An NLP-based novel approach for assessing national influence in clause dissemination across bilateral investment treaties.

International investment agreements (IIAs) promote foreign investment. However, they can undermine crucial health programs, creating a dilemma for governments between corporate and public health interests. For this reason, including clauses that safeguard health has become an essential practice in IIAs. According to the current literature, some countries have played a pivotal role in leading this inclusion, while others follow the former ones. However, the existing literature needs a unique approach that can quantify the influence strength of a country in disseminating clauses that explicitly mention health provisions to others. Following an NLP (Natural Language Processing)-based text similarity analysis of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), this study proposes a metric, 'Influence' (INF), which provides insights into the role of different countries or regions in the propagation of IIA texts among BITs. We demonstrate a comprehensive application of this metric using a large agreement dataset. Our findings from this application corroborate the evidence in the current literature, supporting the validity of the proposed metric. According to the INF, Germany, Canada, and Brazil emerged as the most influential players in defensive, neutral, and offensive health mentions, respectively. These countries wield substantial bargaining power in international investment law and policy, and their innovative approaches to BITs set a path for others to follow. These countries provide crucial insights into the direction and sources of influence of international investment regulations to safeguard health. The proposed metric holds substantial usage for policymakers and investors. This can help them identify vital global countries in IIA text dissemination and create new policy guidelines to safeguard health while balancing economic development and public health protection. A software tool based on the proposed INF measure can be found at https://inftool.com/.

Efficacy of front-of-pack warning label system versus guideline for daily amount on healthfulness perception, purchase intention and objective understanding of nutrient content of food products in Guatemala: a cross-over cluster randomized controlled experiment.

BACKGROUND: Front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL) have been adopted in many countries aiming at reducing the consumption of unhealthy food and drink products and have also been considered in Guatemala. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of FOPWL versus Guidelines for Daily Amount (GDA) on products' healthfulness perception (HP), purchase intention (PI) and the objective understanding of the nutrient content (UNC) in Guatemala. METHODS: Participants (children and adults) (n = 356) were randomly assigned to evaluate either FOPWL or GDA during a crossover cluster randomized experiment in rural and urban areas across 3 phases of exposure. During phase 1, participants evaluated mock-up images of single products (single task) and compared pairs of products within the same food category (comparison task) without any label. In phase 2, participants evaluated labels only (without any product), and during phase 3, they evaluated the same products and questions from phase 1, now depicting the assigned front-of-package label. We generated indicators for single-task questions and scores for comparison tasks, one for each HP, PI and UNC questions. We used intention-to-treat, difference-in-difference regression analysis to test whether exposure to FOPWL was associated with HP, PI and UNC, compared to GDA. We also tested models for children and adults and by area (rural/urban) separately adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: In single tasks, FOPWL significantly decreased the PI (ß -18.1, 95%CI -23.3, -12.8; p < 0.001) and the HP (ß -13.2, 95%CI -18.4, -7.9; p < 0.001) of unhealthy food products compared to GDA. In the comparison task, FOPWL significantly increased the UNC (ß 20.4, 95%CI 17.0, 23.9; p < 0.001), improved PI towards healthier choices (OR 4.5, 95%CI 2.9, 7.0 p < 0.001) and HP (OR 5.6, 95%CI 2.8, 11.1; p < 0.001) compared to GDA. Similar results were found in children and adults and in urban and rural settings. CONCLUSIONS: FOPWL reduces products' healthfulness perception and purchase intention, and increases understanding of products' nutrient content compared to GDA.

Effects of front-of-package nutrition labelling systems on understanding and purchase intention in Jamaica: results from a multiarm randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of three different front-of-package labelling (FOPL) schemes on objective understanding and intention to purchase of products, in Jamaica. SETTING: Supermarkets in Jamaica. PARTICIPANTS: Adult supermarket shoppers in Jamaica (n=1206) aged 18 years old or older were included in the study, except for those visually impaired, or unable to give informed consent. DESIGN: Multiarm parallel-group randomised trial. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three intervention groups or the control group. They were exposed to two-dimensional images of 12 mock-up products presented in random and balanced order. Participants assigned to the intervention groups were exposed to one FOPL scheme: black octagonal warning labels (OWL), magnifying glass high-in single icon (MGG) or traffic-light labelling (TFL). The control group was exposed to the nutrition facts up front. OUTCOME MEASURES: OR for correctly understanding nutritional information (correctly selecting the least harmful option, correctly identifying sugars, sodium and/or saturated fats found to be in excess) and choosing to purchase the least harmful option (purchase intention), more often. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the odds for correctly selecting the least harmful option more often were 107% higher in the OWL group (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.78; p<0.001), whereas the MGG (1.18, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.57; p=0.24) and the TFL (1.13, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.51; p=0.39) were inefficacious in improving such odds. OWL also resulted in the highest odds for correctly identifying a product with excessive amounts of sugars, sodium and/or saturated fats and for deciding to purchase the least harmful option or none of the options. CONCLUSIONS: Octagonal warning labels performed best at improving the ability of adult shoppers in Jamaica to understand the nutrition information and at encouraging them to purchase the least harmful option more often.

A policy study on front-of-pack nutrition labeling in the Americas: emerging developments and outcomes.

Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in the WHO Region of the Americas (AMRO). In response, international organisations recommend front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) systems that present nutrition information clearly to help consumers make healthier choices. In AMRO, all 35 countries have discussed FOPNL, 30 countries have formally introduced FOPNL, eleven have adopted FOPNL, and seven countries (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela) have implemented FOPNL. FOPNL has gradually spread and evolved to better protect health by increasingly adopting larger warning labels, contrasting background devices for better salience, using "excess" instead of "high in" to improve efficacy, and adopting the Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model to better define nutrient thresholds. Early evidence illustrates successful compliance, decreased purchases and product reformulation. Governments still discussing and waiting to implement FOPNL should follow these best practices to help reduce poor nutrition related NCDs. Translated versions of this manuscript are available in Spanish and Portuguese in the supplementary material.

Protocol for a meta-research study of protocols for diet or nutrition-related trials published in indexed journals: general aspects of study design, rationale and reporting limitations.

INTRODUCTION: The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) reporting guideline establishes a minimum set of items to be reported in any randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocol. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) reporting guideline was developed to improve the reporting of interventions in RCT protocols and results papers. Reporting completeness in protocols of diet or nutrition-related RCTs has not been systematically investigated. We aim to identify published protocols of diet or nutrition-related RCTs, assess their reporting completeness and identify the main reporting limitations remaining in this field. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a meta-research study of RCT protocols published in journals indexed in at least one of six selected databases between 2012 and 2022. We have run a search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Global Health using a search strategy designed to identify protocols of diet or nutrition-related RCTs. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of records yielded by the search in Rayyan. The full texts will then be read to confirm protocol eligibility. We will collect general study features (publication information, types of participants, interventions, comparators, outcomes and study design) of all eligible published protocols in this contemporary sample. We will assess reporting completeness in a randomly selected sample of them and identify their main reporting limitations. We will compare this subsample with the items in the SPIRIT and TIDieR statements. For all data collection, we will use data extraction forms in REDCap. This protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/YWEVS). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will undertake a secondary analysis of published data and does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through journals and conferences targeting stakeholders involved in nutrition research.

Efficacy of different front-of-package labeling systems in changing purchase intention and product healthfulness perception for food products in Argentina.

Objectives: To identify the front-of-package scheme-Multiple Traffic Light (MTL), Nutri-Score (NS), and black octagon Warning System (WS)-most effective in reducing purchase intention and perceived product healthfulness of drinking yogurts, cookies and cheese spreads, and to assess the joint influence of nutrient claims on the effects. Methods: Randomized-controlled experiment. A within-subjects factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of three independent factors on perceived product healthfulness and purchase intention. A total of 704 adults in Argentina were shown three mock-up products and asked to indicate which product they would buy choosing between pairs of products from different categories and to rate product healthfulness on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: The WS was the most effective in reducing purchase intention in drinking yogurts (OR:0.16, 95%CI: 0.09;0.28), cookies (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18) and cheese spreads (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18), and the perception of healthfulness (WS Mean score 3,63 vs No label 4,24, p<0.001), regardless of the participants' gender, age, and level of education. NS was inefficacious in reducing product healthfulness perception, while MTL had significantly increased how healthful the product was perceived (p<0.001). Nutrient claims increased purchase intention and perception of healthfulness, thus reducing the effectiveness of front-of-package labels (p<0.001). Conclusions: In line with growing evidence, our findings support that WS perform better than NS and MTL in reducing purchase intention and healthfulness perception of products with excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with the greatest burden of diseases. Front-of-package WS are expected to facilitate the population in Argentina to make healthier decisions.

Efficacy of different front-of-package labeling systems in changing purchase intention and product healthfulness perception for food products in Argentina

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To identify the front-of-package scheme—Multiple Traffic Light (MTL), Nutri-Score (NS), and black octagon Warning System (WS)—most effective in reducing purchase intention and perceived product health- fulness of drinking yogurts, cookies and cheese spreads, and to assess the joint influence of nutrient claims on the effects. Methods. Randomized-controlled experiment. A within-subjects factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of three independent factors on perceived product healthfulness and purchase intention. A total of 704 adults in Argentina were shown three mock-up products and asked to indicate which product they would buy choosing between pairs of products from different categories and to rate product healthfulness on a 7-point Likert scale. Results. The WS was the most effective in reducing purchase intention in drinking yogurts (OR:0.16, 95%CI: 0.09;0.28), cookies (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18) and cheese spreads (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18), and the perception of healthfulness (WS Mean score 3,63 vs No label 4,24, p<0.001), regardless of the participants’ gender, age, and level of education. NS was inefficacious in reducing product healthfulness perception, while MTL had significantly increased how healthful the product was perceived (p<0.001). Nutrient claims increased purchase intention and perception of healthfulness, thus reducing the effectiveness of front-of-package labels (p<0.001). Conclusions. In line with growing evidence, our findings support that WS perform better than NS and MTL in reducing purchase intention and healthfulness perception of products with excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with the greatest burden of diseases. Front-of-package WS are expected to facilitate the population in Argentina to make healthier decisions.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Determinar el sistema de etiquetado frontal -semáforo múltiple, Nutri-Score (NS) y sistema de advertencia con forma de octágono negro- más efectivo para reducir la intención de compra y la percepción saludable de yogures bebibles, galletitas y quesos para untar, y evaluar la influencia conjunta de las declara- ciones nutricionales sobre los efectos del etiquetado frontal. Métodos. En el estudio, un ensayo controlado aleatorizado, se empleó un diseño factorial entre los sujetos para evaluar la influencia de tres factores independientes en la percepción saludable y la intención de com- pra. A un total de 704 adultos en Argentina se les mostraron tres prototipos de productos; se les pidió que indicaran qué producto comprarían eligiendo entre pares de diferentes categorías y que calificaran qué tan saludable era cada producto en una escala Likert de 7 puntos. Resultados. El sistema de advertencias con octágonos negros fue el más efectivo para reducir la intención de compra en yogures bebibles (OR: 0,16, IC 95%: 0,09; 0,28), galletitas (OR: 0,10, IC 95%: 0,05; 0,18) y que- sos para untar (OR: 0,10, IC 95%: 0,05; 0,18) y para reducir la percepción saludable (puntuación promedio del sistema de advertencias: 3,63; ninguna etiqueta: 4,24, p<0,001), independientemente del sexo, la edad y el nivel de educación de los participantes. El Nutri-Score fue ineficaz para reducir la percepción salud- able, mientras que el sistema de semáforo múltiple aumentó significativamente cuán saludable se percibió el producto (p<0,001). Las declaraciones nutricionales aumentaron la intención de compra y la percepción saludable, lo que redujo la eficacia de las etiquetas frontales en el envase (p<0,001). Conclusiones. En consonancia con la evidencia disponible, nuestros resultados respaldan que el sistema de advertencia con forma de octágono negro funciona mejor que el Nutri-Score y el semáforo múltiple en la reducción de la intención de compra y la percepción de saludable de productos con cantidades excesivas de nutrientes críticos asociados con la mayor carga de enfermedades. Se espera que el uso de los símbolos octagonales de advertencia en la parte frontal de los envases facilite la toma de decisiones más saludables para la población en Argentina.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Identificar o modelo de rotulagem nutricional frontal – tipo semáforo (Multiple Traffic Light, MTL), Nutri-Score (NS) e octógonos pretos (Warning System, WS) – mais eficaz para reduzir a intenção de compra e a percepção de saudabilidade de iogurtes líquidos, biscoitos doces e pastas de queijo, bem como avaliar a influência conjunta das alegações nutricionais sobre tais efeitos. Métodos. Estudo experimental randomizado e controlado. Foi utilizado um delineamento fatorial de sujeito único para avaliar a influência de três fatores independentes sobre a percepção de saudabilidade e a intenção de compra dos produtos. A uma amostra de 704 adultos na Argentina foram mostrados três mock-ups de produtos, e foi solicitado aos participantes que indicassem qual produto eles comprariam (escolhendo entre pares de produtos de diferentes categorias) e que classificassem a saudabilidade do produto em uma escala tipo Likert de 7 pontos. Resultados. O sistema WS foi o mais eficaz em reduzir a intenção de compra dos iogurtes líquidos (odds ratio [OR]: 0,16, intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%): 0,09; 0,28), biscoitos doces (OR: 0,10, IC95%: 0,05; 0,18) e pastas de queijo (OR: 0,10, IC95%: 0,05; 0,18), bem como a percepção de saudabilidade (pontuação média: 3,63 com rotulagem WS x 4,24 sem rotulagem, p<0,001), independentemente do sexo, idade e escolaridade dos participantes. O sistema NS foi ineficaz em reduzir a percepção de saudabilidade dos produtos, e o MTL aumentou significativamente essa percepção (p<0,001). As alegações nutricionais aumentaram a intenção de compra e a percepção de saudabilidade, reduzindo assim a eficácia da rotulagem frontal (p<0,001). Conclusões. Corroborando um corpo crescente de evidências, nossas constatações indicam que o sistema WS de rotulagem frontal tem melhor desempenho do que os modelos NS e MTL na redução da intenção de compra e da percepção de saudabilidade de produtos com teor excessivo de nutrientes críticos associados a uma maior carga de morbidade. Espera-se que a rotulagem nutricional frontal do tipo WS favoreça a tomada de decisões mais saudáveis pela população da Argentina.

[Processed and ultra-processed products and their relationship to quality of diet in childrenProdutos processados e ultraprocessados e sua relação com a qualidade da dieta em crianças]. / Productos procesados y ultraprocesados y su relación con la calidad de la dieta en niños.

Objective: Estimate the impact on quality in the early childhood diet (ages 2 to 4 years) in Uruguay, resulting from consumption of products containing excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium), according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. Methods: A 24-hour dietary recall survey was used with a representative sample of 401 participants from the 2018 Nutrition, Child Development, and Health Survey. The NOVA classification system was used to categorize foods according to the nature and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo. Foods were then analyzed using the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model, enabling identification of products with excessive amounts of these nutrients. Results: Fifty percent of children consumed three or more products with an excess of some of the nutrients linked to NCDs. About 9 out of 10 children consume products with an excess of at least one of the critical nutrients studied. Conclusion: Diets that do not contain ultra-processed and processed products with excess free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, or sodium were the best choice for children aged 2 to 4 years. Based on PAHO criteria, the consumption of products with excess critical nutrients (and of each additional gram of these products) significantly worsens diet quality, and impedes adherence to World Health Organization recommendations.

Objetivo: Estimar o efeito do consumo de produtos que contêm quantidades excessivas de nutrientes críticos associados a doenças não transmissíveis (DCNTs) ­ açúcares livres, gorduras totais, gorduras saturadas e sódio ­, de acordo com o modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), na qualidade da dieta da primeira infância uruguaia (crianças de 2 a 4 anos). Métodos: Um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas foi aplicado a uma amostra representativa de 401 participantes da Pesquisa de Nutrição, Desenvolvimento Infantil e Saúde de 2018. Foi utilizada a classificação proposta pelo sistema NOVA para categorizar os alimentos de acordo com sua natureza e os processos industriais a que são submetidos. A análise foi feita com base no modelo de perfil nutricional da OPAS, que possibilitou identificar os produtos com teor excessivo dos nutrientes supracitados. Resultados: Das crianças avaliadas, 50% consumiram três ou mais produtos com excesso de algum dos nutrientes vinculados às DCNT. Aproximadamente 9 em cada 10 crianças consomem produtos com excesso de pelo menos um dos nutrientes críticos estudados. Conclusão: As dietas que não contêm produtos ultraprocessados e processados com excesso de açúcares livres, gordura total, gordura saturada e sódio foram a melhor opção para crianças de 2 a 4 anos. A ingestão de produtos com excesso de nutrientes críticos segundo a OPAS (e cada grama adicional consumido desses produtos) piora significativamente a qualidade da dieta e impede o cumprimento das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde.

Productos procesados y ultraprocesados y su relación con la calidad de la dieta en niños

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Estimar el efecto que representa en la calidad de la dieta de la primera infancia uruguaya —niños de 2 a 4 años— el consumo de productos que contienen cantidades excesivas de nutrientes críticos asociados a las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) (azúcares libres, grasas totales, grasas saturadas y sodio), según el modelo de perfil de nutrientes de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Métodos. Se utilizó un recordatorio de ingesta de alimentos durante 24 horas en una muestra representativa de 401 participantes de la Encuesta de Nutrición, Desarrollo Infantil y Salud del año 2018. Se usó la clasificación de alimentos propuesta por el sistema NOVA para categorizarlos según su naturaleza y los procesos industriales a los que son sometidos. A partir de esto se lo analizó con base en el modelo de perfil de nutrientes de la OPS, lo cual permitió identificar los productos con contenido excesivo de estos nutrientes. Resultados. El 50 % de los niños consumieron tres o más productos con exceso de alguno de los nutrientes vinculados con las ENT. Aproximadamente 9 de cada 10 niños consumen productos con exceso de al menos uno de los nutrientes críticos estudiados. Conclusión. Las dietas que no contienen productos ultraprocesados y procesados con exceso de azúcares libres, grasas totales, grasas saturadas y sodio fueron la mejor opción para los niños de 2 a 4 años. La ingesta de productos con exceso de nutrientes críticos según la OPS (y cada gramo adicional consumido de tales productos) empeora la calidad de la dieta de manera significativa, e impide que se cumpla con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Estimate the impact on quality in the early childhood diet (ages 2 to 4 years) in Uruguay, resulting from consumption of products containing excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium), according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. Methods. A 24-hour dietary recall survey was used with a representative sample of 401 participants from the 2018 Nutrition, Child Development, and Health Survey. The NOVA classification system was used to categorize foods according to the nature and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo. Foods were then analyzed using the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model, enabling identification of products with excessive amounts of these nutrients. Results. Fifty percent of children consumed three or more products with an excess of some of the nutrients linked to NCDs. About 9 out of 10 children consume products with an excess of at least one of the critical nutrients studied. Conclusion. Diets that do not contain ultra-processed and processed products with excess free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, or sodium were the best choice for children aged 2 to 4 years. Based on PAHO criteria, the consumption of products with excess critical nutrients (and of each additional gram of these products) significantly worsens diet quality, and impedes adherence to World Health Organization recommendations.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Estimar o efeito do consumo de produtos que contêm quantidades excessivas de nutrientes críticos associados a doenças não transmissíveis (DCNTs) – açúcares livres, gorduras totais, gorduras saturadas e sódio –, de acordo com o modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), na qualidade da dieta da primeira infância uruguaia (crianças de 2 a 4 anos). Métodos. Um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas foi aplicado a uma amostra representativa de 401 participantes da Pesquisa de Nutrição, Desenvolvimento Infantil e Saúde de 2018. Foi utilizada a classificação proposta pelo sistema NOVA para categorizar os alimentos de acordo com sua natureza e os processos industriais a que são submetidos. A análise foi feita com base no modelo de perfil nutricional da OPAS, que possibilitou identificar os produtos com teor excessivo dos nutrientes supracitados. Resultados. Das crianças avaliadas, 50% consumiram três ou mais produtos com excesso de algum dos nutrientes vinculados às DCNT. Aproximadamente 9 em cada 10 crianças consomem produtos com excesso de pelo menos um dos nutrientes críticos estudados. Conclusão. As dietas que não contêm produtos ultraprocessados e processados com excesso de açúcares livres, gordura total, gordura saturada e sódio foram a melhor opção para crianças de 2 a 4 anos. A ingestão de produtos com excesso de nutrientes críticos segundo a OPAS (e cada grama adicional consumido desses produtos) piora significativamente a qualidade da dieta e impede o cumprimento das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde.

Expenditures on sugar-sweetened beverages in Jamaica and its association with household budget allocation.

BACKGROUND: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption is associated with overweight and obesity, which are important drivers for the increasing healthcare and other social costs. If expenditures on SSB decrease expenditures on other goods and services, such as education and healthcare, this "crowding-out" may have a lasting effect. The main objectives of this article are, first, to estimate the statistical association between the decision of spending in SSB and several households' sociodemographic characteristics; and second, to estimate the association between the decision of buying SSB and budget allocation across categories in Jamaica. METHODS: Using the Jamaican Household Expenditure Survey 2004-2005 a generalized ordered probit model was estimated to examine the association between socioeconomic variables and the decision to spend on SSB. Seemingly Unrelated Regression Equations (SURE) of all the expenditure groups (except the SSB group) were used to estimate the association between the decision of buying SSB and budget allocation on other goods and services. RESULTS: Expenditures on SSB are negatively affected by the size of the household and the area of residence (rural households spend more on SSB than urban ones), while having a larger proportion of children (15 or younger) and having a larger total budget is associated to more expenditures on SSB. Households with positive expenditure on SSB allocate significantly less budget to "Healthcare" and "Education", when compared to those who did not buy SSB. CONCLUSIONS: SSB expenditures may displace expenditures in necessary goods and services, which implies that decreasing the proportion of budget spent on SSB may have important present and future consequences on poorer households' human capital accumulation and future incomes.

Estimation of Intake of Critical Nutrients Associated with Noncommunicable Diseases According to the PAHO/WHO Criteria in the Diet of School-Age Children in Montevideo, Uruguay.

PURPOSE: To estimate the effect of the consumption of products with an excessive amount of critical nutrients associated with NCDs, according to the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model on the quality of the diet of Uruguayan school-age children (4 to 12 years). METHODS: A 24 h recall of food intake was conducted in a representative sample of 332 participants in the evaluation of the School Feeding Program in 2018 in public schools in Montevideo, Uruguay. Food and preparations were categorized according to the NOVA food classification, according to the nature, extent, and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo. Later, they were analyzed according to the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO NPM) to identify processed and ultra-processed products with an excessive content of critical nutrients. RESULTS: Only 0.52% of children consumed exclusively natural foods, or culinary ingredients. Twenty-five per cent of children consumed ≥4 products categorized with an excessive content of free sugars, total fat, or saturated fat according to the PAHO NPM; in the case of excessive sodium, this was 40%. In general, children who included products with excessive free sugars, sodium, or saturated fat in their diet exceeded the limits established by the World Health Organization, and, as a result, their diet is of poorer nutritional quality compared to children who did not consume such products. CONCLUSION: Diets free of ultra-processed and processed products with excess free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium increased the chances of school-age children in Montevideo of meeting WHO nutrient intake recommendations. Meanwhile, intake of each additional gram of products with excessive critical nutrients according to PAHO NPM, significantly worsens diets, preventing children from meeting WHO recommendations.

Evaluating intake levels of nutrients linked to non-communicable diseases in Australia using the novel combination of food processing and nutrient profiling metrics of the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate intake levels of nutrients linked to non-communicable diseases in Australia using the novel combination of food processing and nutrient profiling metrics of the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model. METHODS: Dietary intakes of 12,153 participants from the Australian Health Survey (2011-12) aged 2 + years were evaluated. Food items reported during a 24 h recall were classified using the NOVA system. The Pan-American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO NPM) was applied to identify processed and ultra-processed products with excessive content of critical nutrients. Differences in mean intakes and prevalence of excessive intakes of critical nutrients for groups of the population whose diets were made up of products with and without excessive content in critical nutrients were examined. RESULTS: The majority of Australians consumed daily at least three processed and ultra-processed products identified as excessive in critical nutrients according to the PAHO NPM. Individuals consuming these products had higher intakes of free sugars (ß = 8.9), total fats (ß = 11.0), saturated fats (ß = 4.6), trans fats (ß = 0.2), and sodium (ß = 1788 for adolescents and adults; ß = 1769 for children 5-10 years; ß = 1319 for children aged < 5 years) (p ≤ 0.001 for all nutrients) than individuals not consuming these foods. The prevalence of excessive intake of all critical nutrients also followed the same trend. CONCLUSION: The PAHO NPM has shown to be a relevant tool to predict intake levels of nutrients linked to non-communicable diseases in Australia and, therefore, could be used to inform policy actions aimed at increasing the healthiness of food environments.

Efficacy of different front-of-package labeling systems in changing purchase intention and product healthfulness perception for food products in Argentina / Eficacia de los diferentes sistemas de etiquetado frontal en Argentina para modificar la intención de compra y la percepción saludable de productos alimentarios / Eficácia de diferentes sistemas de rotulagem nutricional frontal para mudar a intenção de compra e a percepção de saudabilidade de produtos alimentícios na Argentina

ABSTRACT Objectives. To identify the front-of-package scheme—Multiple Traffic Light (MTL), Nutri-Score (NS), and black octagon Warning System (WS)—most effective in reducing purchase intention and perceived product healthfulness of drinking yogurts, cookies and cheese spreads, and to assess the joint influence of nutrient claims on the effects. Methods. Randomized-controlled experiment. A within-subjects factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of three independent factors on perceived product healthfulness and purchase intention. A total of 704 adults in Argentina were shown three mock-up products and asked to indicate which product they would buy choosing between pairs of products from different categories and to rate product healthfulness on a 7-point Likert scale. Results. The WS was the most effective in reducing purchase intention in drinking yogurts (OR:0.16, 95%CI: 0.09;0.28), cookies (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18) and cheese spreads (OR:0.10, 95%CI: 0.05;0.18), and the perception of healthfulness (WS Mean score 3,63 vs No label 4,24, p<0.001), regardless of the participants' gender, age, and level of education. NS was inefficacious in reducing product healthfulness perception, while MTL had significantly increased how healthful the product was perceived (p<0.001). Nutrient claims increased purchase intention and perception of healthfulness, thus reducing the effectiveness of front-of-package labels (p<0.001). Conclusions. In line with growing evidence, our findings support that WS perform better than NS and MTL in reducing purchase intention and healthfulness perception of products with excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with the greatest burden of diseases. Front-of-package WS are expected to facilitate the population in Argentina to make healthier decisions.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar el sistema de etiquetado frontal -semáforo múltiple, Nutri-Score (NS) y sistema de advertencia con forma de octágono negro- más efectivo para reducir la intención de compra y la percepción saludable de yogures bebibles, galletitas y quesos para untar, y evaluar la influencia conjunta de las declaraciones nutricionales sobre los efectos del etiquetado frontal. Métodos. En el estudio, un ensayo controlado aleatorizado, se empleó un diseño factorial entre los sujetos para evaluar la influencia de tres factores independientes en la percepción saludable y la intención de compra. A un total de 704 adultos en Argentina se les mostraron tres prototipos de productos; se les pidió que indicaran qué producto comprarían eligiendo entre pares de diferentes categorías y que calificaran qué tan saludable era cada producto en una escala Likert de 7 puntos. Resultados. El sistema de advertencias con octágonos negros fue el más efectivo para reducir la intención de compra en yogures bebibles (OR: 0,16, IC 95%: 0,09; 0,28), galletitas (OR: 0,10, IC 95%: 0,05; 0,18) y quesos para untar (OR: 0,10, IC 95%: 0,05; 0,18) y para reducir la percepción saludable (puntuación promedio del sistema de advertencias: 3,63; ninguna etiqueta: 4,24, p<0,001), independientemente del sexo, la edad y el nivel de educación de los participantes. El Nutri-Score fue ineficaz para reducir la percepción saludable, mientras que el sistema de semáforo múltiple aumentó significativamente cuán saludable se percibió el producto (p<0,001). Las declaraciones nutricionales aumentaron la intención de compra y la percepción saludable, lo que redujo la eficacia de las etiquetas frontales en el envase (p<0,001). Conclusiones. En consonancia con la evidencia disponible, nuestros resultados respaldan que el sistema de advertencia con forma de octágono negro funciona mejor que el Nutri-Score y el semáforo múltiple en la reducción de la intención de compra y la percepción de saludable de productos con cantidades excesivas de nutrientes críticos asociados con la mayor carga de enfermedades. Se espera que el uso de los símbolos octagonales de advertencia en la parte frontal de los envases facilite la toma de decisiones más saludables para la población en Argentina.

RESUMO Objetivos. Identificar o modelo de rotulagem nutricional frontal - tipo semáforo (Multiple Traffic Light, MTL), Nutri-Score (NS) e octógonos pretos (Warning System, WS) - mais eficaz para reduzir a intenção de compra e a percepção de saudabilidade de iogurtes líquidos, biscoitos doces e pastas de queijo, bem como avaliar a influência conjunta das alegações nutricionais sobre tais efeitos. Métodos. Estudo experimental randomizado e controlado. Foi utilizado um delineamento fatorial de sujeito único para avaliar a influência de três fatores independentes sobre a percepção de saudabilidade e a intenção de compra dos produtos. A uma amostra de 704 adultos na Argentina foram mostrados três mock-ups de produtos, e foi solicitado aos participantes que indicassem qual produto eles comprariam (escolhendo entre pares de produtos de diferentes categorias) e que classificassem a saudabilidade do produto em uma escala tipo Likert de 7 pontos. Resultados. O sistema WS foi o mais eficaz em reduzir a intenção de compra dos iogurtes líquidos (odds ratio [OR]: 0,16, intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%): 0,09; 0,28), biscoitos doces (OR: 0,10, IC95%: 0,05; 0,18) e pastas de queijo (OR: 0,10, IC95%: 0,05; 0,18), bem como a percepção de saudabilidade (pontuação média: 3,63 com rotulagem WS x 4,24 sem rotulagem, p<0,001), independentemente do sexo, idade e escolaridade dos participantes. O sistema NS foi ineficaz em reduzir a percepção de saudabilidade dos produtos, e o MTL aumentou significativamente essa percepção (p<0,001). As alegações nutricionais aumentaram a intenção de compra e a percepção de saudabilidade, reduzindo assim a eficácia da rotulagem frontal (p<0,001). Conclusões. Corroborando um corpo crescente de evidências, nossas constatações indicam que o sistema WS de rotulagem frontal tem melhor desempenho do que os modelos NS e MTL na redução da intenção de compra e da percepção de saudabilidade de produtos com teor excessivo de nutrientes críticos associados a uma maior carga de morbidade. Espera-se que a rotulagem nutricional frontal do tipo WS favoreça a tomada de decisões mais saudáveis pela população da Argentina.

Productos procesados y ultraprocesados y su relación con la calidad de la dieta en niños / Processed and ultra-processed products and their relationship to quality of diet in children / Produtos processados e ultraprocessados e sua relação com a qualidade da dieta em crianças

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar el efecto que representa en la calidad de la dieta de la primera infancia uruguaya —niños de 2 a 4 años— el consumo de productos que contienen cantidades excesivas de nutrientes críticos asociados a las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) (azúcares libres, grasas totales, grasas saturadas y sodio), según el modelo de perfil de nutrientes de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Métodos. Se utilizó un recordatorio de ingesta de alimentos durante 24 horas en una muestra representativa de 401 participantes de la Encuesta de Nutrición, Desarrollo Infantil y Salud del año 2018. Se usó la clasificación de alimentos propuesta por el sistema NOVA para categorizarlos según su naturaleza y los procesos industriales a los que son sometidos. A partir de esto se lo analizó con base en el modelo de perfil de nutrientes de la OPS, lo cual permitió identificar los productos con contenido excesivo de estos nutrientes. Resultados. El 50 % de los niños consumieron tres o más productos con exceso de alguno de los nutrientes vinculados con las ENT. Aproximadamente 9 de cada 10 niños consumen productos con exceso de al menos uno de los nutrientes críticos estudiados. Conclusión. Las dietas que no contienen productos ultraprocesados y procesados con exceso de azúcares libres, grasas totales, grasas saturadas y sodio fueron la mejor opción para los niños de 2 a 4 años. La ingesta de productos con exceso de nutrientes críticos según la OPS (y cada gramo adicional consumido de tales productos) empeora la calidad de la dieta de manera significativa, e impide que se cumpla con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

ABSTRACT Objective. Estimate the impact on quality in the early childhood diet (ages 2 to 4 years) in Uruguay, resulting from consumption of products containing excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and sodium), according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. Methods. A 24-hour dietary recall survey was used with a representative sample of 401 participants from the 2018 Nutrition, Child Development, and Health Survey. The NOVA classification system was used to categorize foods according to the nature and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo. Foods were then analyzed using the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model, enabling identification of products with excessive amounts of these nutrients. Results. Fifty percent of children consumed three or more products with an excess of some of the nutrients linked to NCDs. About 9 out of 10 children consume products with an excess of at least one of the critical nutrients studied. Conclusion. Diets that do not contain ultra-processed and processed products with excess free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, or sodium were the best choice for children aged 2 to 4 years. Based on PAHO criteria, the consumption of products with excess critical nutrients (and of each additional gram of these products) significantly worsens diet quality, and impedes adherence to World Health Organization recommendations.

RESUMO Objetivo. Estimar o efeito do consumo de produtos que contêm quantidades excessivas de nutrientes críticos associados a doenças não transmissíveis (DCNTs) - açúcares livres, gorduras totais, gorduras saturadas e sódio -, de acordo com o modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), na qualidade da dieta da primeira infância uruguaia (crianças de 2 a 4 anos). Métodos. Um recordatório alimentar de 24 horas foi aplicado a uma amostra representativa de 401 participantes da Pesquisa de Nutrição, Desenvolvimento Infantil e Saúde de 2018. Foi utilizada a classificação proposta pelo sistema NOVA para categorizar os alimentos de acordo com sua natureza e os processos industriais a que são submetidos. A análise foi feita com base no modelo de perfil nutricional da OPAS, que possibilitou identificar os produtos com teor excessivo dos nutrientes supracitados. Resultados. Das crianças avaliadas, 50% consumiram três ou mais produtos com excesso de algum dos nutrientes vinculados às DCNT. Aproximadamente 9 em cada 10 crianças consomem produtos com excesso de pelo menos um dos nutrientes críticos estudados. Conclusão. As dietas que não contêm produtos ultraprocessados e processados com excesso de açúcares livres, gordura total, gordura saturada e sódio foram a melhor opção para crianças de 2 a 4 anos. A ingestão de produtos com excesso de nutrientes críticos segundo a OPAS (e cada grama adicional consumido desses produtos) piora significativamente a qualidade da dieta e impede o cumprimento das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde.

[Excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages in Latin America and the CaribbeanImposto especial de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas na América Latina e no Caribe]. / Impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en América Latina y el Caribe.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the design of excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean and assess opportunities to increase their impact on SSB consumption and health. METHODS: A comprehensive search and review of the legislation in effect as of March 2019, collected through existing Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization monitoring tools, secondary sources, and surveying ministries of finance. The analysis focused on the type of products taxed, and the structure and base of these excise taxes. RESULTS: Out of the 33 countries analyzed, 21 apply excise taxes on SSBs. Seven countries also apply excise taxes on bottled water and at least four include sugar-sweetened milk drinks. Ten of these excise taxes are ad valorem with some tax bases set early in the value chain, seven are amount-specific, and four have either a combined or mixed structure. Three countries apply excise taxes based on sugar concentration. CONCLUSIONS: While the number of countries applying excise taxes on SSBs is promising, there is great heterogeneity in design in terms of structure, tax base, and products taxed. Existing excise taxes could be further leveraged to improve their impact on SSB consumption and health by including all categories of SSBs, excluding bottled water, and relying more on amount-specific taxes regularly adjusted for inflation and possibly based on sugar concentration. All countries would benefit from additional guidance. Future research should aim to address this gap.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o modelo dos impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas na América Latina e no Caribe e avaliar oportunidades para aumentar o impacto desses impostos no consumo de bebidas açucaradas e na saúde. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma pesquisa ampla e a análise de legislações vigentes em março de 2019, com informações obtidas por meio de instrumentos de monitoramento da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) já existentes, fontes secundárias e levantamento junto aos ministérios da Fazenda. A análise centrou-se no tipo de produtos tributados e na estrutura e base desses impostos especiais de consumo. RESULTADOS: Dos 33 países analisados, 21 aplicam impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas. Em sete países os impostos especiais de consumo incidem também sobre água engarrafada e, em pelo menos quatro, incluem bebidas lácteas açucaradas. Dez desses tributos especiais são ad valorem com algumas bases tributárias estabelecidas no início da cadeia de valor, sete são de tipo específico e quatro têm uma estrutura combinada ou mista. Em três países os impostos especiais são estabelecidos com base na concentração de açúcares do produto. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar do número promissor de países com impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas, verifica-se grande heterogeneidade nos modelos de tributação em termos de estrutura, base tributária e produtos tributados. Os impostos especiais de consumo vigentes poderiam ser mais bem aproveitados para aumentar o impacto no consumo de bebidas açucaradas e na saúde: incluir todas as categorias de bebidas açucaradas, excluir água engarrafada e recorrer mais a impostos de tipo específico com a correção periódica pela inflação e, possivelmente, com base na concentração de açúcares do produto. Todos os países se beneficiariam em receber mais orientação. Pesquisas futuras devem ter como objetivo abordar essa lacuna.

Impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en América Latina y el Caribe

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Caracterizar el diseño de los impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en América Latina y el Caribe, y evaluar las oportunidades de aumentar su impacto en el consumo y la salud.Métodos. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda y una evaluación exhaustivas de legislaciones vigentes a marzo del 2019, recopiladas mediante las herramientas de seguimiento ya existentes de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, fuentes secundarias, así como mediante una encuesta a ministerios de finanzas. El análisis se centró en el tipo de productos gravados y la estructura y la base de estos impuestos selectivos.Resultados. De los 33 países evaluados, en 21 se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azu-caradas. En siete países también se aplican impuestos selectivos sobre el agua embotellada y en al menos cuatro, se aplican tales impuestos sobre las bebidas lácteas azucaradas. Diez de estos impuestos selectivos al consumo son de tipo ad valorem con algunas bases imponibles fijadas en las primeras etapas de la cadena de valor, siete son de tipo específico y cuatro son de estructura combinada o mixta. En tres países se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo en función de la concentración de azúcares del producto.Conclusiones. Si bien el número de países en que se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas es prometedor, existe una gran heterogeneidad en su diseño en cuanto a la estructura, la base imponible y los productos gravados. Se podrían aprovechar aún más los impuestos selectivos existentes para tener un mayor impacto sobre el consumo de bebidas azucaradas y la salud si se incluyeran todas las catego-rías de bebidas azucaradas, excluyendo el agua embotellada, y si se recurriera más a impuestos específicos ajustados regularmente según la inflación y basados posiblemente en la concentración de azúcares del pro-ducto. Todos los países se beneficiarían si hubiera mayor orientación. Futuras investigaciones deberían tener como objetivo abordar esta brecha.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To characterize the design of excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean and assess opportunities to increase their impact on SSB consumption and health.Methods. A comprehensive search and review of the legislation in effect as of March 2019, collected through existing Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization monitoring tools, secondary sour-ces, and surveying ministries of finance. The analysis focused on the type of products taxed, and the structure and base of these excise taxes.Results. Out of the 33 countries analyzed, 21 apply excise taxes on SSBs. Seven countries also apply excise taxes on bottled water and at least four include sugar-sweetened milk drinks. Ten of these excise taxes are ad valorem with some tax bases set early in the value chain, seven are amount-specific, and four have either a combined or mixed structure. Three countries apply excise taxes based on sugar concentration.Conclusions. While the number of countries applying excise taxes on SSBs is promising, there is great hete-rogeneity in design in terms of structure, tax base, and products taxed. Existing excise taxes could be further leveraged to improve their impact on SSB consumption and health by including all categories of SSBs, exclu-ding bottled water, and relying more on amount-specific taxes regularly adjusted for inflation and possibly based on sugar concentration. All countries would benefit from additional guidance. Future research should aim to address this gap.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Caracterizar o modelo dos impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas na América Latina e no Caribe e avaliar oportunidades para aumentar o impacto desses impostos no consumo de bebi-das açucaradas e na saúde.Métodos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa ampla e a análise de legislações vigentes em março de 2019, com informações obtidas por meio de instrumentos de monitoramento da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) já existentes, fontes secundárias e levantamento junto aos ministérios da Fazenda. A análise centrou-se no tipo de produtos tributados e na estrutura e base desses impostos especiais de consumo.Resultados. Dos 33 países analisados, 21 aplicam impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucara-das. Em sete países os impostos especiais de consumo incidem também sobre água engarrafada e, em pelo menos quatro, incluem bebidas lácteas açucaradas. Dez desses tributos especiais são ad valorem com algumas bases tributárias estabelecidas no início da cadeia de valor, sete são de tipo específico e quatro têm uma estrutura combinada ou mista. Em três países os impostos especiais são estabelecidos com base na concentração de açúcares do produto.Conclusões. Apesar do número promissor de países com impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas, verifica-se grande heterogeneidade nos modelos de tributação em termos de estrutura, base tributária e produtos tributados. Os impostos especiais de consumo vigentes poderiam ser mais bem aprove-itados para aumentar o impacto no consumo de bebidas açucaradas e na saúde: incluir todas as categorias de bebidas açucaradas, excluir água engarrafada e recorrer mais a impostos de tipo específico com a cor-reção periódica pela inflação e, possivelmente, com base na concentração de açúcares do produto. Todos os países se beneficiariam em receber mais orientação. Pesquisas futuras devem ter como objetivo abordar essa lacuna.

Excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the design of excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean and assess opportunities to increase their impact on SSB consumption and health. METHODS: A comprehensive search and review of the legislation in effect as of March 2019, collected through existing Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization monitoring tools, secondary sources, and surveying ministries of finance. The analysis focused on the type of products taxed, and the structure and base of these excise taxes. RESULTS: Out of the 33 countries analyzed, 21 apply excise taxes on SSBs. Seven countries also apply excise taxes on bottled water and at least four include sugar-sweetened milk drinks. Ten of these excise taxes are ad valorem with some tax bases set early in the value chain, seven are amount-specific, and four have either a combined or mixed structure. Three countries apply excise taxes based on sugar concentration. CONCLUSIONS: While the number of countries applying excise taxes on SSBs is promising, there is great heterogeneity in design in terms of structure, tax base, and products taxed. Existing excise taxes could be further leveraged to improve their impact on SSB consumption and health by including all categories of SSBs, excluding bottled water, and relying more on amount-specific taxes regularly adjusted for inflation and possibly based on sugar concentration. All countries would benefit from additional guidance. Future research should aim to address this gap.

Excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages in Latin America and the Caribbean

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To characterize the design of excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean and assess opportunities to increase their impact on SSB consumption and health. Methods. A comprehensive search and review of the legislation in effect as of March 2019, collected through existing Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization monitoring tools, secondary sources, and surveying ministries of finance. The analysis focused on the type of products taxed, and the structure and base of these excise taxes. Results. Out of the 33 countries analyzed, 21 apply excise taxes on SSBs. Seven countries also apply excise taxes on bottled water and at least four include sugar-sweetened milk drinks. Ten of these excise taxes are ad valorem with some tax bases set early in the value chain, seven are amount-specific, and four have either a combined or mixed structure. Three countries apply excise taxes based on sugar concentration. Conclusions. While the number of countries applying excise taxes on SSBs is promising, there is great heterogeneity in design in terms of structure, tax base, and products taxed. Existing excise taxes could be further leveraged to improve their impact on SSB consumption and health by including all categories of SSBs, excluding bottled water, and relying more on amount-specific taxes regularly adjusted for inflation and possibly based on sugar concentration. All countries would benefit from additional guidance. Future research should aim to address this gap.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Caracterizar el diseño de los impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas en América Latina y el Caribe, y evaluar las oportunidades de aumentar su impacto en el consumo y la salud. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda y una evaluación exhaustivas de legislaciones vigentes a marzo del 2019, recopilada mediante las herramientas de seguimiento ya existentes de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, fuentes secundarias, así como mediante una encuesta a ministerios de finanzas. El análisis se centró en el tipo de productos gravados y la estructura y la base de estos impuestos selectivos. Resultados. De los 33 países evaluados, en 21 se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas. En siete países también se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo de agua embotellada y en al menos cuatro, se incluyen las bebidas lácteas azucaradas. Diez de estos impuestos selectivos al consumo son de tipo ad valorem con algunas bases imponibles fijadas al principio de la cadena de valor, siete son de tipo específico y cuatro son de estructura combinada o mixta. En tres países se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo en función de la concentración de azúcares del producto. Conclusiones. Si bien el número de países en que se aplican impuestos selectivos al consumo de bebidas azucaradas es prometedor, existe una gran heterogeneidad en su diseño en cuanto a la estructura, la base imponible y los productos gravados. Se podrían aprovechar aún más los impuestos selectivos existentes a fin de que tengan un mayor impacto sobre la salud y el consumo si se incluyen todas las categorías de bebidas azucaradas, excluyendo el agua embotellada, y recurriendo más a impuestos de tipo específico ajustados frecuentemente según la inflación y basados posiblemente en la concentración de azúcares del producto. Todos los países se beneficiarían si hubiera mayor orientación. Las próximas investigaciones deberían abordar esta brecha.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Caracterizar o modelo dos impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas na América Latina e no Caribe e avaliar oportunidades para aumentar o impacto desses impostos no consumo de bebidas açucaradas e na saúde. Métodos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa ampla e a análise de legislações vigentes em março de 2019, com informações obtidas por meio de instrumentos de monitoramento da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) já existentes, fontes secundárias e levantamento junto aos ministérios da Fazenda. A análise centrou-se no tipo de produtos tributados e na estrutura e base desses impostos especiais de consumo. Resultados. Dos 33 países analisados, 21 aplicam impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas. Em sete países os impostos especiais de consumo incidem também sobre água engarrafada e, em pelo menos quatro, incluem bebidas lácteas açucaradas. Dez desses tributos especiais são ad valorem com algumas bases tributárias estabelecidas no início da cadeia de valor, sete são de tipo específico e quatro têm uma estrutura combinada ou mista. Em três países os impostos especiais são estabelecidos com base na concentração de açúcares do produto. Conclusões. Apesar do número promissor de países com impostos especiais de consumo sobre bebidas açucaradas, verifica-se grande heterogeneidade nos modelos de tributação em termos de estrutura, base tributária e produtos tributados. Os impostos especiais de consumo vigentes poderiam ser mais bem aproveitados para aumentar o impacto no consumo de bebidas açucaradas e na saúde: incluir todas as categorias de bebidas açucaradas, excluir água engarrafada e recorrer mais a impostos de tipo específico com a correção periódica pela inflação e, possivelmente, com base na concentração de açúcares do produto. Todos os países se beneficiariam em receber mais orientação. Pesquisas futuras devem ter como objetivo abordar essa lacuna.