Mandatory Labeling Research Articles

La concurrence des normativités au cœur de la labellisation du bien-être animal

Dans un contexte de profonde remise en cause de l’élevage dit « intensif » tendant à englober l’ensemble de la filière élevage sans distinction des pratiques, certains producteurs et partisans d’une meilleure protection des animaux de ferme voient en l’information des consommateurs en matière de bien-être animal un levier d’amélioration du sort des animaux et des acteurs de la filière. Cependant, l’augmentation de la quantité d’information ne se traduit pas toujours par une meilleure transparence quant aux méthodes de production. Au contraire, comme cela est le cas dans les points de vente français, l’excès d’information peut s’avérer aussi délétère que le manque de fiabilité des données communiquées. En l’absence d’une information de qualité, il est à craindre qu’une crise de confiance ne s’installe avant même que l’efficacité d’une régulation par l’information dans le domaine du bien-être animal ait pu être éprouvée. Une analyse des normes en matière de bien-être animal sous le prisme du phénomène de concurrence qui joue entre elles permet de distinguer l’information de qualité de celle de moindre qualité, en vue de prévenir la crise de confiance chez les consommateurs.

About a concept of creating a social network users information aggregation and data processing system

The development of a general concept and implementation of a data-storage and analysis system for practice oriented data, one of the subsystems of which is an analytical system for the accumulation and analysis of data from users of social networks, is topical. The development of a general concept and implementation of a data-storage and analysis system for practice oriented data, one of the subsystems of which is an analytical system for the accumulation and analysis of data from users of social networks, is topical. Data that users leave about themselves in social networks can be useful in solving various tasks. The proposed article describes the subject area associated with the collection and storage of data from users of social networks. Proceeding from the subject area, the general architecture of the universal data collection and storage system is proposed, which is based on the client-server architecture. For the server side of the system, a fragment of the data model is provided, which is associated with the accumulation of data from external sources. The framework of the system architecture is described. The developed universal system is based on the information technology of data warehousing, and it has the following aspects: an expandable complex subject area, the integration of stored data that come from various sources, the invariance of stored data in time with mandatory labels, relatively high data stability, the search for necessary trade-off in data redundancy, modularity of individual system units, fl and extensibility of the architecture, high security requirements vulnerable data.The proposed system organizes the process of collecting data and filling the database from external sources. To do this, the system has a module for collecting and converting information from third-party Internet sources and sending them to the database. The system is intended for various users interested in analyzing data of users of social networks.

Dietary Phosphate and the Forgotten Kidney Patient: A Critical Need for FDA Regulatory Action

Careful dietary management that reduces high phosphate intake is recommended to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prevent complications of CKD and may help reduce chronic disease risks such as incident CKD associated with high phosphate intake in the healthy general population. For patients treated with maintenance dialysis, control of serum phosphorus levels is considered a marker of good care and requires a coordinated plan that limits dietary phosphate intake, uses oral phosphate binders, and provides an adequate dialysis prescription. Even with traditional thrice-weekly hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, use of phosphate binders, and a concerted effort to limit dietary phosphate intake, adequately controlled serum phosphorus levels are not possible in all dialysis patients. Efforts to limit phosphate intake are thwarted by the underestimated and unquantified phosphate content of processed foods and some medications due to the hidden presence of phosphate additives or excipients added during processing or drug formulation. Effectively limiting phosphate intake could potentially be achieved through simple US Food and Drug Administration regulatory actions. Mandatory labeling of phosphate content on all packaged foods and drugs would enable identification of healthy low-phosphate foods and medications and permit critically important control of total phosphate intake. Simple changes in regulatory policy and labeling are warranted and would enable better management of dietary intake of phosphate at all stages of kidney disease, as well as potentially reduced health risks in the general population.

Mass Spectrometry Determination of Fining-Related Allergen Proteins in Chilean Wines

Casein (milk powder) and ovalbumin (egg white powder) are often used as wine fining agents with the objective to promote interactions with undesirable compounds, e.g., polymeric phenols. This kind of proteins may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals; therefore, their occurrence in wines could become a human health risk, moreover when their presence is not reported. The objective of this work was to establish a mass spectrometry method to determine casein and ovalbumin in Chilean wines. To the best of our knowledge, the present work reports for the first time the presence of these proteins in Chilean wines. Proteins were extracted combining the use of ultrafiltration membranes and protein precipitation with organic solvents. Thereafter, proteins were digested with trypsin during 7 h with a 1:10 enzyme protein ratio. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Kinetex XB C18 (100 × 4.6 mm, 2.6 μm) column set at 35 °C using an acidified (0.1% v/v formic acid) mobile phase composed of ultrapure water (A) and acetonitrile (B). For a highly selective evaluation, quantification was carried out by mass spectrometry applying multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Validation was established according to the International Conference Harmonization guidelines. Calibration data (n = 6) fitted a linear regression model with determination coefficients (R2) higher than 0.99. Repeatability (n = 6) and intermediate precision (n = 3) showed RSD values ≤ 1.36% and ≤ 1.53%, respectively. Recovery (n = 3) at three levels ranged from 86.40 to 106.98%. Detection and quantification limits ranged from 4.70 to 8.50 μg L−1 and 10 to 20 μg L−1, respectively. Twenty Chilean wine samples were analyzed; 18 samples showed quantifiable levels, from which three samples presented a total casein and ovalbumin concentration (0.24–0.26 mg L−1) closer or higher to the European limit for mandatory labeling (0.25 mg L−1).

Determining Mandatory Nutritional Parameters for Iberian Meat Products Using a New Method Based on Near Infra-Red Reflectance Spectroscopy and Data Mining

The new regulation about mandatory labelling on nutrition requires the declaration of specific parameters: protein, lipid, salt and carbohydrate contents. This study reports a fast, accurate method to determine the values of these mandatory nutritional parameters based on near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIRs) technology and data mining techniques, used in an automatic way. For that, two batches of different Iberian pork meat products (dry-cured ham, dry-cured loin, dry-cured shoulder, dry-fermented Salchichon sausage, and dry-fermented Chorizo sausage were used. One batch of each product was used to train the method and the remaining batch was used for validation. To develop the method, prediction equations were obtained from the NIRs, while nutritional data for the training batches were obtained by applying data mining techniques, and the prediction equations were evaluated against the NIRs data from the validation batch. The prediction equations achieved from very good to excellent degrees of relationship (R > 0.75) and accurate results (MAE 0.75). This new method is rapid, as it takes around 10 minutes in comparison with traditional methods that take around 6 days.

Are adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination?

Cannabidiol (CBD)-containing products are widely marketed as over the counter products. Adverse effects reported in anecdotal consumer reports or during clinical studies were first assumed to be due to acid-catalysed cyclization of CBD to psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) in the stomach after oral consumption. However, research of pure CBD solutions stored in simulated gastric juice or subjected to various storage conditions such as heat and light with specific liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatographic/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometric (UPLC-QTOF) analyses was unable to confirm THC formation. Another hypothesis for the adverse effects of CBD products may be residual Δ 9-THC concentrations in the products as contamination, because most of them are based on hemp extracts containing the full spectrum of cannabinoids besides CBD. Analyses of 413 hemp-based products of the German market (mostly CBD oils) confirmed this hypothesis: 48 products (12%) contained Δ 9-THC above the lowest observed adverse effect level (2.5 mg/day). Hence, it may be assumed that the adverse effects of some commercial CBD products are based on a low-dose effect of Δ 9-THC, with the safety of CBD itself currently being unclear with significant uncertainties regarding possible liver and reproductive toxicity. The safety, efficacy and purity of commercial CBD products is highly questionable, and all of the products in our sample collection showed various non-conformities to European food law such as unsafe Δ 9-THC levels, hemp extracts or CBD isolates as non-approved novel food ingredients, non-approved health claims, and deficits in mandatory food labelling requirements. In view of the growing market for such lifestyle products, the effectiveness of the instrument of food business operators' own responsibility for product safety and regulatory compliance must obviously be challenged, and a strong regulatory framework for hemp products needs to be devised.

Analysis of the perceptions of wine consumers toward environmental approaches: Support for the management of environmental strategy

For several years now, the protection of the environment has become a priority for public authorities and the agricultural sectors. On one hand, this has led, in Europe and in the world, to the challenge of modifying or redesigning farming itineraries. On the other hand, it has also caused a multiplication of environmental approaches and environmental product labeling across all sectors. Several studies clearly show that French consumers are increasingly sensitive to environmental information and are in favor of mandatory environmental labeling. These elements tend to encourage agricultural value chains to develop environmental communication strategies as a key factor of differentiation and competitiveness. However, few studies address the joint evaluation of environmental and quality labeling of products under a quality sign, especially for those with a strong image of AOC (“Appellation d'Origine Contrôlé” or “Controlled Origin Denomination”) such as wine. This approach is even more important since the publication of the 2016 decree giving to AOC wines the possibility to integrate agro-ecological measures into their specifications. Through the analysis of consumers' representations and perceptions regarding environmental approaches, the objective of the work is to provide professionals in the wine sector i) objective elements to support changing viticulture practices at the individual farm level and ensuring their commercial valorization among consumers ii) information enabling an AOC union to define an environmental strategy and support integration of agro ecological measures in its specifications. The work conducted by USC GRAPPE since 2014, across the French territory with more than 3,700 consumers, has identified a number of trends. First, there is a clear general lack of awareness among consumers regarding the majority of the existing environmental labels besides the AB logo (“Agriculture Biologique” or “Organic Agriculture”), which is the only one they known. The results obtained show different consumers' perception of the link between a “wine's category” and its “environmentally friendly production”. Overall, AOC wines are perceived as significantly more respectful of the environment compared to the IGP (“Indication Geographique Protégée” “Protected Geographical Indication”) wines which at the same time, are better perceived than the VDT (“Vins de France” or “Wines of France”). In addition, the reputation of an AOC can have an influence on the perception of its environmental respect. The results also confirm the importance of integrating consumers' segmentation according to their level of involvement with the product versus the involvement with the environment. Finally, wine consumers' representation of the environmental impact of different practices throughout the wine bottle production process, was addressed through a qualitative and quantitative approach and confirms the importance given to the phase “vineyard production”. This work provides insights into consumers' perceptions of the possible links between the signs of quality and an environmentally-friendly production. These elements, coupled with an eco-design based work, can identify the most relevant practices to be changed from an environmental and consumer point of view.

The impact of policy on residential energy consumption

Due to the growing concerns about global climate change and energy dependence, many countries have introduced regulations targeting the energy efficiency of the residential sector. However, whether these policies have been effective in reducing the total residential consumption of energy is still unclear. In this paper, we analyze the impact of residential energy efficiency policies on household energy consumption across Europe for the period 1980–2016. We examine the electricity and non-electricity energy consumption separately, as these are generally used for different purposes (appliances and heating) by households and are subject to different energy efficiency policies. We focus on two distinct types of regulations – mandatory energy efficiency labels for household appliances and building standards. After controlling for county-specific effects and changes in income, energy prices, demography and climate conditions over our sample period, our results offer compelling evidence that both the energy labeling requirements for appliances and the stricter building codes lead up to lower residential energy consumption. According to our estimation results, we should expect a 0.24% reduction in residential electricity use after governments introduce a mandatory disclosure of energy labels for an appliance group that represent ten percent of households' electricity use. Similarly, given that U-values proxy the thermal quality of the new dwellings, we find that a 0.1 unit decrease in the U-value requirement triggers a lasting 0.28% annual decrease in residential non-electricity energy consumption. These results can help policymakers to shape future regulations targeted on reducing our energy use in the years to come.

Genetically Modified Labeling Policies: Moving Forward or Backward?

One of the priorities to address food security is to increase the access of farmers to biotechnology, through the application of scientific advances, such as genetically modified organisms and food (GMF). However, the spread of (mis)information about their safety strengthens the clamor for mandatory GMF labeling. This paper provides an overview of food labeling policies, considering the principles suggested by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and analyzes the consequences for the world food security of the Brazilian labeling policies compared to developed countries. We discuss the discriminatory application of GMF mandatory labeling in the absence of any scientific evidence as it has the potential of causing social harm and jeopardizes research, production, and distribution of food and consumers' right to information.

The effect of the health star rating on consumer decision-making

This study investigated how the Australian voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) influences consumer decision-making across different comparative processing contexts. The study extended upon research suggesting that consumers misinterpret the presence of the HSR as an indicator of superior nutritional quality. Further, the study assessed whether a mandatory HSR system would increase healthy decision-making. The effect of nutrition knowledge on consumers’ willingness to purchase the products was also evaluated. Participants (N = 253) completed six binary forced-choice comparisons, in which the presence of the HSR and the cereal products’ nutritional status (high or low) were manipulated. Participants also rated their willingness to purchase the items. In contrast to previous studies, consumers did not mistake the HSR’s presence as an indication of a healthy product. This suggests that the level of cognitive processing required to evaluate the HSR is appropriate for effective decision-making in this context. Participants who did not consult back-of-pack (BOP) nutritional information were susceptible to making less healthful choices when comparing a product without a HSR label to one with the HSR label. Consumers’ ability to select healthier products was heightened when both products displayed a HSR (i.e. mandatory labelling), regardless of BOP viewing. This suggests that the type of comparative context does influence consumer decision-making. Nutrition knowledge was also found to differentially affect consumers’ willingness to purchase products of low and high nutritional value. These outcomes can inform public policy, by providing evidence-based recommendations surrounding a mandatory HSR system.

How consumers use mandatory genetic engineering (GE) labels: evidence from Vermont

Food labels legislated by the U.S. government have been designed to provide information to consumers. It has been asserted that the simple disclosures “produced using genetic engineering” on newly legislated U.S. food labels will send a signal that influences individual preferences rather than providing information. Vermont is the only US state to have experienced mandatory labeling of foods produced using genetic engineering (GE) via simple disclosures. Using a representative sample of adults who experienced Vermont’s mandatory GE labeling policy, we examined whether GE labels were seen by consumers and whether the labels provided information or influenced preferences. Nearly one-third of respondents reported seeing a label. Higher income, younger consumers who search for information about GE were more likely to report seeing a label. We also estimated whether labels served as information cues that helped reveal consumer preferences through purchases, or whether labels served as a signal that influenced preferences and purchases. For 50.5% of consumers who saw a label, the label served as an information cue that revealed their preferences. For 13% of those who saw the label, the label influenced preferences and behavior. Overall, for 4% of the total sample, simple GE disclosures influenced preferences. For a slight majority of consumers who used a GE label, simple disclosures were an information signal and not a preference signal. Searching for GE information, classifying as female, older age and opposing GE in food production significantly increased the probability that GE labels served as an information source. Providing such disclosures to consumers may be the least complex and most transparent option for mandatory GE labeling.

Assessment of energy‐efficient appliances: A review of the technologies and policies in India's residential sector

The promotion of energy efficiency has been at the forefront of the energy policy agenda. New technological inventions and increasing environmental concerns related to contemporary energy policy are the main drivers of the adoption of more energy‐efficient appliances in the domestic sector. Additionally, the mandatory star labeling program and incentive design mechanisms are also raising awareness and motivation for their use, thus contributing to the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable energy policies generally pursue programs aiming for energy efficiency among domestic appliances. In India there are currently nine domestic electrical appliances/end‐uses certified with star labeling programs, in particular lighting sources, refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, televisions, computers, washing machines, ceiling fans, and water pumps. This study reviews main issues affecting selection of energy‐efficient technologies in India's domestic sector highlighting the main challenges impacting design of energy efficiency policies and programs in the country.This article is categorized under: Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure

Extent of implementation of food environment policies by the Malaysian Government: gaps and priority recommendations.

To determine the degree of food environment policies that have been implemented and supported by the Malaysian Government, in comparison to international best practice, and to establish prioritised recommendations for the government based on the identified implementation gaps. The Healthy Food-Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) comprises forty-seven indicators of government policy practice. Local evidence of each indicator was compiled from government institutions and verified by related government stakeholders. The extent of implementation of the policies was rated by experts against international best practices. Rating results were used to identify and propose policy actions which were subsequently prioritised by the experts based on 'importance' and 'achievability' criteria. The policy actions with relatively higher 'achievability' and 'importance' were set as priority recommendations for government action. Malaysia. Twenty-six local experts. Majority (62 %) of indicators was rated 'low' implementation with no indicator rated as either 'high' or 'very little, if any' in terms of implementation. The top five recommendations were (i) restrict unhealthy food marketing in children's settings and (ii) on broadcast media; (iii) mandatory nutrition labelling for added sugars; (iv) designation of priority research areas related to obesity prevention and diet-related non-communicable diseases; and (v) introduce energy labelling on menu boards for fast-food outlets. This first policy study conducted in Malaysia identified a number of gaps in implementation of key policies to promote healthy food environments, compared with international best practices. Study findings could strengthen civil society advocacies for government accountability to create a healthier food environment.

A quasi-experimental study of a mandatory calorie-labelling policy in restaurants: Impact on use of nutrition information among youth and young adults in Canada

In 2017, Ontario became the first Canadian province to require calorie amounts on menus/menu boards of chain restaurants. The province of British Columbia (BC) implemented a voluntary nutrition information initiative in which calorie and sodium information were available upon request. A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the use of nutrition information in Ontario (mandatory calorie labelling), compared to BC (voluntary policy) and three other provinces with no formal menu labelling policy (‘control’). Data were collected from youth and young adults (16–30 years) in all provinces pre- (fall 2016; n = 2929) and post- (fall 2017; n = 968) implementation of Ontario's calorie-labelling policy in January 2017. Generalized estimating equations tested differences between provinces over time in noticing and impact of nutrition information and support of mandatory calorie labelling. Noticing of nutrition information in restaurants increased in Ontario significantly more than in BC (+25.1% vs. +1.6%; AOR = 4.26, 95% CI = 2.39–7.61) and control provinces (+6.5%; AOR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.91–4.73). Ontario respondents were significantly more likely to report that the nutrition information influenced their order than those in BC (+12.9% vs. +2.2%; AOR = 3.53, 95%CI = 1.61–7.76) and control provinces (+2.0%; AOR = 3.71, 95%CI = 1.87–7.36). Policy support increased in all groups at follow-up, with a significantly greater increase in Ontario than control provinces (+12.9% vs. +5.7%; AOR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.06–2.34). Socio-demographic differences were also observed. Findings suggest that the mandatory menu labelling policy implemented in Ontario has increased noticing and use of nutrition information, with no evidence to support the effectiveness of voluntary policies that require consumers to request nutrition information.

Cultural worldview and genetically modified food policy preferences

After more than twenty years of persistent efforts to raise concern over the risk of consuming genetically modified (GM) foods, GM labeling proponents have more recently adopted the themes of: (1) environmental harm, (2) the collusion of big business and government, and (3) the “right to know” if food contains GM ingredients (Lendman, 2015). Proponents of mandatory labeling have been effective in mobilizing supporters around these themes which may influence individual-level support for different GM policy outcomes due to how these themes interact with a person’s cultural values. Consequently, we use cultural cognition theory to explore the relationship between cultural worldview and preferences for GM policy. Using a survey, we first examine the effect of cultural worldview on consumers’ preferences for voluntary and mandatory GM labeling programs. Second, using a choice experiment, we explore how cultural worldview influences consumer valuations of and willingness to pay for non-GM and GM food labels. Our results establish a reliable connection between cultural worldview and preferences for GM policy and preferences for GM labeling. As predicted by cultural cognition theory, the most dramatic differences exist between those with relatively egalitarian-communitarian and hierarchical-individualistic worldviews. Egalitarian-communitarians were 42% less likely to support change in the current voluntary approach and 79% more likely to support mandatory labeling than hierarchical-individualists; these individuals were also willing to pay about 67% more to avoid GM foods by purchasing products with a non-GMO label. Although important differences do exist, our research demonstrates that there is common ground and individual attitudes towards labeling can be mediated by cultural worldview.

Impacts of Mandatory GE Food Labeling: A Quasi‐Natural Experiment

AbstractIn July 2016, Vermont became the first U.S. state to require mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. The introduction of the Vermont law serves as a quasi‐natural experiment on the economic effects of mandatory GE labeling. We investigate the market response in the U.S. sugar market. Almost all beet sugar is GE, while cane sugar is GE‐free. Prior to 2016, cane and beet sugar were regarded as homogenous. However, in mid 2016, refined cane sugar began selling at a premium over refined beet sugar. We find the mandatory labeling initiative generated about a 13% price discount for beet sugar and a premium of about 1% for cane. Food manufacturers’ concerns over mandatory labeling caused them to switch inputs. This resulted in a redistribution of welfare in the U.S. sugar industry.

How will mandatory labeling of genetically modified food nudge consumer decision-making?

•We identify heterogeneity in the characteristics of consumers who were nudged by the new choice architecture established by the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.•Heterogeneity in characteristics was examined in a manner that allowed the comparison of consumers who sought to avoid a genetically modified presence label compared to consumers who sought to gain a genetically modified absence label.•Results indicate that concern about genetically modified food safety is likely a better determinant of willingness to pay to avoid presence labels and gain absence labels than demographic characteristics.•While there was some overlap between the avoid and gain models, insight can be gathered by relaxing the assumption that consumers only seek to avoid or gain a label.

Drivers of consumer attention to mandatory energy-efficiency labels affixed to home appliances: An emerging market perspective

The implementation of mandatory energy-efficiency on electronic products is one of the strategies used by governments to mitigate the environmental impact of consumption. Yet, studies on mandatory energy-efficiency labels and the pivotal role of consumers' attention to such labels remain limited. Thus, this study examines the key drivers of consumers’ attention to energy-efficiency labels that must by law be affixed to all home appliances sold in South Africa. Based on the signalling theory and the attitude-to-behaviour theory, an integrated model was designed to explore these drivers. Using the data from a survey involving 440 South African home appliance users, the model was tested through the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The empirical results indicated that consumers pay attention to energy-efficiency labels when they trust the energy-efficiency credentials of products, and when they intend to purchase energy-efficient appliances. Perceived product price was established as an important marketing signal for improving consumer trust in energy-efficiency labels, while social norms and attitude were confirmed as the most important antecedents of the consumer purchase intention of energy-efficient appliances. The findings provide important insights useful for the development of policy interventions aimed at promoting the use of more environmentally friendly home appliances.

Editorial and News

Editorial and News

Why do the public support or oppose obesity prevention regulations? Results from a South Australian population survey.

Australian policymakers have acknowledged that implementing obesity prevention regulations is likely to be facilitated or hindered by public opinion. Accordingly, we investigated public views about possible regulations. Cross-sectional survey of 2732 persons, designed to be representative of South Australians aged 15years and over. Questions examined views about four obesity prevention regulations (mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling for packaged foods; zoning restrictions to prohibit fast food outlets near schools; taxes on unhealthy high fat foods; and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages). Levels of support (Likert scale) for each intervention and reasons for support/opposition were ascertained. Views about the regulations were mixed: support was highest for mandatory nutrition labelling (90%) and lowest for taxes (40%-42%). High levels of support for labelling were generally underpinned by a belief that this regulation would educate "Other" people about nutrition. Lower levels of support for zoning restrictions and taxes were associated with concerns about government overreach and the questionable effectiveness of these regulations in changing behaviours. Levels of support for each regulation, and reasons for support or opposition, differed by gender and socio-economic status. Socio-demographic differences in support appeared to reflect gendered responsibilities for food provision and concerns about the material constraints of socio-economic deprivation. Engagement with target populations may offer insights to optimise the acceptability of regulations and minimise unintended social consequences. SO WHAT?: Resistance to regulations amongst socio-economically disadvantaged target populations warrants attention from public health advocates. Failure to accommodate concerns identified may further marginalise these groups.