Food Market Research Articles

Innovative tools from WHO Europe to protect children from digital marketing of unhealthy products

Abstract Children in the WHO European Region are extensively exposed to marketing of unhealthy products, including tobacco, alcohol, HFSS foods, and gambling, which negatively influences their dietary choices, behaviors, and perceptions of a norm, threatening their health rights. Recognizing the urgency to protect children’s developmental potential and rights, WHO has actively addressed this issue both within Europe and globally. In 2010, WHO issued recommendations for Member States on marketing foods and beverages to children. Building on these efforts, the CLICK framework for monitoring digital marketing to children was introduced in 2018. In 2023, WHO released guidelines urging countries to adopt comprehensive, mandatory policies to protect children from HFSS food marketing. Despite political commitments and policies, children and adolescents continue to be exposed to unhealthy product marketing, increasing their risk of NCDs as online activity rises. At the same time, while efforts have focused on restricting specific products, rapid changes in digital marketing strategies necessitate broader measures. Emerging trends include promoting brand loyalty among young children through brand characters and logos. Tools and support are urgently needed to monitor and implement WHO recommendations in online settings, including brand marketing. Despite WHO recommendations, few countries have implemented mandatory policies. Reliable monitoring mechanisms are essential. To address this gap, the WHO Regional Office for Europe developed the KidAd platform to monitor children’s exposure to digital advertising.

Collaborative efforts of the Joint Action PreventNCD and the WHO Europe to protect children from harmful marketing

Abstract Control and counter the effects of advertisements and online marketing is one of the policy actions that will be explored within the JA Prevent NCD that has the overall aim to “reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs and common risk factors, both at a personal and societal level, and support member states by taking a holistic approach for the prevention of cancer and other NCDs, through coordinated action”. The work that will be building on the JA Best-ReMaP sustainability framework recommendations to improve the effective implementation of policies to reduce harmful marketing of unhealthy food, would at the same time comprehensively address also tobacco and alcohol maketing. Thirteen different countries are involved in the work package on regulation and taxation that has the overall objective to “improve compliance, coherence, wider implementation and enforcement of fiscal and regulative measures targeting major NCD-risks factors.” This includes a broad range of tasks from mapping existing policies and frameworks, accumulating knowledge on health taxes and fiscal policies, promoting the use of joint nutrient profile models, assessing the impact of labelling on products to create healthier behaviors, supporting the implementation of policies to reduce the impact of harmful marketing, strengthening regulations towards hazardous substances and developing monitoring indicators for policies for prevention of NCD. An overview of the concrete collaborative actions to support the implementation of the marketing regulation will be given: (1) on JA work with the MSs and especially presidency countries, to allow for the discussions on the development of the EU regulation for reduction of the harmful marketing; (2) on the EU stakeholders positions regarding marketing regulation; (3) on the collaborative actions in scaling up the KidAd app. (5) the development of an algorithm to detect alcohol, tobacco and nicotine-containing products will be jointly developed and piloted.

Marketing Harm to Children: Children’s exposure to unhealthy commodity marketing using body cameras

Abstract Background Sophisticated, persuasive and extensive product marketing is a key driver of unhealthy commodity (UHC) consumption. This study aims to identify the nature and extent of children’s exposure to UHC marketing. Methods The study is a secondary analysis of Kids’Cam, a cross-sectional study in which 168 New Zealand 12-year-old children wore body cameras that automatically captured images of their environment every 7 seconds over four days. Images were analysed for exposure to UHC, Healthy and ‘Other’ marketing. Results Children were exposed to UHC marketing on average 76.2 times/day, nearly 2.5 times their daily exposure to ‘Healthy’ marketing. Exposure included: unhealthy food marketing (68.4/day), alcohol (5.7/day), gambling (2.1/day) and tobacco marketing (0.1/day). These exposure rates align with the level of statutory regulation each UHC faces in NZ. Food outlets were the most common setting for UHC marketing exposures, while product packaging was the most common medium. Coca-Cola (6.3/day) was the most common UHC exposure, followed by Cadbury, Tip Top, Bluebird and Powerade. Over half of children’s unhealthy food (54.9%) and alcohol (51.9%) marketing exposures were attributed to multinational corporations. In contrast, statutory bodies are responsible for almost all (97.4%) of children’s gambling marketing exposure. Conclusions Children currently grow up in an environment in which they are constantly persuaded to consume products that directly harm their health - an environment in which the profits of corporations are favoured over public health. Statutory regulation of UHC marketing is urgently needed to protect children from harm. Key messages • Children were exposed to unhealthy commodity marketing on average 76.2 times/day, nearly 2.5 times their daily exposure to ‘healthy’ marketing. • Statutory regulation of unhealthy commodity marketing is urgently needed to protect children from harm.

Child-targeted foods in the Portuguese market 2024: Nutritional characteristics and claims

Abstract Background Excessive consumption of high-energy products with high saturated fats, sugars, and salt contents, contribute to the prevalence of overweight, obesity and other related diseases in Portugal, especially among children. Children represent a vulnerable group whose food choices are significantly influenced by advertisements and marketing methods that often promote highly palatable and less healthy foods. This study aimed to assess the nutritional characteristics of visually appealing products targeted at children in Portugal and analyse nutritional, health, and other mentions and claims, as well as icons present in the package. The goal is to contribute to the promotion of healthier food choices and inform public health policies. Methods Nutritional information and mentions/claims from child-targeted foods, featuring labels with cartoons and other appealing images, were collect. These were compared with the reference values (RV) of Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (EIPAS) and of Directorate-General of Health Label Decoder (RVLD), as well as the limit values (LV) defined by a Portuguese law related to restrictions on food advertising aimed at children. Results 247 products from six categories were monitored. Only 1.2% met the EIPAS RV for sugar and salt evaluated together, while 10.1% complied with the law LV. According to the RVLD, 19.0%, 26.3%, 49.4%, and 0.4% of the products presented high levels of fat, saturates, sugars, and salt, respectively. The majority of the products (68.0%) had one or more types of mentions/claims, predominantly nutritional (64.3%) and all featured one or more icons, with 10.5% being licensed. Conclusions The majority of these pre-packed child-target foods do not have a healthy nutrient profile. In this context, public health actions, namely legislative measures to further regulate food marketing and labeling elements aimed at children along with literacy and product reformulation initiatives are essential. Key messages • The child-targeted food products in the Portuguese market present inadequate nutritional profiles. • Public health actions are needed to promote healthier food choices and protect children from foodborne non-communicable diseases.

Digitalization and power shift in the food market

This research explores how smartphone applications impact consumer empowerment in a market where companies have more power than consumers, and consumers distrust companies. We draw on Yuka, a scanner app that allows its 44 million users to access nutritional quality scores and other information on food products. We conducted a thematic text analysis of 1,651 user reviews and 117 media articles. Our results indicate that, in the food market, such apps (1) bring transparency to products, which facilitates better purchasing choices, (2) empower consumers, and (3) trigger a shift in power, forcing companies to improve the quality of their products to regain consumer trust. We discuss the implications for research, practice and policy in light of the increasing demand for healthy, safe food. This situation, where power shifts from traditional market players to new digital players and consumers, generating disruptions and emancipation, could become commonplace in futures of market society.

Testing a nutrient composition threshold model to classify brands for marketing restrictions.

Food marketing restrictions often apply nutrient profile models (NPM) to distinguish unhealthy products that should not be advertised, however brand-only marketing remains largely unaddressed. We sought to test a threshold method for classifying packaged food, beverage, or fast-food brands as (non)permitted for marketing, based on the nutrient profile of their product-lines. We retrieved nutrient information from the Nutritrack databases for all products sold by the top 51 packaged food, beverage and fast-food brands in New Zealand, selected by market share. All products under each brand were classified as permitted (or not) to be marketed to children, using the NPM for WHO Western Pacific. The 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% threshold of brands' products permitted to market were compared. The 50% and 75% thresholds were compared to the WHO CLICK method, which is based on assessment of the brand's leading product. The 90% threshold permitted 13% of the brands to be marketed to children. The 25% threshold permitted the marketing of 62% of brands. The 50% and 75% thresholds remained highly sensitive in identifying brands that should not be marketed to children. Comparison to the WHO CLICK method identified that a threshold method is more comprehensive and less arbitrary. A threshold model based on product-line nutrient profiling provides a robust and option for brand classification. The 50% and 75% thresholds may be the most politically preferred options for use in regulation, while remaining highly effective. Brand marketing (e.g. sponsorship) remains largely unaddressed in existing restrictions on unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children.An established Nutrient Profile Model can be applied to a brand's entire product line, allowing calculation of the proportion of products that would not be permitted to be advertised to children.Restricting brand marketing for food and beverage brands with less than 50% or 75% of their products classified as 'permitted to be marketed to children' is a robust and evidence-based method that can be applied in regulation, with potential to mitigate industry challenges.

The promotion of ultra-processed foods in modern retail food outlets in rural and urban areas in Kenya.

To assess the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in modern retail food outlets (supermarkets and minimarts) in Kenya and associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenya from August 2021 to October 2021. Variables included; the geographic location and the socioeconomic status levels (SES), the food items displayed for sale and advertised in the stores, and locations in the stores such as the entrance. Three counties in Kenya (Nairobi - urban, Mombasa - coastal tourist, and Baringo- rural). Each county was stratified into high and low SES using national poverty indices. Food outlets that offered a self-service, had at least one check-out, and had a minimum of two stocked aisles were assessed. Of 115 outlets assessed, UPFs occupied 33% of the cumulative shelf space. UPFs were the most advertised foods (60%) and constituted 40% of foods available for sale. The most commonly used promotional characters were cartoon characters (18%). UPFs were significantly more available for sale in Mombasa (urban) compared to Baringo (rural) (Adjusted prevalence rate ratios (APRR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.26, p=0.005). UPFs advertisements were significantly higher in Mombasa ((APRR): 2.18: 1.26-3.79, p= 0.005) compared to Baringo and Nairobi counties. There was a significantly higher rate of advertisement of UPFs in larger outlets ((APRR): 1.68: 1.06-2.67 p=0.001) compared to smaller outlets. The high marketing and availability of UPFs in modern retail outlets in Kenya calls for policies regulating unhealthy food advertisements in different settings in the country.

Food purchase diversity is associated with market food diversity and diets of children and their mothers but not fathers in rural Tanzania: Results from the EFFECTS baseline survey.

Rural households in East Africa rely on local markets, but the influence of market food diversity and household food purchase diversity on diets has not been well-characterized. We quantify the associations among market food diversity, household food purchase diversity and dietary diversity of mothers, fathers and children in rural Tanzania. This study uses baseline data from a randomized controlled trial, Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania. We used the 10 food groups for women's dietary diversity to assess the seasonal availability of nutritious foods in 79 markets. Using data from 957 rural households in two districts in Mara, Tanzania, we measured household food purchase diversity over the previous month and dietary diversity among children (6-23 months), mothers and fathers. Overall, 63% of markets sold all 10 food groups throughout the year, indicating high-market food diversity and minimal seasonality. However, only 33% of women and 35% of children met dietary diversity recommendations. Households that reported higher purchasing power (0.14, p < 0.001), lived within 30 min of a market (0.36, p = 0.001) and had access to a highly diverse market (0.37, p = 0.01) purchased a higher diversity of foods. In turn, food purchase diversity was positively associated with the dietary diversity of mothers (p < 0.001) and children 9-23 months (p < 0.001) but not fathers (p = 0.56). Interventions must account for food availability and access in local markets, and promoting diverse food purchases may be an effective strategy to improve women's and children's diets in rural areas.

Formation of national varietal resources: status and prospects

Purpose. To study the current state and structure of national plant variety resources, analyse the dynamics of their formation, identify new challenges and threats to national interests and food security of the state. Methods. The research used general scientific methods including hypothesis, observation, search with elements of extrapolation from the source database, analysis, comparative evaluation and synthesis to draw conclusions. Results. The physical and geographical location of Ukraine in the centre of Europe determines the export­import segment of resources of varieties and hybrids, which depends on international trends and trends in the food market. In recent years, our country has lost its leading position in the market of varietal plant resources. At the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, the share of varieties of Ukrainian applicants in the State Re­gister of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine was lower than that of foreign varieties, slightly exceeding 44% (corn – 45.3%, sunflower – 32.9%, vegetables – 23.3%, rapeseed – 19.1%, beetroot – 19.2%). Currently, the priority of domestic breeding is maintained for the following groups: cereals – 52.3%, fodder – 64.2%, medicinal – 88.7%. According to experts, in the coming years three quarters of the varieties of plants grown in our country will be of foreign origin. This situation is of great concern not only because of the increased dependence on imports, but also because of the real prospect of the decline of domestic breeding and the emergence of risks in the field of plant variety rights protection. The reasons for this state of national varietal resources and trends in the development of the seed industry of the main strategic varieties were analysed, taking into account the production of seeds of both foreign and domestic breeding, the market share of which was determined during the research. The volumes and the main producers of conditioned seeds in Ukraine were determined. Conclusions. The state of plant variety resources was analysed, trends and main problems arising in the process of their formation were identified. The main directions of development and implementation of the norms of the European national legislation in the field of protection of rights to plant varieties and seed production were determined.

Mukbang Live Streaming Commerce and Green Agri-Food Products Consumption: Exploring the New Dynamics of Consumer Purchasing Decisions

China’s live streaming boom has led to mukbang live streaming as a unique food marketing tool. Hosts interact with viewers by tasting and showcasing diverse cuisines in real time. This form of mukbang live streaming has recently been utilized to promote and sell green agri-food products. However, in-depth research into how mukbang live streaming affects the purchase intention for green agri-food products and the underlying mechanisms remains scant. We developed a theoretical model based on stimuli–organism–response theory to explore the impact mechanism. Data was collected via a survey of 455 users from agriculture-related live streaming platforms and analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares. The study found that professional recommendation, audiovisual experience, and social interaction enhance consumers’ perceived utilitarian value; green advocacy, audiovisual experience, and social interaction positively affect consumers’ perceived social value. Both perceived utilitarian value and perceived social value positively affect the intention to purchase green agri-food products. Additionally, we used importance-performance map analysis to compare the model’s effects with latent variable averages, revealing each factor’s importance and performance. The findings offer new insights and recommendations for agri-food marketing strategies, particularly in enhancing consumer behaviors towards green agri-food products, aiding suppliers and mukbang live streaming platforms in more effectively promoting these products.

Consumer Risk in the Purchasing Process in the Organic Food Market

Risk is an inherent part of our lives and every action we take. It accompanies us in various areas of our lives. Each of us encounters risk in everyday life by undertaking and performing specific activities or actions. Risk is not always perceived by us; there are situations when we do not notice it in our actions. The main objective of this article is to identify and assess the factors influencing the level of risk in consumer purchasing decisions in the organic products market. Additionally, it aims to indicate the desired directions of actions taken by producers and suppliers of organic food to reduce the risk associated with the purchasing process perceived by consumers. The research process took into account existing scientific achievements and the survey method, chosen due to the subject and nature of the research. The survey was addressed to consumers from the Lubuskie Voivodeship and was anonymous. The conducted research shows that the greatest risk perceived by consumers is in the case of online purchases, and the way to reduce this risk is through buyer loyalty to the place of purchase. The empirical research also provides grounds to assume that there is a relationship between individual types of risk. The research shows that respondents are most afraid of safety and social risk, and the least afraid of the risk of losing too much time. Consumers who want to reduce the risk use their own experiences or positive opinions about the product. The results provide valuable information for producers and suppliers of organic food who want to build lasting relationships with consumers based on trust and loyalty. The higher the trust, the greater the customer loyalty, and the lower the perceived risk.

Atmospheric Cold Plasma to Maintain Sea Bass Quality: An Opportunity for International Fish Trade

Whole chilled sea bass is an essential product for the European food market, and Türkiye is the foremost supplier. The importance of sea bass in the world food trade reveals the significance of food safety risks that may arise during or after harvest. This study aimed to examine the impact of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) on delaying the spoilage of sea bass. The ACP is generated by an original device that produces a dielectric barrier discharge plasma using an alternating current (AC) power supply, applying a 30 kV high voltage with a sinusoidal frequency of 20 kHz. Whole sea bass samples were treated for 1 min (ACP1) or 7 min (ACP7), and then stored at 2 ± 1 °C. Sensory scores of plasma-treated sea bass were higher throughout the storage period. Both treatments decreased the initial bacterial load and delayed bacterial growth (p ≤ 0.05) during storage. The mesophilic aerobic bacteria count of control samples exceeded 6 log CFU/g on the second day of storage. However, ACP1 and ACP7 did not reach this value until the third and fourth days. The control samples had higher TMA-N and TBARS (p ≤ 0.05) than plasma-treated groups. The treatment did not significantly change the texture. Although ΔE was higher in ACP samples, a discoloration that could affect acceptability was not reported during the sensory test. Cold plasma can improve the overall market value by maintaining quality, benefiting the global fish trade. It has been shown that cold plasma has promising potential in the fresh fish industry.

Understanding Consumer Beliefs and Choices Related to Food Safety: A Qualitative Study in Urban Ethiopia.

Provide an in-depth examination of consumers' food safety beliefs and practices to draw implications for interventions to improve nutrition and food safety in Ethiopia. Adapted Focused Ethnographic Study approach using in-person semi-structured interviews and free-listing exercises, in two iterative phases. A traditional food market in Hawassa, a mid-sized city. Forty-six market shoppers, selected randomly in line with quotas for age and gender. Consumers did not clearly differentiate between quality and safety, seeing them through connected concepts such as 'freshness'. While most respondents had some understanding of the causes of unsafe food, they did not generally worry about becoming ill themselves and felt food safety risks were easily mitigated through in-home behaviors. Thus, food safety practices were not a main motivator of market or vendor choice. There was no evidence that food safety concerns led consumers to prefer packaged, processed food or to avoid consuming fresh foods.Discussion: The study offers novel depth and detail on a topic of strong policy relevance. While building on an encouraging base of understanding of food safety, there remains considerable scope for increasing knowledge, particularly with regards to the need to procure safe food as opposed to expecting household-level practices to mitigate all safety risks. Motivating customers to give food safety factors more consideration when making food purchasing decisions, such as by leveraging emotion-based communication from trusted messengers to elevate the issue's salience in their minds, may contribute to improvements in food safety in low-income countries such as Ethiopia.

Development of russian-mongolian foreign trade relations in food industry

In the context of shifting trade emphasis to the East, Russia attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with the Asia-Pacific countries, where Mongolia is a key partner. The purpose of the article is to reveal global trade trends and identify key areas for the development of Russian-Mongolian foreign trade relations in the food industry. Having conducted a comprehensive analysis of the economic and political factors shaping bilateral trade, the article provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for expanding cooperation in the food sector. Global trend in the food market is that China a leader. China accounts for the largest share (35%) in Russia turnover also. Mongolian trade ties with Russia are becoming closer year by year. This was demonstrated by the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Mongolia in September 2024. We can observe that Mongolia closely cooperates with such a region of Russia as Buryatia. Through a detailed examination of trade patterns, regulatory frameworks, and market trends, the study uncovers areas of untapped potential and identifies barriers to optimal trade flow. Drawing on industry best practices and case studies from other global food trade partnerships, the paper offers a series of practical recommendations for stakeholders. These recommendations cover infrastructure development, promotion of cultural exchange, harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks, absorption and use of technology to create a more robust and sustainable trade ecosystem.

Russian wheat export to African countries at the present stage: key development features, challenges and opportunities

The Russian Federation traditionally remains one of the most important producers and suppliers of wheat on the world market of agricultural raw materials and food. The countries of the African continent, on the contrary, form the largest group of importers and consumers of this product. The purpose of the article is to identify the main trends in the dynamics of Russian wheat exports to African countries at the present stage, as well as to identify the key features of this aspect of trade relations between the parties. The article examines the dynamics and features of export-import relations between the Russian Federation and African countries in the field of international wheat trade through the prism of food security theory. The paper presents an analysis of numerical indicators of wheat production in Russia and its exports to African countries in comparison with indicators of total supplies to the world market, identifies specific features of Russian exports focused on supplies to the African region, and concludes that Russia needs to expand its participation in ensuring food security in the Global South. The source base is statistical materials containing numerical indicators of wheat production and trade by countries and regions of the world, published by international organizations (FAO, International Trade Center, UNCTAD/WTO), national executive authorities, their subordinate institutions and the Bureau of Statistics (Rosstat, USDA); as well as analytical and information and news publications on the topic.

Quinoa sourdough fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964, a powerful tool to enhance the nutritional features of quinoa snacks.

The remarkable nutritional attributes and potential health advantages of quinoa make it an important candidate for developing innovative ready-to-eat food products. This work aimed to develop a functional ready-to-eat snack based on quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum CRL 1964. Phytate, phosphates, and soluble mineral content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg, Ca, and P) were determined in snacks formulated with sourdough and control doughs. An in vitro digestion model was performed on quinoa snacks to assess their mineral bioaccessibility and dialyzability. Phytate content was significantly lower (ca. 42.3%) while phosphates were higher (ca. eightfold) in quinoa-based sourdough and sourdough-based snacks (S1964) than in controls. Soluble minerals were higher (10.2%-32.0%) in S1964 than in controls. Mineral bioaccessibility and mineral dialyzability were also higher (ca. 24.5%) among S1964 and control snacks. The developed quinoa snack made from sourdough fermented by L. plantarum CRL 1964 had less phytate concentration and high bioaccessibility of minerals. These findings underscore the relevance of this innovative technology in creating food products that are not only highly nutritious but also represent a valuable contribution to the market of healthy foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, a novel snack based on quinoa sourdough with improved nutritional properties was developed. The addition of quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964 to the preparation of quinoa snacks resulted in a product with a lower concentration of phytate and a higher content of phosphates and minerals (soluble, bioaccessible, and dialyzable). These results underline the efficacy of the new snack as a promising alternative to conventional mineral fortification methods. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing nutritional deficiencies and the demand for healthy snack options in today's market.

How Food Consumption Trends Change the Direction of Sheep Breeding in China

This paper discusses how food consumption trends have influenced the direction of sheep and goat breeding, particularly concerning the shift in sheep and goat farming and the development of the Hu sheep industry in China. Historically, sheep have been bred primarily for wool production, but with the increased demand for meat, the breeding direction has begun to shift toward meat use. As a major producer and consumer of mutton and goat meat, there is room for development of the meat sheep industry in China. In this paper, we review the development of China’s sheep breeding industry before and after the reform and the change in breeding objectives through examples, summarize the factors causing breeding changes in China’s sheep breeding industry, introduce the breeding achievements of the Hu sheep after its shift to meat use, analyze the reasons as to why this breed was selected by a vast number of farmers, and reveal the current decisive traits in the development of the meat sheep industry. This article also shows the improvement in Chinese people’s consumption abilities and the change from sheep breeding to consumption, providing China’s development experience as an example for today’s regions lagging in the global livestock industry. Breeding to respond positively to changes in the economy can better cater to the consumer food market.

Empowering consumers to purchase safe ready-to-eat chicken from street restaurants in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: impact of a multi-media behavior change campaign

Foodborne disease resulting from food sold at urban informal markets is a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the impact of an innovative nine-months multi-media campaign engaging a key influencer, aimed at empowering consumers to choose safer ready-to-eat chicken meat at informal street restaurants in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A two-wave panel study assessed associations between recall of TV, radio, billboard, and social media advertisements, and self-reported behavior regarding purchasing and consumption of ready-to-eat chicken at outlets, consumer intentions, knowledge, attitudes, norms, and agency. A panel of randomly selected adult consumers (n = 852) were interviewed pre- and post-campaign, 12 months apart. 60% recalled at least one of the campaign channels when prompted. Mixed-effects models showed associations between prompted recall and feeling better informed about food safety (aOR 1.449) and increased knowledge (0.132 unit increase on total score). Social media recall was associated with higher perceived access to information (aOR 1.449) and knowledge. Billboard recall increased odds of higher perceived health benefits of paying attention to food safety behaviors when purchasing chicken (aOR 2.046). TV ad recall was associated with a 0.159 unit decrease in the gap between consumers’ intentions and behavior. An engaging consumer food safety multimedia campaign that engages key influencers improved food safety awareness and knowledge, ultimately supporting consumers to choose safer chicken at markets.

Surveillance of Food and Waterborne Pathogens in North-East India: Protocol for a Laboratory-Based Sentinel Surveillance Study.

Food safety is a global concern, which is often underestimated owing to challenges in investigating foodborne diseases. These challenges arise from the increased globalization of the food trade, advancements in agricultural practices, and shifts in environmental factors. In North-East India, common diarrheal outbreaks from fermented foods pose significant health risks. Despite these challenges, systematic data on foodborne pathogens is lacking in India, highlighting a crucial gap in understanding food safety issues. The aim of this research protocol is to establish an integrated surveillance system to identify enteric pathogens circulating within humans, food animals, and the environment through a health approach in North-East India, and to conduct outbreak investigations. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated a surveillance study across all 8 North-East states in India, employing a centralized digital database for data collation. The project aims to enhance theinfrastructure for microbial culture, antibiotic sensitivity testing, and molecular epidemiological studies. The study involves laboratory-based surveillance of foodborne pathogens in market foods, hospitalized diarrheal patients, poultry and animal farms, slaughterhouses, butcher shops, and diarrheal outbreaks. A standardized case report form ensures consistent data collection of age, sex, signs, symptoms, and admission dates for diarrheal cases. Stool and rectal swabs will undergo testing for pathogen identification and antimicrobial resistance. Similarly, samples of market foods, food animals, and the environment will be collected. Outbreaks confirmed by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) will be thoroughly investigated following standardized guidelines. In phase I, 5 surveillance centers were established across 4 states (ie, Assam [Dibrugarh and Guwahati], Tripura, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh) in 2020. Following an interim phase I data assessment and the successful establishment of a streamlined system for data procurement, investigation, recording, and analysis, along with the implementation of regular training and monitoring programs, phase II expansion was initiated in 2023-24. This includes the addition of 7 more centers (including 3 veterinary centers) in the remaining 4 states (ie, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland), eventually covering the entire North-Eastern Region of India. Food and waterborne diseases are a constant public health problem in many countries. Key challenges to the enhancement of food safety policy include the paucity of systematic data and awareness. With this background, ICMR's initiative is the first systematic surveillance study in the country to adopt a single health approach. Data obtained from this project will help to understand the risk of acquiring food and waterborne pathogens, their transmission pathways, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. The scientific evidence generated through this project will be helpful in formulating and strengthening food safety policy and in initiating government programs to protect the health of the nation. DERR1-10.2196/56469.

Potential Impacts of Diversification of Food Retail Working Hours on Consumer Behaviour and the Benefits for Local Producers in Latvia

The capability of large food retail chains to respond quickly to changes in consumer behaviour and their dominant market position affects all food market players and often conflicts with the interests of national food producers, which can reduce the presence of locally sourced products in the food product mix in the country. Accordingly, the present research aims to identify the impacts of the diversification of opening hours of food supermarkets on consumer shopping habits and the implications for creating an advantage for small and medium agri-food producers in selling their products. The research applied a quantitative approach to identify the main trends in society (n = 2738), with a survey including 31 variables to quantify consumer behaviour, values, and opinions and seven socio-demographic variables. If a decision was made in Latvia to close grocery shops on Sundays or reduce their opening hours on weekends, 85% of consumers indicated that they would be unlikely to change their usual shopping location and would plan to shop at a supermarket on other days. The choice between farmers’ markets and local food shops on Sundays would be made by 45% of consumers, with more than half (53%) of them shopping at local food shops at least a few times a month. The research uniquely investigated the impact of reducing supermarket opening hours on the competitive advantage of small and medium-sized agri-food producers. The findings revealed that reducing supermarket opening hours does not confer a competitive advantage to the producers or significantly shift consumer preferences towards their products.