scholarly journals Health-related marketing messages on product labels of commercial infant and toddler food packaging in Australia: a cross-sectional audit

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e001241
Author(s):  
Lucy Simmonds ◽  
Aimee L Brownbill ◽  
Anthea Zee ◽  
Merryn J Netting
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infant Foods ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Fruit Purée

BackgroundProper nutrition in early childhood is essential to ensure optimal growth and development. Use of ‘better-for-you’ features on food packaging position products as healthier for children. This study aims to systematically explore the use of better-for-you labelling on infant and toddler food packaging.MethodsA cross-sectional audit of health and nutrition claims, text and images used as ‘better-for-you’ features present on infant and toddler food packaging. Data on infant and toddler food packaging were collected from five large grocery stores in Adelaide, Australia in 2019. The content of 282 unique commercial products (n=215 infant foods, n=67 toddler foods) were analysed for explicit and implicit features positioning them as better-for-you, including health and nutrition claims as well as text and images representing ‘natural.’ResultsAt least one feature of better-for-you positioning was identified on all food packaging coded. All products had characteristics coded as ‘natural’. Almost one-fifth (17%) of the products included statements in addition to mandatory allergen labelling that their products were ‘free from’ certain allergens, or gluten. One-third of the labels had statements related to enhancing development of taste, oro-motor skills and other aspects of childhood development. Of the fruit and vegetable-based infant foods displaying a sugar statement suggesting a low sugar content, 85% were sweetened with fruit puree.ConclusionsThe use of better-for-you features on infant and toddler food packaging is common and pervasive. Allergen-free and developmental claims are being used to position infant and toddler foods as better-for-you. Regulation of toddler food products separately from adult food is required, as is tighter regulation of the appropriate use of sugar and fruit puree statements on infant and toddler food packaging.

scholarly journals Confused health and nutrition claims in food marketing to children could adversely affect food choice and increase risk of obesity

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 541-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada L García ◽  
Gabriela Morillo-Santander ◽  
Alison Parrett ◽  
Antonina N Mutoro
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Wide Range

ObjectivesTo investigate the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in the UK and to explore the use of health and nutrition claims.DesignThis cross-sectional study was carried out in a wide range of UK food retailers. Products marketed to children above the age of 1 year containing any of a range of child friendly themes (i.e. cartoons, toys and promotions), and terms suggesting a nutritious or healthy attribute such as ‘one of 5-a-day’, on product packaging were identified both in stores and online. Information on sugar, salt and fat content, as well as health and nutrition claims, was recorded. The Ofcom nutrient profiling model (NPM) was used to assess if products were healthy.ResultsThree hundred and thirty-two products, including breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, fruit-based drinks, dairy products and ready meals, were sampled. The use of cartoon characters (91.6%), nutrition claims (41.6%) and health claims (19.6%) was a common marketing technique. The one of 5-a-day claim was also common (41.6%), but 75.4% (103) of products which made this claim were made up of less than 80 g of fruit and vegetables. Sugar content (mean±SD per 100 g) was high in fruit snacks (48.4±16.2 g), cereal bars (28.9±7.5 g) and cereals (22.9±8.0 g). Overall, 41.0% of the products were classified as less healthy according to the Ofcom NPM.ConclusionA large proportion of products marketed to children through product packaging are less healthy, and claims used on product packaging are confusing. Uniform guidance would avoid confusion on nutritional quality of many popular foods.

scholarly journals Industry use of ‘better-for-you’ features on labels of sugar-containing beverages

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 3335-3343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee L Brownbill ◽  
Caroline L Miller ◽  
Annette J Braunack-Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Natural Energy ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the ways in which sugar-containing beverages are being portrayed as ‘better-for-you’ (BFY) via features on product labels.DesignCross-sectional audit of beverage labels.SettingAdelaide, Australia. Data on beverage labels were collected from seventeen grocery stores during September to November 2016.SubjectsThe content of 945 sugar-containing beverages labels were analysed for explicit and implicit features positioning them as healthy or BFY.ResultsThe mean sugar content of beverages was high at 8·3 g/100 ml and most sugar-containing beverages (87·7 %) displayed features that position them as BFY. This was most commonly achieved by indicating the beverages are natural (76·8 %), or contain reduced or natural energy/sugar content (48·4 %), or through suggesting that they contribute to meeting bodily needs for nutrition (28·9 %) or health (15·1 %). Features positioning beverages as BFY were more common among certain categories of beverages, namely coconut waters, iced teas, sports drinks and juices.ConclusionsA large proportion of sugar-containing beverages use features on labels that position them as healthy or BFY despite containing high amounts of sugar.

scholarly journals Nutrition labelling, marketing techniques, nutrition claims and health claims on chip and biscuit packages from sixteen countries

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 998-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra J Mayhew ◽  
Karen Lock ◽  
Roya Kelishadi ◽  
Sumathi Swaminathan ◽  
Claudia S Marcilio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Claims ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
On Chip ◽  
Promotional Marketing

AbstractObjectiveFood packages were objectively assessed to explore differences in nutrition labelling, selected promotional marketing techniques and health and nutrition claims between countries, in comparison to national regulations.DesignCross-sectional.SettingChip and sweet biscuit packages were collected from sixteen countries at different levels of economic development in the EPOCH (Environmental Profile of a Community’s Health) study between 2008 and 2010.SubjectsSeven hundred and thirty-seven food packages were systematically evaluated for nutrition labelling, selected promotional marketing techniques relevant to nutrition and health, and health and nutrition claims. We compared pack labelling in countries with labelling regulations, with voluntary regulations and no regulations.ResultsOverall 86 % of the packages had nutrition labels, 30 % had health or nutrition claims and 87 % displayed selected marketing techniques. On average, each package displayed two marketing techniques and one health or nutrition claim. In countries with mandatory nutrition labelling a greater proportion of packages displayed nutrition labels, had more of the seven required nutrients present, more total nutrients listed and higher readability compared with those with voluntary or no regulations. Countries with no health or nutrition claim regulations had fewer claims per package compared with countries with regulations.ConclusionsNutrition label regulations were associated with increased prevalence and quality of nutrition labels. Health and nutrition claim regulations were unexpectedly associated with increased use of claims, suggesting that current regulations may not have the desired effect of protecting consumers. Of concern, lack of regulation was associated with increased promotional marketing techniques directed at children and misleadingly promoting broad concepts of health.

scholarly journals Estimated effects of the implementation of the Mexican warning labels regulation on the use of health and nutrition claims on packaged foods

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Cruz-Casarrubias ◽  
Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Simón Barquera
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Mexican ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Abstract Background The use of health and nutrition claims on front-of-pack labels may impact consumers’ food choices; therefore, many countries have established regulations to avoid misinformation. This study describes the prevalence of health and nutrition claims on the front-of-pack of food products in retail stores in Mexico and estimate the potential effects of the Official Mexican Standards 051 (new regulation that includes specifications for implementing warning labels and other packaging elements such as health and nutrition claims on less healthy foods) on the prevalence of these claims. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which health and nutrition claims, nutrition information panels, and the list of ingredients of all foods and beverages available in the main retail stores in Mexico City were collected. The products were grouped by level of processing according to the NOVA food system classification. Claims were classified using the internationally harmonized INFORMAS taxonomy. According to the criteria of the new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation, the effect on the reduction on the prevalence of health and nutrition claims was estimated by type of food and by energy and nutrients of concern thresholds. Results Of 17,264 products, 33.8% displayed nutrition claims and 3.4% health claims. In total, 80.8% of all products in the Mexican market were classified as “less healthy”; 48.2% of products had excess calories, 44.6% had excess sodium, and 40.7% excess free sugars. The new regulation would prevent 39.4% of products with claims from displaying health and nutrition claims (P < 0.001); the largest reduction is observed for ultra-processed foods (51.1%, P < 0.001). The regulation thresholds that resulted in the largest reduction of claims were calories (OR 0.62, P < 0.001) and non-sugar sweeteners (OR 0.54, P < 0.001). Conclusions The new Mexican front-of-pack labelling regulation will prevent most processed and ultra-processed foods from displaying health and nutrition claims and will potentially improve information on packaging for consumers.

scholarly journals How many foods in the UK carry health and nutrition claims, and are they healthier than those that do not?

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 988-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha Kaur ◽  
Peter Scarborough ◽  
Anne Matthews ◽  
Sarah Payne ◽  
Anja Mizdrak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to measure the prevalence of different types of health and nutrition claims on foods and non-alcoholic beverages in a UK sample and to assess the nutritional quality of such products carrying health or nutrition claims.DesignA survey of health and nutrition claims on food packaging using a newly defined taxonomy of claims and internationally agreed definitions of claim types.SettingA national UK food retailer: Tesco.SubjectsThree hundred and eighty-two products randomly sampled from those available through the retailer’s website.ResultsOf the products, 32 % (95 % CI 28, 37 %) carried either a health or nutrition claim; 15 % (95 % CI 11, 18 %) of products carried at least one health claim and 29 % (95 % CI 25, 34 %) carried at least one nutrition claim. When adjusted for product category, products carrying health claims tended to be lower in total fat and saturated fat than those that did not, but there was no significant difference in sugar or sodium levels. Products carrying health claims had slightly higher fibre levels than products without. Results were similar for comparisons between products that carry nutrition claims and those that do not.ConclusionsHealth and nutrition claims appear frequently on food and beverage products in the UK. The nutrient profile of products carrying claims is marginally healthier than for similar products without claims, suggesting that claims may have some but limited informational value. The implication of these findings for guiding policy is unclear; future research should investigate the ‘clinical relevance’ of these differences in nutritional quality.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Audit of Nutrition and Health Claims on Dairy Yoghurts in Supermarkets of the Illawarra Region of New South Wales, Australia

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1835
Author(s):  
Sam-Reith S. Wadhwa ◽  
Anne T. McMahon ◽  
Elizabeth P. Neale
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Nutrition And Health Claims

Health and nutrition claims are used by consumers to guide purchasing decisions. In consequence, monitoring and evaluation of such claims to ensure they are accurate and transparent is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of nutrition and health claims on dairy-yoghurt products within select Australian supermarkets and assess their compliance with the revised Food Standards Code (FSC). Nutrition, health, and related claims on yoghurt products were assessed in a cross-sectional audit of five supermarkets in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Claim prevalence, type, and compliance were assessed and products were compared against current rating measures. A total of n = 340 dairy yoghurt products were identified. Most products (97.9%) carried at least one nutrition and/or health claim, with nutrition-content claims (93.9%) the most prevalent. Most products (n = 277) met the nutrient profiling scoring criterion; while 87.9% of products did not carry the health star rating. Almost all claims surveyed (97.4%) were compliant with the FSC. Health and nutrition claims are highly prevalent across yoghurt categories, with the majority of these compliant with regulations. The ambiguity surrounding the wording and context of claims challenges researchers to investigate consumers’ interpretations of health messaging within the food environment.

scholarly journals The Association Between Ready-to-eat Cereal Consumption, Stratified by Sugar Content, and Nutrient Intakes in American Children and Adults: Results From NHANES 2017–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1093-1093
Author(s):  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
James Normington ◽  
Jean-Michel Michno ◽  
Nort Holschuh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
American Children ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Objectives The study was conducted to report the average nutrient intakes for RTEC eaters, stratified by sugar content, compared to RTEC non-eaters. Our hypothesis was that regardless of RTEC sugar content, RTEC eaters would have higher intakes of under-consumed nutrients compared to non-eaters. Methods “What We Eat in America” food categories were used to define higher-sugar (HS; ≥21.2 g sugar/100 g RTEC) and lower-sugar (LS; &lt; 21.2 g sugar/100 g RTEC) RTEC. Using cross-sectional day 1 24-hr dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 for participants 2 years of age and older, we defined HS-RTEC eaters (n = 1008, 13%) as eating any quantity of HS-RTEC; LS-RTEC eaters (n = 419, 7%) as consuming any quantity of LS-RTEC and no HS-RTEC; and non-eaters as not consuming RTEC (n = 5604, 80%). Differences in nutrient intakes (presented as mean ± SE) were evaluated using ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons. A P ≤ 0.001 was considered statistically significant to account for multiple comparisons. Results There were no differences in intake of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and vitamins C and E between the groups (all P ≥ 0.02). Added sugar intake was significantly different across the 3 groups (HS-RTEC 20.2 ± 0.9 tsp. eq./d; LS-RTEC 15.1 ± 1.5 tsp. eq./d; non-eaters 16.5 ± 0.5 tsp. eq./d; ANOVA P = 0.0005) but post-hoc comparisons didn't reach statistical significance. HS- and LS-RTEC eaters had higher intake of calcium, fiber, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, zinc, and vitamins A, B12, B6 and D compared to non-eaters (all ANOVA P &lt; 0.0001; post-hoc LS-RTEC vs. HS-RTEC all P ≥ 0.07; LS-RTEC vs. non-eaters all P ≤ 0.001; HS-RTEC vs. non-eaters all P ≤ 0.001). E.g. calcium intake was 30% higher in HS-RTEC and 25% higher in LS-RTEC compared to non-eaters. Whole grain and iron, and magnesium intakes were significantly different across the three groups with LS-RTEC having the highest intake (all ANOVA P &lt; 0.0001). E.g. whole grain intake was 143% higher in LS-RTEC and 71% higher in HS-RTEC compared to non-eaters. Conclusions RTEC consumption was associated with higher intake of many under-consumed nutrients regardless of sugar content. Funding Sources The study was supported by Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.

scholarly journals Changes in Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence Among U.S. Children Aged 1–5 Years: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly R Petersen ◽  
Eshan U Patel ◽  
Alison G Abraham ◽  
Thomas C Quinn ◽  
Aaron A R Tobian
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
National Health ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Prevalence Difference ◽  
The Cross ◽  
Us Children

Abstract Data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) indicate that the seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among US children aged 1–5 years was 20.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.0, 29.0) in 2011–2012 and 28.2% (95% CI: 23.1–34.0) in 2017–2018 (adjusted prevalence difference, +7.6% [95% CI: −.4, +15.6]).

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