Nutrition Information Research Articles

Nutrition Marketing and Nutrient Profiling Models with Regard to Packaged Snack Foods: A Literature Review

Background: Snacking habits are changing towards healthier options as a result of growing consumer awareness, which is making nutrition and health important components of modern food culture. Nutrition-related claims may help consumers and desk job doers to make healthier choices. The food labels carrying nutritional information and health benefit of the product is very much revealing from a health point of view. Methods: This review is an attempt to document nutrition marketing with regard to packaged snack foods, nutrient profiling models for categorization of packaged snack foods and complacency of packaged snack foods with respect to nutrient claim and health claim. Results: Nutritional information available on products is helping consumers in making healthier choices along with products having any health or nutrition-related claims are fascinating consumers and are considered as a good marketing strategy for snack food manufactures. But, researchers pertaining to health and nutrition-related claims have documented an insignificant impact of these claims on consumer’s decision--making about purchasing packaged snack foods.

An Assessment of Rural Midwestern Schoolteachers' Nutrition Literacy and MyPlate Knowledge: Implications for Current Practice and Policy.

Background. Rural schoolchildren outpace their urban counterparts in obesity and diet-related chronic disease rates. Educating students on nutrition basics may help reduce these health burdens in this focus population. Rural schoolteachers are ideally positioned to teach students about nutrition; however, to teach nutrition, one must first understand basic nutrition concepts. The nutrition literacy and knowledge of rural schoolteachers, as well as strategies to and barriers for integrating nutrition into rural classrooms, are understudied. Examining these topics may provide a deeper understanding of nutrition education in rural schools. Methods. Data were collected via an online survey of K-12 teachers (n = 153) from seven Midwestern rural school districts. This survey collected data on nutrition literacy, nutrition knowledge, and preferred methods for implementing nutrition education into current curricula. Descriptive statistics were reported; associations between nutrition literacy and knowledge were examined. Results. Nutrition literacy levels were borderline low (mean score 45.7 out of 64). Nutrition knowledge and literacy were associated (p < .001). Most teachers (n = 108, 70%) were/may be willing to change lessons to incorporate nutrition information, with hands-on and group activities being preferred strategies. Barriers to including nutrition information into curricula included lack of time, knowledge, and resources. Most teachers reported little support from administration for promoting nutrition in the classroom. Discussion. Implementing nutrition education into teachers' continuing education requirements may provide a means of improving teacher nutrition literacy and knowledge. Support from both state-level and local administration could benefit both nutrition knowledge acquisition by schoolteachers and implementation of nutrition education throughout the curriculum.

OGC SO29 - Patient perceptions survey on the best timed oesophago-gastric dietetic pathway

Abstract Background It is well established that patients with oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer often present with malnutrition and impact symptoms such as anorexia, dysphagia and abdominal symptoms. Dietetic input is imperative in assessing and managing these symptoms early to improve outcome measures such as nutritional status, clinical outcomes and quality of life. A service evaluation was conducted to explore patient perceptions of early dietetic intervention in the Greater Manchester OG two week wait (TWW) pathway. There is no known prior research exploring the aims of this project. The results provide a novel insight into patient perceptions. Method A mixed methods survey using Microsoft Forms including open and close-ended questions was completed using transcription of responses via telephone consultation for 8 participants. For multiple choice responses, quantitative analysis was undertaken utilising Microsoft Forms analytics. Thematic analysis was completed with the use of computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Results 100% of respondents strongly agreed that receiving information about eating and drinking during investigations was important to them. 100% of respondents disagreed that dietetic advice was difficult to understand and follow. 75% of respondents felt dietetic input to be helpful in managing nutritional impact symptoms. 25% of participants responded neutrally. 100% of respondents felt their individual needs and concerns were addressed and would recommend the service to friends/family (88% strongly agreed; 12% agreed respectively). Conclusion Dietetic input was viewed positively by service users undergoing the OG TWW pathway. Patients reported feeling reassured, and valued communication, accessibility, and a personal approach. Some patients experienced delays in receiving prescribed nutritional supplements. Consistency of nutritional information requires improvement across the multidisciplinary team. Unfamiliarity with dietetic input limits the ability of participants to provide perspectives on service improvement. These findings suggest that specialist nutritional assessment and advice is beneficial to patients. Future research should be conducted to explore the long-term impact of early dietetic interventions on health outcomes in OG cancer patients.

From Processed Foods to Ultraprocessed Foods: Evolution of an Industry Model and Impact on Dietary Quality, Health, and Society.

The impact of food technology and product development on the nutritional quality of foods is discussed in the context of food classification schemes, clinical research, and sociocultural studies. Food processing operations are analyzed in terms of their beneficial and detrimental consequences for the nutritional value of foods and ingredients. Several classification schemes are discussed, including dietary guidelines, nutrition information panels, and nutritional scores. The health impact of processed and ultraprocessed foods is discussed in connection with the processing-formulation scheme previously developed by the authors. The importance of product development as a driver for the food industry is highlighted, and formulation-based approaches to improve the healthfulness of industrially produced foods are discussed. Finally, the public perception of processed foods and its impact on the industry are discussed, and the need for a broad engagement among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of our food system and healthy diets for individuals is emphasized.

Understanding the Food and Nutrition Insecurity Drivers in Some Emergency-Affected Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region from 2020 to 2024

This research seeks to enhance the understanding of the multifaceted drivers of food and nutrition insecurity in emergency-affected countries within the Eastern Mediterranean region and investigate the dynamics of food and nutrition security in countries facing emerging emergencies. This is a descriptive aim to determine the key factors and challenges affecting food security and nutrition status in ten countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (Afghanistan, Djibouti, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine (Gaza Strip), Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen). The research reveals that all selected countries experienced severe levels of food insecurity, with many reaching Phase 3 or above according to the IPC classification. In 2020, Afghanistan and Yemen were particularly hard-hit, with food insecurity affecting 42% and 45% of their populations; in 2024 in Gaza and Sudan, the same figures were 93% and 54% of the population, respectively, representing worse food insecurity crises in the region. Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti also faced significant food insecurity rates. Many key drivers of food security are standard in most countries, and the linkage between food insecurity and malnutrition levels has a similar trend in almost all countries. However, none of the countries achieved all the 2025 global nutrition targets, while some reached one or two targets. Reaching sustainable development goals is still challenging in these countries since nutrition and food security levels, included in many goals, have not yet been reached. Food security and malnutrition in emergency-affected countries are driven by conflict, political instability, natural disasters, and socioeconomic conditions, which disrupt agricultural activities and infrastructure, exacerbating these challenges. To address these issues, we recommend a multisectoral approach, conflict resolution, climate-smart agriculture, integration of emergency responses with long-term strategies, and strengthening health and nutrition information systems.

Global overview of government-endorsed nutrition labeling policies of packaged foods: a document review

IntroductionNutrition labeling provides nutritional information about nutrients present in a food product. It is commonly applied to packaged foods and beverages, where the information can be presented on the back or front of the pack as the nutrient declaration, nutrition and health claims, and supplementary nutrition information. Nutrition labeling is an important policy instrument for improving the nutritional quality of foods and promoting healthy diets, as it allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. This document review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of government-endorsed nutrition labeling policies related to nutrient declaration, nutrition claims, and supplementary nutrition information enforced worldwide.MethodsWe searched two nutrition policy databases, the Global database on the Implementation of Food and Nutrition Action (GIFNA) and the NOURISHING database, and government websites of some selected countries for the government-endorsed nutrition labeling policies published up to June 2023. We narrated the policy adopting countries' distribution by WHO regions, mode of implementation (voluntary or mandatory), and types of front-of-pack labels implemented.ResultsGlobally, we found that 95 countries have mandatory policies for nutrient declarations on packages of processed products. These include 41 countries in Europe, 19 in America, 14 in the Western Pacific, nine in Africa, seven in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and five countries from South-East Asia. Additionally, 71 countries have policies on the use of nutrient claims like “fat-free,” “excellent source,” and “fortified.” European region has the highest number of countries (37) that have rules on nutrient claims. Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) policies have been introduced in 44 countries as supplementary nutrition information. Of these, 16 countries have adopted FOPL as mandatory, while others have implemented it voluntarily. The FOPL systems include warning labels, keyhole logo, health star rating, traffic light labeling, nutri-score, and healthy choice logos.ConclusionOver recent years, the number of countries adopting mandatory nutrition labeling policies, especially FOPLs, has increased globally. Labeling policies should be evidence-based and follow the best practices to protect consumers from unhealthy nutrients and promote healthy eating. FOPL designs need to be selected based on country-specific evidence of effectiveness and appropriateness, avoiding industry influence.

Effectiveness of environmental nutrition program on student dietary intake in boarding schools

Background The Environmental Nutrition Program (ENP) as an environmental intervention offers voluntary involvement with students, but persists in exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ENP on students’ dietary intake and nutritional knowledge. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a control school. ENP comprises four activities: the use of uniform food serving tools, nutrition fact displays, food and nutrition information displays, and body weighing awareness. The ENP emphasized voluntary involvement with students but persisted in exposure for over 8-weeks. Multiple passes of 24-hour food recall and validated questionnaires were used in the assessments by a nutritionist. Multiple linear regressions were performed to analyze the effectiveness of ENP. Results A total of 113 female high school students, with a median age of 16 years, were recruited. At baseline, all students had a lower dietary intake than the national recommendation. Except for the stipend, no differences in the characteristics were found among the students. The students’ carbohydrate intake and nutritional knowledge significantly increased after the ENP in the intervention school (p &lt; 0.001). Total energy, protein, and fat intake also improved after ENP. Conclusion ENP activities effectively increased students’ daily carbohydrate intake and nutritional knowledge. Thus, ENP may be appropriate for enhancing nutrition literacy among female students. Future studies with a longer time frame are encouraged to yield sustained, favorable dietary practices.

Validation of Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for High School Students

Background: Nutrition literacy is the individuals' motivation and ability to obtain, process, and understand nutrition information and the skills needed in order to make appropriate nutrition decisions. The present study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Chongqing Middle School Nutrition Literacy Scale (CM-NLS). Methods: The CM-NLS questionnaire was translated into Farsi and then back-translated, and its face validity and quantitative and qualitative content validity were investigated in a descriptive-cross-sectional study. This review was conducted using the opinions of expert faculty members. Besides, the Persian version was tested in a sample of 400 students of the first grade of high school in Bandar Anzali city. For this purpose, two schools were randomly selected and sampled using census method. Cronbach's alpha test method was used to examine reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity (RMSEA=0.062). Results: In checking face validity, changes were made in the questionnaire, and some items were removed in content validity evaluation by calculating content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). In reliability analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.74 for functional literacy, 0.82 for interactive literacy, and 0.84 for critical literacy. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit to measure the construct validity. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, the CM-NLS questionnaire with 33 items, is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to measure the nutrition literacy of high school students.

Fat extraction methodology can affect the food fatty acid profile: improvement of a protocol more environmentally friendly

Fatty acids (FAs) are biochemical components of food, essential for human health due to their numerous biological functions. However, many of then if consumed in excess can trigger disfunctions/illness. Therefore, analytical methods, such as gas chromatography (GC-FID) are essential for the accurate identification and quantification of FAs, playing an important role in food safety and quality assessment. The aim of this study was to compare two FAs extraction protocols and to adapt, optimize, and validate a new one for food FAs extraction, considering the principles of green chemistry (sustainability and environmentally friendly). The research included four main steps: (A) comparison of two FAs extraction protocols for Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) analysis; (B) adaptation and optimization of four new extraction protocols; (C) verification of the most promising protocol; and (D) evaluation of the greenness profile. Comparatively, the PE2 protocol detected a greater diversity of FAs and a wider range of medium/long chain saturated fatty acids (SFA), but with divergences from values declared on food labels, mainly in the quantification of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), unlike PE1, which presented lipid fraction values closer to nutritional information and greater extraction of short/medium chain FAs. The improved protocol, PE6, proved to be more efficient in extracting short, medium, and long chain FAs, as well as having SFA and UFA values closer to nutritional values in different food matrices. Furthermore, PE6 also showed improvements in relation to green chemistry aspects, presenting a higher greenness profile score, which indicates that it is more sustainable and generates less environmental impact. These results underscore the importance and relevance of continuing to develop analytical methods for food that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

Foodies Full Stack Web Application: Connecting You to Your College Canteens

The "Foodies Full Stack Web Application" is designed to revolutionize the way college students interact with their campus canteen services by providing real-time access to menus, nutritional information, and personalized food recommendations. This project aims to bridge the gap between canteen owners and students, offering seamless communication and better decision-making for daily meals. By leveraging the power of the Spoonacular API, the platform can not only display available menu items but also offer detailed nutritional data, which is crucial for students with dietary preferences or restrictions. Additionally, the application uses machine learning to suggest dishes based on individual preferences, ensuring a tailored dining experience for each user. This project has been developed using modern web development technologies, integrating both front-end and back-end functionalities to create a responsive, user-friendly platform. The application has the potential to enhance user satisfaction, improve the efficiency of canteen operations, and promote healthier eating habits among students. This paper outlines the design, implementation, and testing of the Foodies Web Application, while also discussing future improvements and scalability.

Evaluating the application of front-of-package labelling regulations to menu labelling in the Canadian restaurant sector using Menu Food Label Information and Price (Menu-FLIP) 2020 data.

To evaluate the application of front-of-package (FOP) labelling regulations to menu labelling in the Canadian restaurant sector by assessing the proportion of menu items that would be required to display the 'high-in' FOP symbol if the policy were extended to the restaurant sector. Nutrition information of 18,760 menu items were collected from 141 chain restaurants in Canada. Menu items were evaluated using the mandatory FOP labelling regulations promulgated in Canada Gazette II by Health Canada in July of 2022. Chain restaurants with ≥20 establishments in Canada. Canadian chain restaurant menu items including beverages, desserts, entrées, sides, and starters. Overall, 77% of menu items in the Canadian restaurant sector would display a 'high-in' FOP symbol. Among these menu items, 43% would display 'high-in' one nutrient, 54% would display 'high-in' two, and 3% would display 'high-in' all three nutrients-of-concern. By nutrient, 52% were 'high-in' sodium, and 24% and 47% were 'high-in' total sugars and saturated fat, respectively. Given the poor nutritional quality of restaurant foods, the current regulations, if applied to restaurant foods, would result in most menu items displaying a FOP symbol. Therefore, expanding the Canadian FOP labelling regulations to the restaurant sector can be key to ensuring a healthy food environment for Canadians. Furthermore, menu labelling along with other multi-faceted approaches such as reformulation targets are necessary to improve the dietary intake of Canadians from restaurant foods.

The Relationship Between Chronic Energy Deficiency and Anemia in Pregnant Women at The Madandan Community Health Center Rantetayo District Tana Toraja Regency

Chronic Energy Deficiency in pregnant women negatively impacts maternal health and fetal development, leading to weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and reduced immunity. CED also increases the risk of anemia, which can decrease oxygen supply and disrupt vital organ function. Anemia in pregnant women can cause fatigue, reduced productivity, and a higher risk of pregnancy and childbirth complications. This quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between CED and anemia in 40 pregnant women out of a total population of 64 at the Madandan Community Health Center, Tana Toraja. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire, and the analysis employed a chi-square test. The results of Fisher's Exact Test indicated a significant association (p 0.000 &lt; 0.05) between Chronic Energy Deficiency and anemia among pregnant women seeking treatment at the Madandan Community Health Center. The study recommends that community health centers enhance education on balanced nutrition for pregnant women through prenatal clinics, including up-to-date nutritional information, regular health monitoring, and provision of appropriate supplements to reduce the risk of anemia.

Assessment of nutritional, anti-nutritional and functional properties of marketed biofortified sweet potato cultivars

Sweet potatoes, a nutrient-dense crop are recognized as a potential functional food to mitigate an array of nutritional disorders. In India, sweet potato is considered a secondary staple crop due to its unique nutritional properties. Owing to its high consumption, food interventions like biofortification have been made to enrich the essential bioactive compounds (carotenoids and anthocyanins). The current study highlighted the nutritional, anti-nutritional and mineral analysis of farmer-grown biofortified sweet potatoes i.e., Bhusona and Bhu-Krishna varieties and compares them with officially available data. High antioxidant activity was observed in Bhu-Krishna with 40 mg followed by Bhu-Sona and white flesh (unfortified variety) (19.3 and 18.7 mg/100 g dry basis). The total carotenoid content ranged from 0.9 to 12.6 mg/100 g dry weight, with the highest content in BhuSona. The anti-nutritional content like phytates and tannins in sweet potato cultivars ranged between 57.35 and 60.82%. However, the antinutrient content was comparatively high in selected biofortified varieties, establishing research prospects concerning human health. These results provide insights into the suitability of biofortified varieties for inclusion in diets that are nutritionally adequate and have sufficient nutritional information for policymakers to promote these varieties to the vulnerable.

Undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Background Undernutrition is a significant challenge for adolescent girls globally due to biological, social, and cultural factors. The consequences of undernutrition for adolescent girls are extensive, impacting their cognitive abilities, reproductive health, susceptibility to chronic diseases in later life, and the economies of nations. However, there needs to be a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritional status of adolescent girls in the Diga district, Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adolescent girls in the Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Methods The study employed a community-based cross-sectional study design in Diga District, Ethiopia. Data was gathered from 651 study participants using a systematic random sampling technique, from July 10th to August 10th, 2023. Data analysis involved using Epi-Data 4.6 and SPSS version 26 for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Height-for-age (HFA) Z-score are generated using WHO AnthroPlus version 1.0.4 software. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were used for data summarization and analysis, with significance testing at a p-value &lt;0.05. Results In this study, 16.3% (95% CI: 13.5–19.3) of adolescent girls were stunted, while 18.5% (95% CI: 15.4–21.5) were thin. Lack of access to health and nutrition information (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.38–8.23), limited crop variety within household’s crops (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.03–2.65), and household food insecurity (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.49–5.11) were factors associated with stunting. Poor dietary diversity scores (AOR = 7.52, 95% 95% CI: 2.92–19.39) and household food insecurity (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.96–6.93) were significantly associated with thinness. Conclusion Conclusively, there was a low prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescent girls in the Diga district, Ethiopia. Interventions aimed at enhancing household-level crop diversity, improving food security, providing adequate health and nutrition information, and promoting income-generating activities for adolescent girls can play a crucial role in improving their access to nutritious foods and healthcare, ultimately leading to better nutritional outcomes.

Knowledge, practices and perceptions of energy labelling of nut products among Australian consumers and stakeholders: an online survey.

Nut consumption in Australia is low, perhaps due to concerns with weight gain. However, nut consumption is not associated with increased weight, in part because of their lower metabolisable energy. Current energy labelling for nuts use Atwater factors, which over-represent the available energy from nuts. Therefore, this research aimed to examine stakeholders' knowledge, practices and perceptions of displaying true metabolisable energy on nutrition labels and its perceived impact on nut consumption. An anonymous and voluntary survey was conducted online. Eligible respondents lived in Australia, were aged 18 years or older and had either no formal nutrition education (consumer group) or had formal training and were working as a stakeholder (stakeholder group; working in nutrition/dietetics, public health, food industry, food regulation or nut growing). Convenience sampling and snowballing were used to recruit respondents primarily via online advertisement. Three hundred and forty-eight respondents (63.2% female; 71.0% aged 18-39 years; 69.0% Bachelor's degree or higher) were included in the analyses. A larger proportion of stakeholders agreed that nut consumption assists with weight management (67.9%) compared with consumers (47.6%). Theoretical food packaging showing both Atwater and metabolisable energy in the nutrition information panel was favoured among consumers and stakeholders, though 62.3% of consumers reported that a lower metabolisable energy of nuts would not impact their consumption. This study indicates a need to further investigate the impact of metabolisable energy labelling on nut intake. Further education about the relationship between nuts and body weight is required for consumers and stakeholders.

PRE-CONCEPTION READINESS AMONG PROSPECTIVE BRIDES

Background: Preconception is the best preparation time for the First 1000 Days of Pregnancy. Prospective brides are a group that must receive attention and monitoring regarding health conditions, including nutritional status, to prepare for pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. This research aims to determine the preconception nutritional readiness of prospective brides. Method: This type of research was quantitative with a cross-sectional descriptive design. The population in the study was 30 prospective brides and was obtained using a consecutive sampling technique of 20 prospective brides. The variables studied were the bride and groom's sociodemographic data, including age, highest level of education, work status, and sources of nutrition and health information. Other variables studied were body mass index nutritional status, chronic lack of energy status, anemia status, energy, protein, iron, calcium, folic acid intake, ferro supplementation and folic acid supplementation, and preconception nutritional knowledge. The collected data will be entered and processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, then analyzed univariately using a descriptive frequency test. Results: The results of this study show that the sociodemographics of the majority of prospective brides are in the early adult age category (55%), have secondary education (75%), are not working (75%), and receive health and nutritional information from health workers (45%). Adequate energy intake level (75%), insufficient protein (55%), insufficient iron (85%), insufficient calcium (95%), insufficient folic acid (100%), no supplementation (85%), nutritional status of each -respectively normal and obese (35%), not CED (60%), not anemic (80%), lacking knowledge (70%), and lacking preconception nutritional readiness (85%). Conclusion: Most prospective brides cannot meet at least half of the preconception nutritional readiness indicators measured.

Food and nutrition literacy in Austria - results of a representative study

Abstract Background A healthy diet is a key factor in people’s long-term health. The nutritional health literacy and food literacy of the population play a crucial role in this. In 2021, comprehensive data on these competences were collected for the first time in Austria. Methods Almost 3,000 people were surveyed online. Nutrition health literacy was assessed with the newly developed Nutrition Health Literacy Scale (NHLS) and food literacy with the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale Short-Form (SPFL-SF). Scores and subscores were calculated. Associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and the competences surveyed were assessed using t-tests, variance analysis, correlations, and multivariate regression models. Results In terms of nutritional health literacy, respondents score an average of 60 out of 100 points, with judging (51 points) and applying (60 points) nutritional information being the most difficult. In the area of food literacy, respondents score an average of 62 out of 100 points. The most challenging areas are ‘healthier choices’ (44 points), ‘healthy snacking’ (52 points) and ‘healthy eating in exceptional circumstances’ (54 points). In both areas, men and people with less formal education score lower. In the case of nutritional health literacy, people aged 65 and over have greater difficulties. Conversely, this group performs better in the area of food literacy. Differences by income can only be seen for nutritional health literacy, to the detriment of low-income groups. Conclusions Possible options for action include the provision of quality-assured and target-group-specific information, the implementation of appropriate tools to facilitate the assessment of foods, and measures to strengthen assessment skills, digital health literacy, food and nutrition skills. Key messages • The survey showed that there is potential for improvement in both nutritional health literacy and food literacy. • The biggest challenge is to evaluate and use nutritional information and to stick to a healthy diet without making exceptions.

Evaluation of front-of-pack labeling’s impact on unhealthy food consumption in Israeli households

Abstract Background In 2020, Israel introduced front-of-pack labeling (FOPL), marking unhealthy foods high in sugar/salt/saturated fat in red and Mediterranean diet-conforming foods in green, aiming to facilitate healthy choices through clear nutrition information. Methods Two cross-sectional telephone surveys assessed food purchasing, red/green food consumption frequency, label exposure, and perceived impact before labeling (944 households, 2019) and 3 years post-implementation (500 households, 2023). Results Over 90% of respondents in 2023 reported seeing red labels on packages. Nearly 70% checked for red labels when shopping, vs. only 48% who examined the full Nutrition Facts panel on the back of the package. 60% reported preferring unlabeled alternatives within unhealthy categories. Although 50% reported that compared to the period before the labeling, they purchased fewer red-labeled products, a significant decrease in purchasing rates between timepoints was found only for 2 out of 11 unhealthy food categories-sugary drinks (which during 2022 were also taxed by sugar content) and salty snacks. At both timepoints, rates of purchasing and consumption frequency of unhealthy foods were higher among households with children, compared to other households. Multivariate analysis showed that having children under 18, lower education and bigger household size predicted a higher overall unhealthy consumption score. Red label checking was associated with better scores. Conclusions FOPL raised awareness and shows potential for reducing unhealthy consumption, especially when combined with policies like sugar taxation. Their impact on reducing purchases of nutritionally valueless foods (snacks/sugary drinks) is highly valuable. However, red-labeled food consumption remained high among households with children, a strong predictor of higher unhealthy consumption scores. Continued label promotion, child-targeted interventions, and product reformulation incentives are recommended. Key messages • FOPL shows potential of enhancing healthy choices especially when combined with supportive policies. • Results regarding households with children highlight the need for continued promotion, child-targeted interventions, and product reformulation incentives for impacting long-term habits.

Focus on food instead of nutrients improves consumers’ understanding of meals’ nutrition quality

Abstract Background Nowadays, most of the information directed to consumers focuses on nutrients, ignoring the impact of the interactions between different foods, origin or degree of processing. The methodologies currently applied have led consumers to confuse foods with nutrients, meat and fish are often referred to as “proteins”, grains and potatoes are referred to as “carbohydrates, forgetting that these foods are source of other nutrients, such as fat, proteins or fibre. Furthermore, its efficacy is compromised by the difficulties of reading labels among consumers. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the understanding about food and nutritional information presented in menus to consumers, comparing the nutrient-focused approach (Nutrition Declaration) and the new food-focused approach (infographic - based on the Portuguese food Guide, from previous research). Methods 4 different meals were created, 2 balanced and complete in terms of food and nutrient content and 2 unbalanced and uncomplete. A questionnaire was applied, evaluating the understanding of the balance and healthiness of the meals, using the two approaches (nutrient-focused and food-focused). The order of presentation of the approaches and the meals was randomized for all participants. The questionnaire was distributed online through snowball sampling. Results 221 individuals participated, mostly female (67%), aged 25 to 54 years old. Evaluation of meals (“how balanced” and “how complete” the meal is) using the Nutrition Declaration did not allow to distinguish the quality of meals (Mb = 3,8;Mc=4,0), in opposite the Infographic returned significant differences between M1/M2 (Mb = 4,3;Mc=4,4) and M3/M4 (Mb = 2,5;Mc=2,6) (p &amp;lt; 0.01) allowing consumers to perceive differences between meals. The percentage of consumers that respond “I don’t know” to these questions decreased using the food-focused tool (13% vs 2%). Conclusions The food-focused approach allows for better understanding of meals’ nutritional balance. Key messages • The infographic provides more information about the daily food portions and how different meals and types of food contribute for complying food and nutritional recommendations. • The use of the infographic in menus, recipes, cookbooks and clinical advice may improve better food choices and a healthier lifestyle.

NutriCare: Aplikasi Pemantau Gizi Ibu Hamil untuk Menghindari Stunting dengan Memenuhi Kebutuhan Kalori dan Zat Besi

Stunting in children under five, due to chronic malnutrition since in the womb, has an impact onchildren's health and cognitive development as well as the potential for long-term economic losses.In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting will reach 21.6% in 2022. Iron and calorie deficiency inpregnant women is the main factor causing stunting, with 48.6% of pregnant women experiencinganemia. Many pregnant women lack easily accessible nutritional information. The Hilda AlnairaClinic in Koja, North Jakarta, faces challenges in providing manual nutritional recommendationsthat are inefficient and lack personalization. This research aims to develop the "NutriCare" mobileapplication to help pregnant women monitor calorie and iron intake. This Android-basedapplication was developed using a prototypemethod, easy-to-use interface, relevant features, testedusing the black box method, and optimized before full implementation. This application helpsincrease pregnant women's understanding of nutrition and supports maternal health and fetaldevelopment in efforts to prevent stunting.