Mandatory Nutrition Labelling Research Articles

Comparison of the Declared Nutrient Content of Plant-Based Meat Substitutes and Corresponding Meat Products and Sausages in Germany.

Plant-based meat substitutes (PBMS) are becoming increasingly popular due to growing concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental issues associated with animal-based foods. The aim of this study was to compare the declared energy and nutrient contents of PBMS with corresponding meat products and sausages available on the German market. Mandatory nutrition labelling data of 424 PBMS and 1026 meat products and sausages, surveyed in 2021 and 2020, respectively, as part of the German national monitoring of packaged food were used to test for differences in energy and nutrient contents. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to describe characteristics in the energy and nutrient contents. The comparison showed that most of the PBMS subcategories had significantly lower contents of fat and saturated fat but higher contents of carbohydrate and sugar than corresponding meat subcategories. For salt, the only striking difference was that PBMS salamis had lower salt content than meat salamis. Overall, the PCA revealed protein as a main characteristic for most PBMS categories, with the protein content being equivalent to or, in most protein-based PBMS, even higher than in the corresponding meat products. The wide nutrient content ranges within subcategories, especially for salt, reveal the need and potential for reformulation.

A multi-country comparison of jurisdictions with and without mandatory nutrition labelling policies in restaurants: analysis of behaviours associated with menu labelling in the 2019 International Food Policy Study.

To examine differences in noticing and use of nutrition information comparing jurisdictions with and without mandatory menu labelling policies and examine differences among sociodemographic groups. Cross-sectional data from the International Food Policy Study (IFPS) online survey. IFPS participants from Australia, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom and USA in 2019. Adults aged 18-99; n 19 393. Participants in jurisdictions with mandatory policies were significantly more likely to notice and use nutrition information, order something different, eat less of their order and change restaurants compared to jurisdictions without policies. For noticed nutrition information, the differences between policy groups were greatest comparing older to younger age groups and comparing high education (difference of 10·7 %, 95 % CI 8·9, 12·6) to low education (difference of 4·1 %, 95 % CI 1·8, 6·3). For used nutrition information, differences were greatest comparing high education (difference of 4·9 %, 95 % CI 3·5, 6·4) to low education (difference of 1·8 %, 95 % CI 0·2, 3·5). Mandatory labelling was associated with an increase in ordering something different among the majority ethnicity group and a decrease among the minority ethnicity group. For changed restaurant visited, differences were greater for medium and high education compared to low education, and differences were greater for higher compared to lower income adequacy. Participants living in jurisdictions with mandatory nutrition information in restaurants were more likely to report noticing and using nutrition information, as well as greater efforts to modify their consumption. However, the magnitudes of these differences were relatively small.

시판 과채류 음료의 당 함량

Background/Objectives: High sugar intake among Koreans is primarily attributed to beverages, including fruit and vegetable (FV) beverages. This study aimed to investigate the sugar content of commercially available FV beverages. Methods: A total of 159 FV beverages were collected between March and July 2021 and categorized based on nutritional labeling availability, mandatory labeling status, and the main ingredients. Sugar content and serving size were recorded for products with nutritional labeling, while the standardized Somogyi method was used to analyze sugar content for products without labeling. Results: Unlabeled products (N=45) had higher sugar contents (10.5 g/100 mL, 17.7 g/serving size) than labeled products (N=114, 8.1 g/100 mL, 12.8 g/serving size). The difference was pronounced for products containing FV mixture as the main ingredient (25.7 g/serving size for unlabeled products, N=20; 14.3 g/serving size for labeled products, N=58), with unlabeled FV mixture-based products exceeding 50% of the recommended daily intake (less than 50 g for 2,000kcal). Mandatorily labeled products (N=75) had higher sugar content (8.6 g/100 mL, 14.4 g/serving size) than voluntarily labeled products (N=39, 7.1 g/100 mL, 9.7 g/serving size). Fruit-based (N=30) and FV mixture-based products (N=58) contained more sugar (13.4-14.3 g/serving size) than vegetable-based products (N=26, 7.1 g/serving size). The sugar content exceeded the recommended daily intake (50 g) in more than 3.3 servings of mandatorily labeled products containing fruits or FV mixture as the main ingredient (15.1 g sugar/serving size) and in more than 4 servings of voluntarily labeled products containing FV mixture as the main ingredient (12.4 g sugar/serving size). Conclusion/Implications: The results will enhance the understanding of sugar content in FV beverages and suggest the importance of examining nutritional labeling availability, sugar content, serving size, and main ingredients during FV beverage selection, along with expanding both voluntary and mandatory nutritional labeling policies.

Consumer responses to nutrition labels in China

AbstractAs a cost‐effective way to promote healthy eating habits and prevent obesity, nutrition labeling has drawn great public interest around the world. China implemented its first mandatory nutrition labeling regulation under the National Food Safety Standard for Nutrition Labeling of Pre‐packaged Foods (GB28050‐2011) in 2013. Focusing on the Chinese carbonated soft drinks market and using a mixed logit model based on 132,849 purchase records from over 40,000 households, this study investigates consumers' responses to nutrition labels. Empirical results show that nutrition labeling induces Chinese consumers to select relatively healthier products and could be a prominent policy tool for sugar reduction.

Nutrition-Related Information on Alcoholic Beverages in Victoria, Australia, 2021.

Alcoholic beverages sold in Australia are largely exempt from requirements to display nutrition information on packages, unlike other food and beverages. However, alcoholic beverage manufacturers can provide nutrition-related information voluntarily. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nutrition-related information on packaged alcoholic beverages in Australia. An in-store audit of the largest alcohol retailer in Melbourne, Australia was conducted in July 2021. A systematic sampling method was used to assess the presence and format of nutrition information on 850 alcoholic beverages across 5 alcohol categories (wine (n = 200), beer (n = 200), spirits (n = 200), ready-to-drink beverages (n = 140) and ciders (n = 110)). Most products (n = 682, 80.2%) did not present nutrition-related information. Where information was presented (n = 168), it was most frequently on ready-to-drink beverages (n = 81, 57.9%) and least frequently on spirits (n = 9, 4.5%) and wines (n = 9, 4.5%). Nutrition information was most frequently in the format of a nutrition information panel (n = 150, 89.3%) and approximately half of labelled beverages (n = 86, 51.2%) included a nutrition content claim (e.g., ‘low in carbs’). Given limited voluntary implementation of nutrition labelling on alcoholic beverages in Australia and the substantial contribution of alcoholic beverages to energy intake, consideration of mandatory nutrition labelling, in a standardised format designed to maximise public health benefit, on alcoholic beverages is warranted.

Seafood alternatives: assessing the nutritional profile of products sold in the global market.

The global market for seafood alternatives is witnessing an exponential growth. Nevertheless, the nutritional quality of such products is scarcely studied. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the nutritional quality of seafood alternatives launched in the global market from 2002 to 2021 and to compare them with the conventional seafood products. Using the Mintel Global New Products Database, the nutritional information of seafood alternatives (i.e., tuna, shrimps, calamari, fish fingers, fish sticks, salmon, caviar, and fillet) was retrieved, and compared with conventional products. A total of 149 seafood alternatives were identified, of which 83 items had complete mandatory nutritional labeling. Conventional products (n = 973) were also collected, from which 130 products have a complete nutritional labeling. Results revealed that tuna, shrimps, caviar and fillet alternatives contained significantly less protein than conventional products, while calamari, fish fingers, fish sticks and salmon alternatives had similar amounts to their conventional counterparts. Salt content was significantly higher in tuna, fish fingers and sticks substitutes, but lower in shrimps, calamari and caviar alternatives compared to conventional products. Overall, the commercially available seafood alternatives have nutritional strengths and some shortcomings to be further addressed in future research such as low protein content. Additionally, fortification of seafood alternatives with micronutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins (A, B, and D), should be considered to ensure a nutritional equivalence with the conventional products.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00217-022-04004-z.

Will the Farm to Fork strategy be effective in changing food consumption behavior? A health psychology perspective

AbstractFood production accounts for one‐third of greenhouse gas emissions; the Farm to Fork strategy aims to make food systems more sustainable and healthier to curb the rising global surface temperature. It includes several actions targeting consumer behavior, including increasing the availability of sustainable and healthy products and mandatory nutritional labeling. The actions address relevant psychological mechanisms; however, the outlined actions are vague and based on only a small number of behavioral determinants that may limit effectiveness. The implementation may furthermore benefit from concepts of implementation science to increase acceptability and feasibility to reach its ambitious goals.

A description of Chilean food and nutrition health policies.

Chile has implemented numerous successful food and nutrition initiatives since the early 20th century, aiming to address malnutrition in all its forms. To summarize the major nutrition and food-related policies, strategies, and programs implemented in Chile, using the NOURI-SHING Framework. The NOURISHING framework proposes a methodology for reporting, monitoring, and categorizing actions to promote healthier eating in three main domains: food environment, food system and behavior change communication. The data collection was carried out reviewing the databases of the Chilean Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development, and the Parliament. Information about nutrition related public health policies, strategies or programs was obtained from peer reviewed articles, official reports, official State websites, as well as interviews with former and current stakeholders. Chile has mandatory nutritional labeling that was updated to front-of-package warning labels about critical nutrients. In addition, the advertising of unhealthy foods and breast milk substitutes is restricted, among other food and nutrition policies. Nevertheless, strategies related to mass and social media communication campaigns, or periodic education and information interventions still need to be implemented. Using the NOURISHING framework, a comprehensive summary and description of nutrition and food public health policies implemented in Chile is described. An overview of the policy changes required according to the nutritional needs of the population and the nutritional transition in Chile is provided.

Tracking Progress from Policy Development to Implementation: A Case Study on Adoption of Mandatory Regulation for Nutrition Labelling in Malaysia.

Mandatory nutrition labelling, introduced in Malaysia in 2003, received a “medium implementation” rating from public health experts when previously benchmarked against international best practices by our group. The rating prompted this qualitative case study to explore barriers and facilitators during the policy process. Methods incorporated semi-structured interviews supplemented with cited documents and historical mapping of local and international directions up to 2017. Case participants held senior positions in the Federal government (n = 6), food industry (n = 3) and civil society representations (n = 3). Historical mapping revealed that international directions stimulated policy processes in Malaysia but policy inertia caused implementation gaps. Barriers hindering policy processes included lack of resources, governance complexity, lack of monitoring, technical challenges, policy characteristics linked to costing, lack of sustained efforts in policy advocacy, implementer characteristics and/or industry resistance, including corporate political activities (e.g., lobbying, policy substitution). Facilitators to the policy processes were resource maximization, leadership, stakeholder partnerships or support, policy windows and industry engagement or support. Progressing policy implementation required stronger leadership, resources, inter-ministerial coordination, advocacy partnerships and an accountability monitoring system. This study provides insights for national and global policy entrepreneurs when formulating strategies towards fostering healthy food environments.

Understanding Vietnamese Urban Consumers' Nutrition Label Use, Health Concerns, and Consumption of Food and Beverages with Added Sugars.

Vietnam is experiencing a diet and nutrition transition. Increasing consumption of food and beverages with added sugars is a significant public health concern. Policies and interventions, such as mandatory nutrition labelling, are being considered to improve consumers’ awareness and understanding of diet and health implications of added sugars in food and beverages. The effectiveness of various policy approaches relies on an improved understanding of the interrelationships between urban Vietnamese consumers’ health concerns, nutrition label use, and intake of sugars. We empirically disentangle these relationships for urban Vietnamese households using novel intra-household data covering 4047 adults and 737 adolescents from 1590 households in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The data are from comprehensive household surveys and 24-hour food diaries. Simultaneous equation regression models are estimated using three-stage least squares (3SLS) to account for possible endogeneity. Nutrition label use is significantly associated with a lower share of calories from foods and beverages with added sugars. These findings suggest that nutrition labelling programs may be an effective policy mechanism to reduce the negative health implications of increasing availability and consumption of food and beverages with added sugars in urban Vietnam.

Consumers’ reactions to nutrition and ingredient labelling for wine – A cross-country discrete choice experiment

The purpose of this study is to examine consumers' reactions to the introduction of nutrition and ingredient labelling for wine, a product that is so far still exempt from mandatory nutrition and ingredient labelling. It also analyses the effect of positive and negative information about the use of ingredients in wine on consumers' choice. Representative samples for wine consumers from three distinctly different countries representing old and new wine markets (Australia, n = 745; Germany, n = 716; Italy, n = 715) completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with graphically simulated wine back labels. For each country, respondents were randomly allocated to a reference group and two different treatment conditions where they received newspaper-like information (positive, negative) before making choices. Results for the reference condition show that consumers across all three countries have a significant positive utility for detailed nutrition information. Instead, ingredient information only receives a positive utility in Italy, whereas German and Australian respondents do not receive utility from ingredient labelling. When consumers in the treatment group are confronted with negative media information the attribute importance of ingredients significantly increases across all three countries, clean labelled products without ingredients are preferred, and a significantly higher share of consumers in Germany and Italy prefer not to buy any wine. The treatment effect of positive media information on consumers’ wine choice is lower than that of negative information. The results of the study have implications for the pending new regulation of wine labelling and for communication strategies of the wine industry that should actively inform consumers about the necessity of ingredients in wine production.

Sugar Content in Processed Foods in Spain and a Comparison of Mandatory Nutrition Labelling and Laboratory Values.

To reduce the sugar content of processed foods through reformulation, the first step is to determine the content of the largest sources of sugars in each country’s diet. The aim of this work was to describe the sugar content in the most commonly consumed processed foods in Spain and to compare that sugar’s labelling and laboratory analysis values (LVs and AVs, respectively) to confirm its adequacy. A sample of the 1173 most commonly consumed processed foods in Spain (28 groups; 77 subcategories) was collected. For each product, the total sugar content was compared according to its AV and LV. The median (25th –75th percentiles, interquartile range) sugar content by group was calculated for the total sample, and the groups were classified as “high sugar content” when this value was above 22.5 g/100g of product. The adequacy of the LV, according to the European Union (EU) tolerance requirements, was then evaluated, and each subcategory median was compared with the AV to determine its appropriateness via a median test for independent samples (p < 0.05). In total, 10 out of 28 groups presented high sugar content. Moreover, 98.4% of the products met the EU tolerance ranges. Finally, only one subcategory (“cured ham”) presented significant differences between the AV and LV median values (0.4 g vs. 0.1 g sugar/100g, p < 0.05). The groups of food products whose sugar content reduction could have the greatest impact on public health were identified. In addition, our study showed the high adequacy of LV with the EU labeling tolerance requirements, as well as the LV’s appropriateness as a tool to implement actions aimed at reducing sugar consumption.

The future of environmental sustainability labelling on food products

The future of environmental sustainability labelling on food products

Treat Yourself: The Effects of Motivational Messaging and Nutritional Information on Front-of-Pack Labeling

ABSTRACTWith the majority of snacking behavior directed toward self-reward, there is a growing area of interest in the use of motivational messaging in front-of-pack (FoP) labeling. It is assumed this form of persuasive labeling may be more effective for unhealthy food items, as such messaging may reduce feelings of guilt that is typically accompanied with unhealthy food consumption. Thus, this study examined the proposed effect using a between-subjects experimental design that manipulated message type and nutritional FoP information. Based on responses from 313 participants, results suggest that nutritional FoP information moderates the effect of motivational messaging for unhealthy foods. Specifically, positive effects of motivational messaging are marginalized by the mere presence of nutritional FoP information. From a policy perspective, mandatory nutritional FoP labeling may be utilized as an effective deterrent that counteracts motivational messaging used by firms to encourage consumption of unhealthy foods. Limitations and directions for future research are provided.

How will mandatory nutrition and ingredient labelling affect the wine industry? A quantitative study of producers’ perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine producers' perspectives on the mandatory labelling of nutrition and ingredient information for wine, as suggested by the European Commission. Producers’ expectations about consumer reactions to new label information, the consequences of mandatory labelling on production processes and relative competitive advantages for different producer sizes are assessed. MethodologyData for this survey was collected from producers using the quantitative research method of an online survey. In total, 483 German wine producers, covering a substantial share of the country's wine acreage, took part in the survey, comprising 434 estate wineries, 29 cooperatives and 20 large bottling wineries. FindingsThe study concludes that mandatory nutrition labelling will have several effects on the wine industry. Producers' expectations of consumer reactions largely agree with the findings of recent qualitative studies focusing on wine consumers. While nutritional information is unlikely to have an effect on consumer demand, the listing of ingredients is likely to create consumer confusion and uncertainty, weakening wine's image as a natural product. This creates the opportunity for some wineries to focus on clean labelling strategies by completely avoiding additives that require labelling. From a production point of view, mandatory nutrition labelling is likely to increase costs due to changes in oenological practices, the increased need for laboratory analyses and more challenging labelling processes. Large wineries are better informed, and likely to be better equipped, to react to labelling changes. Practical implicationsThe degree to which negative effects will be realised will not only depend on legal decisions about the classification of additives versus processing aids, but also on producers' willingness and ability to adapt to the changes mandatory nutrition labelling will impose on the industry. Producers should react proactively and anticipate consumers’ requests for fair and transparent ingredient labelling.

Can a mass media campaign raise awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer and public support for alcohol related policies?

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of several cancers, but public awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer is low. Research indicates that public opinion about alcohol related policies can be influenced by mass media campaigns and awareness of alcohol as a carcinogen. The objective of this study was to test whether a mass media campaign intended to raise awareness of the relation between alcohol and cancer is associated with higher public awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer, and higher levels of support for alcohol related policies. Cross-sectional surveys of a nationally representative sample of N = 6000 Danish adults were conducted pre- (n = 3000) and post campaign (n = 3000) in 2017–2018.Awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor significantly increased between the pre and post campaign survey (approximately 5 percentage points). The proportion of respondents who supported minimum unit pricing, a ban on alcohol advertising, and mandatory nutrition labelling was significantly higher post campaign than pre campaign, while support for limited number of retail outlets and limited sale hours were unchanged. For males, but not females, higher support for an 18 year age limit for purchasing alcohol, age limits for buying alcohol at secondary education school parties, and increased enforcement of age limits was found after the campaign than prior to it. Conclusively, the results show that a mass media campaign was associated with an increase in awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer as well as alcohol policy support at a population level.

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.

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.

PERSPECTIVE OF FEDERAL PUBLIC POLICY REPRESENTATIVES ON FOOD LABELS

Purpose: Knowing the perspective of federal public policy representatives on food labels in Brazil. Methodology: It is a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative approach, in which representatives of institutions responsible for the elaboration and review of regulations on general and nutritional food labeling in Brazil were interviewed in 2016. Data treatment was done through the content analysis technique. Results: Respondents considered food label as a right to information and highlighted advances such as the mandatory nutrition labeling. They cited obstacles that delay the regulatory process, such as the standardization process of the legislation with Mercosur countries, excessively technical information and conflicts of interest, including the lobbying of industries. Among the challenges, there was the need to establish a closer relationship between nutrients and ingredients, and the adoption of a frontal nutrition labeling model, in order to make nutrition information available in a clear and concise manner. Conclusions: These results may support professionals who act directly or indirectly with consumers in the elaboration of strategies to help them choose food through nutritional labeling and ingredient lists, in order to promote health and improve the quality of life. DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2017.29571

Food labelling beyond EU borders

Food labelling beyond EU borders