messages whose content was scrutinized using the document analysis technique. Recommendations that referred to food processing were identified after repeated readings. Data were extracted according to the developed protocol, including terms used, consumption guidance, scope of approach, and complementary information (definition, justification, exemplification, and advice on the recommended consumption amount). Results: We identified 21 Food Guides (21.88%) with recommendations related to the food processing level in their main messages, primarily published after 2012 (76.19%). The analyzed guides used terms "highly processed", "ultra-processed", "processed", "minimally processed", and "non-processed". Guidelines regarding limiting consumption were primarily used by the guides, and few specified the related food. The messages did not define the terms used. When identified, the justifications were of a nutritional or health nature. Conclusion: We observed a lack of agreement and standardization concerning the terms used, the guidelines for consumption, and the scope of the identified recommendations, with little or no additional information to explain or justify the approach adopted regarding the food processing level.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o conteúdo das mensagens principais dos guias alimentares mundiais identificando a abordagem quanto ao nível de processamento dos alimentos. Métodos: Estudo exploratório qualitativo, realizado por meio de pesquisa documental, com base na análise das mensagens principais de 96 guias alimentares selecionadas no banco de dados disponibilizado pela Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A unidade de análise consistiu em segmentos das mensagens principais cujo conteúdo foi analisado através da técnica de análise documental. Após repetidas leituras foram identificadas as recomendações que faziam referência ao processamento dos alimentos. Os dados foram extraídos segundo protocolo desenvolvido, contemplando: termos utilizados; orientação de consumo; abrangência da abordagem; presença de informações complementares (definição; justificativa; exemplificação; e orientação sobre quantidade recomendada de consumo). Resultados: Constatou-se que 21 guias alimentares (21,88%) faziam recomendações relacionadas ao nível de processamento do alimento em suas mensagens principais, a maioria (76,19%) publicado após 2012. Os guias analisados utilizaram os termos: altamente processado, ultraprocessado, processado, minimamente processado e não processado. Orientações referentes à limitação de consumo foram as mais utilizadas pelos guias e poucos especificavam o alimento relacionado. As mensagens não apresentavam definição para os termos utilizados. Quando presentes, as justificativas eram de cunho nutricional ou de saúde. Conclusão: Foi observada falta de consenso e padronização no que se refere aos termos utilizados, às orientações de consumo e à abrangência das recomendações apresentadas, além de pouca ou nenhuma informação complementar capaz de explicar ou justificar a abordagem realizada em relação ao nível de processamento dos alimentos.

Reflections on proposed modifications to the regulation of genetically modified food labeling in Brazil. / Reflexões sobre a proposta de modificação da regulamentação de rotulagem de alimentos transgênicos no Brasil.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the precautionary principle and constitution provide that consumers should have the right to access adequate information on the presence of transgenics through food labelling. This article discusses the implications of proposed modifications to GM food labelling in Brazil. Current labelling legislation and the government agencies involved in labelling do not guarantee that food products not bearing GMO labels are free of transgenics. The approval of Chamber of Deputies Bill No. 34/2015 goes against the Consumer Protection Code by undermining consumer autonomy and choice. In addition, it is likely to weaken the country's biosurveillance capabilities to identify and seize products that have a harmful effect on the health of humans, animals and the environment. The proposed changes constitute a retrograde step in the regulation of food labelling in Brazil and violate the individual and collective rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, Consumer Protection Code, and international agreements signed by Brazil.

Diante da existência de incertezas científicas em relação à segurança dos transgênicos para a saúde humana e considerando o Princípio da Precaução e preceitos constitucionais em vigor, o consumidor deve ter o direito de ser informado de maneira adequada sobre a presença de transgênicos nos alimentos, por meio da rotulagem. Este ensaio tem por objetivo apresentar as implicações acerca da nova proposta de rotulagem de transgênicos no Brasil. A atual legislação brasileira de rotulagem de alimentos transgênicos e agências governamentais envolvidas não garantem que os produtos não identificados como tal sejam livres de transgênicos. A aprovação do PLC nº 34/2015 contraria dispositivos do Código de Defesa do Consumidor, indo na contramão da escolha e autonomia do consumidor. Além disso, a biovigilância será mais ainda inepta a executar uma atividade de identificação e apreensão de produtos que venham causar danos à saúde humana, animal e ao meio ambiente. A mudança proposta representa um retrocesso na regulamentação de rotulagem de transgênicos vigente no Brasil e um desrespeito aos direitos individuais e coletivos previstos na Constituição Federal, no Código de Defesa do Consumidor e em acordos internacionais assinados pelo Brasil.

Reflexões sobre a proposta de modificação da regulamentação de rotulagem de alimentos transgênicos no Brasil / Reflections on proposed modifications to the regulation of genetically modified food labeling in Brazil

Resumo Diante da existência de incertezas científicas em relação à segurança dos transgênicos para a saúde humana e considerando o Princípio da Precaução e preceitos constitucionais em vigor, o consumidor deve ter o direito de ser informado de maneira adequada sobre a presença de transgênicos nos alimentos, por meio da rotulagem. Este ensaio tem por objetivo apresentar as implicações acerca da nova proposta de rotulagem de transgênicos no Brasil. A atual legislação brasileira de rotulagem de alimentos transgênicos e agências governamentais envolvidas não garantem que os produtos não identificados como tal sejam livres de transgênicos. A aprovação do PLC nº 34/2015 contraria dispositivos do Código de Defesa do Consumidor, indo na contramão da escolha e autonomia do consumidor. Além disso, a biovigilância será mais ainda inepta a executar uma atividade de identificação e apreensão de produtos que venham causar danos à saúde humana, animal e ao meio ambiente. A mudança proposta representa um retrocesso na regulamentação de rotulagem de transgênicos vigente no Brasil e um desrespeito aos direitos individuais e coletivos previstos na Constituição Federal, no Código de Defesa do Consumidor e em acordos internacionais assinados pelo Brasil.

Abstract Given the uncertainty surrounding the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the precautionary principle and constitution provide that consumers should have the right to access adequate information on the presence of transgenics through food labelling. This article discusses the implications of proposed modifications to GM food labelling in Brazil. Current labelling legislation and the government agencies involved in labelling do not guarantee that food products not bearing GMO labels are free of transgenics. The approval of Chamber of Deputies Bill No. 34/2015 goes against the Consumer Protection Code by undermining consumer autonomy and choice. In addition, it is likely to weaken the country's biosurveillance capabilities to identify and seize products that have a harmful effect on the health of humans, animals and the environment. The proposed changes constitute a retrograde step in the regulation of food labelling in Brazil and violate the individual and collective rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, Consumer Protection Code, and international agreements signed by Brazil.

Government Policy for the Procurement of Food from Local Family Farming in Brazilian Public Institutions.

This study aims to explore and compare Brazilian public institutional food services' characteristics concerning the implementation of the government policy for the procurement of food from family farming (FF) and the opinions of food service managers on the benefits and difficulties of its implementation. We conducted a cross-sectional study employing an online questionnaire. The results were stratified by purchase. The Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were applied. Five hundred forty-one food services' managers participated in the study. Most claimed to buy food from FF, and this acquisition was more frequent among those working in institutions of municipalities <50,000 inhabitants, and educational and self-managed institutions. Those buying from FF developed more actions to promote healthy and sustainable food. Most recognized that the purchase could boost local farming and the economy and improve the institution's food. However, the managers believe that the productive capacity of FF, the lack of technical assistance to farmers, production seasonality, and the bureaucratic procurement process hinder this type of purchase. The self-management of food services and the small size of the municipality might be associated with implementing the direct purchase policy from FF, which can contribute to building healthier and more sustainable food systems. However, the lack of public management support and the weak productive fabric may pose an obstacle to its maintenance or dissemination. The strengthening and consolidation of these policies require more significant government investments in productive infrastructure for family farming.

Association of personal characteristics and cooking skills with vegetable consumption frequency among university students.

Most university students are transitioning to adulthood, and tend to adopt unhealthy eating habits characterised by a low intake of fruits and vegetables. Few studies have specifically addressed the consumption of vegetables, which have a high content of minerals, fibre, and active compounds. The aim of this investigation was to assess vegetable consumption frequency among university students in a Brazilian capital and examine associations with individual characteristics and cooking skills. This crosssectional study used a online questionnaire to collect data. Cooking skills were evaluated in eight dimensions. Vegetable consumption was recorded in five frequency groups and then categorised into daily and non-daily consumption. Data were subjected to Pearson's chi-squared or analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Associations between cooking skill dimensions and daily vegetable consumption were identified by crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses.Adjustment was performed for sex, age, paternal education, and overweight/obesity.Results are expressed as odds ratios (p < 0.05). Less than half of the respondents (N = 237; 45%) reported consuming vegetables daily. Higher level of paternal education, not being overweight or obese, and higher scores on seven cooking skill dimensions were positively associated with daily vegetable consumption. Given the scarcity of research on the topic, the findings of this study make a significant contribution to knowledge and may support public health strategies for promoting vegetable consumption among university students.

Propuesta metodológica para explorar la compra de alimentos saludables y sostenibles en servicios de alimentación / Methodological proposal to explore the healthy and sustainable food service purchasing

Objetivo: Describir la metodología utilizada para explorar aspectos nutricionales y de sostenibilidad en la compra de alimentos realizada por los servicios de alimentación institucional. Método: La fuente de información fueron las listas de la compra de alimentos. Este documento incluye información sobre los ingredientes utilizados para la elaboración de las comidas. A través del análisis de contenido es posible conocer las cantidades (kg), las variedades (n), el origen (agricultores locales/otros proveedores) y la forma de producción (ecológicos/convencionales) de los alimentos adquiridos. Conclusión: La metodología descrita permite obtener una visión más amplia de la calidad de las comidas ofrecidas en los servicios de alimentación, incorporando, además de aspectos nutricionales, la perspectiva de sostenibilidad. (AU)

Objective: Describe the methodology used to explore sustainability and nutritional aspects of institutional food service purchasing. Method: The source of information is the purchasing list. This document includes information on the ingredients used to prepare meals, such as the quantity (kg), variety (n), origin (local farmers or other suppliers) and type of production (organic or conventional) of food items. Conclusion: The described methodology allows obtain a wider vision of the quality of the meals offered in the food services. In addition to nutritional aspects, this methodology incorporates the perspective of sustainability. (AU)

Facilitating Factors and Opportunities for Local Food Purchases in School Meals in Spain.

The objective of this study is to explore the facilitating factors and opportunities that can promote the implementation of local food purchase (LFP) in Spanish school meals in the opinions of key informants (IK). A qualitative study was carried out based on in-depth interviews with 14 KI capable of influencing Spanish food policy (Representatives of consumers and/or producers, representatives of organizations that promote LFP, and representatives of the government and/or academics). They were asked about opportunities and facilitating factors for implementation of LFP. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A qualitative content analysis was carried out with Atlas ti. The analysis of the interviews produced two categories that include factors that- in the interviewees' opinions- can promote LFP (social fabric and policy) and three categories that bring together the factors that represent opportunities for implementation in school meal programs in Spain (the policy agenda, regional characteristics and regional context). The overlap between social and political demands were considered to be facilitating factors for LFP. Furthermore, in the opinions of KI, the presence of health and sustainability issues on the public agenda, the existence of a structured productive system and political changes represent an opportunity to implement LFP.

Absence of symbolic and sustainable aspects in recommendations for healthy eating: a qualitative analysis of food-based dietary guidelines / Ausência de aspectos simbólicos e sustentáveis nas recomendações para alimentação saudável: uma análise qualitativa dos guias alimentares

ABSTRACT Objective Was analyzed the contents of the main messages of food-based dietary guidelines to promote healthy eating, identifying nutritional, symbolic, and sustainable recommendations. Methods Food-based dietary guidelines from 90 different countries were analyzed. These guidelines were selected from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization database. For data extraction, all messages were exported to the Nvivo software and, after repeated readings, were grouped into predefined categories and corresponding dimensions based on the literature. The categories were created according to the mixed model, that is, they were created before data analysis was performed, but modified if necessary. Results Was identified 1,982 messages grouped into the following dimensions: nutritional (n=73.9%); sustainable (3.2%); symbolic (3.3%), and others (19.7%). All food-based dietary guidelines addressed nutritional aspects, and the most frequent recommendation was regarding the consumption of fats, followed by the consumption of salt and vegetables and fruits, cited by at least 75 food-based dietary guidelines. Less than half (n=40) of the food-based dietary guidelines addressed sustainable or symbolic aspects of food and 13 of the food-based dietary guidelines addressed both aspects. However, these messages represented only 6.5% of the total messages in the documents. Conclusions The recommendations for healthy eating in the food-based dietary guidelines are incipient in terms of sustainable and symbolic issues. Recommendations for adopting healthy diets need to consider the completeness of the food and its various combinations, dietary patterns, and the factors associated with their consumption, as well as the individual's relations with food, environment, and society.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o conteúdo das principais mensagens de guias alimentares para promoção de alimentação saudável, identificando recomendações nutricionais, simbólicas e sustentáveis. Métodos Foram analisadas as mensagens de 90 guias alimentares selecionados a partir do banco de dados da Organização das Nações Unidas para Agricultura e Alimentação. Para a extração dos dados, todas as mensagens foram exportadas para o software Nvivo e categorizadas em categorias pré-definidas em revisão narrativa, conforme as dimensões correspondentes e outras categorias emergentes. Resultados Categorizou-se um total de 1.982 mensagens, agrupadas nas dimensões: nutricional (n=73,9%); sustentável (3,2%); simbólica (3,3%) e outras (19,7%). Todos os guias abordavam aspectos nutricionais, sendo que a recomendação mais frequente foi em relação ao consumo de gordura, seguida do consumo de sal e vegetais e frutas, citadas por pelo menos 75 guias. Menos da metade dos guias (n=40) abordaram aspectos sustentáveis ou simbólicos da alimentação e 13 abordaram ambos; contudo, essas mensagens representaram 6,5% do total presente nos documentos. Conclusão As recomendações para alimentação saudável presentes nos guias alimentares são incipientes no que se refere a questões sustentáveis e simbólicas. Recomendações para a adoção de dietas saudáveis precisam considerar a integralidade do alimento, as diversas combinações, os padrões alimentares e os fatores associados ao seu consumo, bem como as relações do indivíduo com o alimento, com o ambiente e com a sociedade.

Compra e venda de alimentos orgânicos para a alimentação escolar: dificuldades e estratégias de superação / Purchase and sale of organic foods for school feeding: difficulties and strategies to overcome

Objetivo: Foram avaliadas as dificuldades no processo de compra /venda de produtos orgânicos da agricultura familiar para a alimentação escolar em 21 municípios do Sul do Brasil e identificadas as ações para superá-las. Métodos: Estudo quali-quantitativo realizado mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas com 111 informantes-chave envolvidos na alimentação escolar. Os entrevistados foram arguidos sobre as dificuldades da compra / venda de alimentos orgânicos para a alimentação escolar e sobre as ações que estão sendo desenvolvidas e/ou em planejamento para superação dessas problemáticas. Realizou-se análise descritiva das perguntas fechadas com base na distribuição da frequência e análise de conteúdo com codificação e categorização das questões abertas. Resultados: A maioria dos municípios (n=19) não comprava alimentos orgânicos provenientes da agricultura familiar. A pouca disponibilidade de mercado fornecedor e a baixa produção de alimentos orgânicos foram as dificuldades mais relatadas. Em contrapartida, os custos elevados dos produtos e a ausência de interesse da gestão pública na aquisição de alimentos orgânicos foram dificuldades pouco citadas. Os entrevistados apontaram que a compra/venda poderia aumentar com o fortalecimento dos processos de certificação participativa e se os envolvidos tivessem maiores informações sobre os benefícios e riscos dos modelos produtivos. Conclusões: Evidenciaram-se o fortalecimento da assistência técnica e extensão rural, desenvolvimento das regulamentações e incentivos para a certificação orgânica, apoio e investimento para a certificação participativa e orientações técnicas são estratégias necessárias para o incentivo da produção e consumo de alimentos orgânicos na alimentação humana. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the difficulties in the process of buying/selling organic products from family farming for school meals in 21 municipalities in southern Brazil and to take actions to overcome them. Methods: This is a qualitative and quantitative study through semi-structured interviews with 111 key informants involved in school meals. The interviewees were asked about the difficulties of buying/selling organic food for school meals and about the actions developed and/or in planning to overcome these problems. Descriptive analysis of closed questions was performed based on frequency distribution and content analysis with coding and categorization of open questions. Results: Most municipalities (n = 19) did not buy organic food from family farming. The limited availability of the supplier market and the low production of organic foods were the most reported difficulties. On the other hand, the high costs of the products and the lack of interest by the public management in the acquisition of organic foods were difficulties little mentioned. Respondents highlighted that buying/selling could increase with the strengthening of participatory certification processes and if those involved had more information about the benefits and risks of productive models. Conclusions: The strengthening of technical assistance and rural extension, development of regulations and incentives for organic certification, support and investment for participatory certification, and technical guidelines were necessary strategies to encourage the production and consumption of organic human food. (AU)

Family farming in times of Covid-19 / Agricultura familiar em tempos de Covid-19

Abstract Family farming plays a vital role in the global food supply. The mobility restriction measures adopted internationally to contain Covid-19 are necessary to control the pandemic progress. However, they can impair food production and distribution. This paper aims to discuss the effects of the Covid-19 containment measures on the production and distribution of family farming food, and strategies to strengthen this sector. Sanitary and social distancing requirements, the interruption of supply to institutional markets, the closure of local farmers' markets, or people's declining food demand are hampering family farming food production's flow and shrinking family farmers' income. This situation can jeopardize the food sovereignty and nutritional security of the population in the medium and long term. Access to Personal Protective Equipment, the reorganization of local farmers' markets, investment in new technologies for direct commercialization, guarantee of minimum income, and the strengthening/expansion of institutional food purchases are some of the strategies that can contribute to overcome the new challenges imposed on family farming as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We conclude the article by arguing that the support to and enhancement of the family farming sector are strategic to ensure food supply and to strengthen food and nutrition sovereignty and security.

RESUMO A agricultura familiar desempenha um importante papel no abastecimento alimentar mundial. As medidas de restrição de mobilidade adotadas internacionalmente visando a contenção da Covid-19 são necessárias para controlar o avanço da pandemia; no entanto, podem ter um efeito negativo na produção e na distribuição de alimentos. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir as implicações das medidas de contenção da Covid-19 na produção e distribuição de alimentos da agricultura familiar e possíveis estratégias para fortalecer esse setor. As exigências sanitárias e de distanciamento social, a interrupção no fornecimento a mercados institucionais e o fechamento de feiras livres e/ou diminuição na demanda por parte da população estão dificultando o escoamento da produção de alimentos da agricultura familiar e diminuindo a renda dos(as) agricultores(as). Essa situação pode, a médio e longo prazo, ter um efeito negativo na soberania e segurança alimentar e nutricional da população. O acesso a equipamentos de proteção individual, a reorganização de feiras livres, o investimento em novas tecnologias para a comercialização direta, a garantia de renda mínima e o fortalecimento/ampliação da compra institucional de alimentos são algumas das estratégias que podem contribuir para a superação dos desafios impostos à agricultura familiar em consequência da Covid-19. Apoiar e desenvolver esse setor são medidas estratégicas que devem ser adotadas para garantir a oferta de alimentos para a população e fortalecer a soberania e segurança alimentar e nutricional.

Strategies for the promotion of healthy, adequate and sustainable food in Brazil in times of Covid-19 / Estratégias para a promoção da alimentação saudável, adequada e sustentável no Brasil em tempos de Covid-19

Abstract The current scenario generated by the Covid-19 pandemic enhances the condition of food and nutrition insecurity due to the worsening of poverty, hunger and lack of access to food, as well as the excess consumption of foods considered unhealthy. The effects of the pandemic enhances the need for a new way of arranging the production, distribution and consumption of food, giving new meaning to the relationship between food, eating and the environment. Thus, it is suggested that a reflection be made on the strategies for the appropriate healthy, adequate and sustainable diet in Brazil to face this health emergency. Actions must be focused on the articulation of strategies that foster sovereignty, food and nutrition security and healthier and more sustainable food systems such as the strengthening of family farming; income assurance for the population; access to quality food; changes in the food environment; dissemination of information on healthy and sustainable food in official recommendations for the pandemic and food guides covering the entire food system, as well as food and nutrition education practices.

RESUMO O cenário atual gerado pela pandemia da Covid-19 acentua a condição de insegurança alimentar e nutricional pelo agravamento da situação de pobreza, da fome e da falta de acesso aos alimentos, assim como pelo excesso do consumo de alimentos considerados não saudáveis. Os reflexos da pandemia reforçam a necessidade de uma nova forma de constituir a produção, a distribuição e o consumo dos alimentos, ressignificando a relação com o alimento, o comer e o ambiente. Assim, propõe-se refletir sobre as estratégias para a promoção da alimentação saudável, adequada e sustentável no Brasil para o enfrentamento desta emergência sanitária. As ações precisam estar centradas na articulação das estratégias que promovam a soberania, a segurança alimentar e nutricional e sistemas alimentares mais saudáveis e sustentáveis como o fortalecimento da agricultura familiar; garantia de renda para a população; acesso a alimentos de qualidade; mudanças no ambiente alimentar; divulgação de informações sobre alimentação saudável e sustentável em recomendações oficiais para a pandemia e guias alimentares que abranjam todo o sistema alimentar, assim como práticas de educação alimentar e nutricional.

Criteria adopted for school menu planning within the framework of the Brazilian School Feeding Program / Critérios adotados para a elaboração de cardápios no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar

ABSATRCT Objective This study aimed to investigate the main criteria used by nutritionists to plan school menus within the framework of the Brazilian National School Feeding Program. Methods Nutritionists from 21 municipalities in Southern Brazil were interviewed. Municipalities had between 20,000 and 70,000 inhabitants and were located in different mesoregions. Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire and subjected to content analysis using NVivo® software. Results Sixteen criteria were identified, grouped into four categories: (1) food habits, culture, and acceptance; (2) nutritional characteristics; (3) food availability; and (4) management and execution. Brazilian National School Feeding Program regulations were recurrently cited within all identified categories, which demonstrates the influence of the program on nutritionists' activities. Conclusion Brazilian National School Feeding Program regulatory guidelines for the development of school menus seem to influence the decision making of nutritionists. However, food purchase from family farms and calculation of meal nutritional value seem to be incipient criteria.

RESUMO Objetivo Explorar os principais critérios utilizados na elaboração de cardápios escolares na perspectiva de nutricionistas que participam do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Métodos Foram entrevistadas nutricionistas responsáveis pela alimentação escolar de 21 municípios de diferentes mesorregiões da região Sul do Brasil que possuíam entre 20 e 70 mil habitantes. Utilizando um questionário aberto, as nutricionistas foram interrogadas sobre os critérios utilizados na elaboração dos cardápios. O conteúdo dos questionários foi analisado com auxílio do software NVivo®. Resultados Dezesseis critérios foram identificados e agrupados em quatro categorias: (1) hábitos, cultura alimentar e aceitação; (2) características nutricionais; (3) disponibilidade de alimentos; (4) gestão e execução. A regulamentação do Programa foi um critério recorrente em todas as categorias, demonstrando sua influência nas atividades das nutricionistas. Conclusão Os critérios estabelecidos pela legislação do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar para a elaboração de cardápios parecem influenciar a tomada de decisões das nutricionistas. O cálculo nutricional dos cardápios e a compra de alimentos produzidos pela agricultura familiar, no entanto, parecem ser critérios ainda incipientes.

Alimentação saudável e sustentável: uma revisão narrativa sobre desafios e perspectivas / Healthy and sustainable diet: a narrative review of the challenges and perspectives

Resumo Parte-se do princípio que um sistema alimentar insustentável não é capaz de produzir alimentos saudáveis para o consumo. A alimentação só pode ser considerada saudável se for também sustentável, devendo ultrapassar a perspectiva nutricional. Assim, realizou-se uma revisão narrativa de literatura acerca de sistemas alimentares saudáveis e sustentáveis, englobando aspectos de produção, processamento, comercialização e consumo, visando levantar seus desafios e perspectivas de consolidação. A alimentação saudável e sustentável deve estar relacionada à produção de alimentos que protejam a biodiversidade e promovam o consumo variado, resgatando alimentos, preparações e hábitos culturais tradicionais. Deve ser acessível e disponível a todos, em quantidade e qualidade, baseada em alimentos produzidos e processados na região, por agricultores familiares, de maneira agroecológica, fundamentada na comercialização justa, aproximando a produção do consumo. Além disso, deve ser isento de contaminantes físicos, biológicos ou químicos que causem malefícios a todos os envolvidos, de maneira aguda ou crônica.

Abstract Based on the principle that a non-sustainable food system is not capable of producing healthy food for consumption, food can only be considered healthy if it is also sustainable, going beyond the nutritional perspective. Therefore, a narrative review of the scientific literature on the sustainable and health food system was conducted, regarding aspects of production, processing, marketing and consumption, seeking to pinpoint the challenges and perspectives for its consolidation. Food systems needs to be related to a food production and consumption system which protects biodiversity and promote a diverse consumption, bringing back traditional dishes and preparation techniques. It should also be accessible and available for everyone, both in quantity and in quality, based on food that is locally produced by family farmers through agroecology and founded on fair trade, bringing production and consumption closer together. In addition, it must be free from physical, biological or chemical contaminants that cause damage to everyone involved, whether it be an isolated incident or chronically.

Healthy and sustainable diet: a narrative review of the challenges and perspectives. / Alimentação saudável e sustentável: uma revisão narrativa sobre desafios e perspectivas.

Based on the principle that a non-sustainable food system is not capable of producing healthy food for consumption, food can only be considered healthy if it is also sustainable, going beyond the nutritional perspective. Therefore, a narrative review of the scientific literature on the sustainable and health food system was conducted, regarding aspects of production, processing, marketing and consumption, seeking to pinpoint the challenges and perspectives for its consolidation. Food systems needs to be related to a food production and consumption system which protects biodiversity and promote a diverse consumption, bringing back traditional dishes and preparation techniques. It should also be accessible and available for everyone, both in quantity and in quality, based on food that is locally produced by family farmers through agroecology and founded on fair trade, bringing production and consumption closer together. In addition, it must be free from physical, biological or chemical contaminants that cause damage to everyone involved, whether it be an isolated incident or chronically.

Parte-se do princípio que um sistema alimentar insustentável não é capaz de produzir alimentos saudáveis para o consumo. A alimentação só pode ser considerada saudável se for também sustentável, devendo ultrapassar a perspectiva nutricional. Assim, realizou-se uma revisão narrativa de literatura acerca de sistemas alimentares saudáveis e sustentáveis, englobando aspectos de produção, processamento, comercialização e consumo, visando levantar seus desafios e perspectivas de consolidação. A alimentação saudável e sustentável deve estar relacionada à produção de alimentos que protejam a biodiversidade e promovam o consumo variado, resgatando alimentos, preparações e hábitos culturais tradicionais. Deve ser acessível e disponível a todos, em quantidade e qualidade, baseada em alimentos produzidos e processados na região, por agricultores familiares, de maneira agroecológica, fundamentada na comercialização justa, aproximando a produção do consumo. Além disso, deve ser isento de contaminantes físicos, biológicos ou químicos que causem malefícios a todos os envolvidos, de maneira aguda ou crônica.

Brazilian National School Food Program as a promoter of local, healthy and sustainable food systems: evaluating the financial implementation. / Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar como promotor de Sistemas Alimentares Locais, Saudáveis e Sustentáveis: uma avaliação da execução financeira.

This study aimed to analyze the financial investment used for the procurement of food for the Brazilian National School Food Program (PNAE) in a city in the South of Brazil. The bidding process, the public calls and accountability reports of the PNAE were analyzed in the following variables: I) municipal financial complementation values; II) percentage of resources used to purchase foods from Family Farmer (FF), and Recommended, Restricted, Prohibited and others foods. The comparison of proportions was employed as a test to identify differences between investments. The municipal financial complementation was 65% of the total. The total amount used to purchase foods was distributed as follows: 65.5% for the Recommended, 27.9% for the Restricted, 6.5% for the Other and 0% for the Prohibited. The expenditure on Recommended foods was higher (p < 0.001) compared to the remaining groups. FF provided only Recommended foods, representing 12.1% of total (municipality and federal) expenditure and 29.5% of total federal funds. The direct purchase from FF contributed to the purchase of recommended foods. The municipal financial complementation was not geared to FA, which can compromise the potential of the school food program to promote healthy and sustainable food systems.

O objetivo foi analisar o investimento financeiro para a aquisição de alimentos destinados à alimentação escolar em um município no Sul do Brasil. As licitações, as chamadas públicas e a prestação de contas do PNAE foram analisadas por meio das variáveis: I) valores de complementação financeira do município; II) percentual de recursos destinado à compra de alimentos da Agricultura Familiar (AF) e aos alimentos Recomendados, Restritos, Proibidos e outros. Comparação de proporções foi o teste utilizado para identificar diferenças entre investimentos. A complementação financeira do município denotou 65% do total. O valor total empregado para a aquisição de alimentos foi: 65,5% Recomendados, 27,9% Restritos, 6,5% Outros e 0% Proibidos. Os gastos com alimentos Recomendados foram maiores (p < 0,001) do que com os demais grupos. A AF forneceu exclusivamente alimentos Recomendados, representando 12,1% do investimento total (municipal e federal) e 29,5% dos recursos federais. A compra direta da AF contribuiu para aquisição de alimentos Recomendados. A complementação financeira do município não foi direcionada à AF, podendo comprometer o potencial do programa de alimentação escolar na promoção de sistemas agroalimentares sustentáveis, saudáveis e locais.

Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar como promotor de Sistemas Alimentares Locais, Saudáveis e Sustentáveis: uma avaliação da execução financeira / Brazilian National School Food Program as a promoter of local, healthy and sustainable food systems: evaluating the financial implementation

Resumo O objetivo foi analisar o investimento financeiro para a aquisição de alimentos destinados à alimentação escolar em um município no Sul do Brasil. As licitações, as chamadas públicas e a prestação de contas do PNAE foram analisadas por meio das variáveis: I) valores de complementação financeira do município; II) percentual de recursos destinado à compra de alimentos da Agricultura Familiar (AF) e aos alimentos Recomendados, Restritos, Proibidos e outros. Comparação de proporções foi o teste utilizado para identificar diferenças entre investimentos. A complementação financeira do município denotou 65% do total. O valor total empregado para a aquisição de alimentos foi: 65,5% Recomendados, 27,9% Restritos, 6,5% Outros e 0% Proibidos. Os gastos com alimentos Recomendados foram maiores (p < 0,001) do que com os demais grupos. A AF forneceu exclusivamente alimentos Recomendados, representando 12,1% do investimento total (municipal e federal) e 29,5% dos recursos federais. A compra direta da AF contribuiu para aquisição de alimentos Recomendados. A complementação financeira do município não foi direcionada à AF, podendo comprometer o potencial do programa de alimentação escolar na promoção de sistemas agroalimentares sustentáveis, saudáveis e locais.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the financial investment used for the procurement of food for the Brazilian National School Food Program (PNAE) in a city in the South of Brazil. The bidding process, the public calls and accountability reports of the PNAE were analyzed in the following variables: I) municipal financial complementation values; II) percentage of resources used to purchase foods from Family Farmer (FF), and Recommended, Restricted, Prohibited and others foods. The comparison of proportions was employed as a test to identify differences between investments. The municipal financial complementation was 65% of the total. The total amount used to purchase foods was distributed as follows: 65.5% for the Recommended, 27.9% for the Restricted, 6.5% for the Other and 0% for the Prohibited. The expenditure on Recommended foods was higher (p < 0.001) compared to the remaining groups. FF provided only Recommended foods, representing 12.1% of total (municipality and federal) expenditure and 29.5% of total federal funds. The direct purchase from FF contributed to the purchase of recommended foods. The municipal financial complementation was not geared to FA, which can compromise the potential of the school food program to promote healthy and sustainable food systems.

A label survey to identify ingredients potentially containing GM organisms to estimate intake exposure in Brazil.

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.

The effect of new purchase criteria on food procurement for the Brazilian school feeding program.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the school feeding program purchase criteria on the quantity, variety and origin of food products acquired for school meals in a municipality in Brazil. METHOD: Analysis of purchase lists for two years prior and two years after implementation of the purchase criteria (2010). The origin (family farms (FF)/other providers (OP)) and nutritional characteristics (recommended/controlled) of food products were studied, registering annual varieties (n) and daily quantities (kg/day); contrast of proportions was applied. RESULTS: The acquisition of recommended products increased, and the quantity of controlled products decreased (p = 0.005). Purchase of legumes and vegetables (p < 0.05) increased and high sugar foods decreased (p = 0.02). The majority of food products in 2010 and 2011 were acquired from OP (64% and 61%), although FF provided the greatest proportion of legumes and vegetables. Ten new varieties of recommended products were incorporated, 9 of which were acquired from FF. CONCLUSION: The criteria of direct purchase from family farms resulted in an increase in the variety and quantity of healthy foods in the schools in the municipality.

Strengths and weaknesses in the supply of school food resulting from the procurement of family farm produce in a municipality in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to assess compliance with school food programme recommendations for the procurement of family farm produce. This study consists of an exploratory descriptive study utilising a qualitative approach based on semistructured interviews with key informants in a municipality in the State of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Study participants were managers and staff of the school food programme and department of agriculture, and representatives of a farmers' organisation. The produce delivery and demand fulfilment stages of the procurement process were carried out in accordance with the recommendations. However, nonconformities occurred in the elaboration of the public call for proposals, elaboration of the sales proposal, and fulfilment of produce quality standards. It was observed that having a diverse range of suppliers and the exchange of produce by the cooperative with neighbouring municipalities helped to maintain a regular supply of produce. The elaboration of menus contributed to planning agricultural production. However, agricultural production was not mapped before elaborating the menus in this case study and an agricultural reform settlement was left out of the programme. A number of weaknesses in the programme were identified which need to be overcome in order to promote local family farming and improve the quality of school food in the municipality.