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Background/Objectives: Low quality diets are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases; therefore, improving diet quality is a public health and policy priority in the UK and elsewhere. Reformulating food/beverage products to make them healthier may be an effective approach. Evidence suggests that fiscal interventions, notably taxes/levies on soft drinks, can lead to reformulation but the evidence for voluntary or mandated non-fiscal interventions is less clear. We aimed to review and synthesise contemporary evidence to determine whether non-fiscal policies/interventions result in the reformulation of food/beverage products Methods: In April 2023, we systematically searched ten international academic and nine grey literature databases. We included real-world study designs, all nutrients, in- and out-of-home sectors, and studies published from 2013, to ensure policy relevancy. We excluded modelling studies. Using the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis method we conducted vote counting of studies based on the direction of effect and narrative synthesis by intervention type. Risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the EPPI-Centre and quality was assessed using GRADE. Results: We included 77 real-world studies from 19 countries, reporting 100 non-fiscal policies/interventions. Most commonly, these were reduction targets (n = 44), front-of-pack labels (n = 23), and advertising standards (n = 9). Most interventions were voluntary (n = 67), compared to mandatory (n = 33), and focused on the in-home sector (n = 63). The vote counting results showed non-fiscal policies/interventions overall led to improvements in reformulation in 60/63 studies with a valid direction of effect (95%, 95% CI 0.869, 0.984, p < 0.001). Mandatory implementations were more successful than voluntary implementations with 15/15 showing an improvement (100%, 95% CI 0.796, 1], p < 0.001), compared 40/43 showing an improvement (93%, 95% CI 0.814, 0.976, p < 0.001). Most of the studies were of low quality, due to the observational nature of the studies. Sodium was the most commonly targeted nutrient (n = 56) and was found to be reformulated in most studies. Causation is difficult to establish from real-world studies, but evidence suggests that regulatory and multi-component strategies may be effective at driving reformulation. Conclusions: Non-fiscal policies/interventions can play an important role in driving reformulation, alongside fiscal measures. This work was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research PRP-PRU-02-15-Healthy Weight and registered on Open Science Framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label is awarded to foods exclusively produced within a designated area. Austria has eleven registered PDO foods, seven of which are cheeses, including the hard raw milk cheese Tiroler Bergkäse PDO. Some manufacturers in Tyrol produce their cheeses according to the PDO specification but hesitate to commercialize them as such. However, foods bearing a seal (PDO, organic, fair trade) can be perceived as possessing superior taste, quality, and health benefits, and can influence consumers’ willingness-to-pay. This study examines the effect of PDO labeling on the sensory experience, the purchase criteria for cheese, overall liking, perceived quality, perceived healthiness, purchase intention, and willingness-to-pay of Bergkäse, a hard raw milk cheese. In a one-way (PDO label vs. control) between-groups experiment, 165 participants tasted the same cheese and completed a questionnaire, with only the informational text differing between groups. Results show that many taste descriptors (e.g. high-quality flavor), overall liking, perceived quality, the purchase criterion quality labels (AMA, PDO etc.), and purchase intention were rated significantly higher in the PDO group. This suggests a halo effect, where a positive impression of one attribute favorably influences the consumer's overall opinion. In this study, the PDO label did not affect the willingness-to-pay. The effects of the tested moderators were almost entirely absent. This research implies that Tyrolean cheese manufacturers producing Bergkäse according to the PDO specification may consider retailing their products with the PDO label to enhance the taste experience, perception, and purchase intention of consumers.

The popularity of ready-to-serve foods has increased in Indonesia, particularly among busy consumers with limited time for cooking at home. However, the consumption of ready-to-serve foods high in sugar, salt, and fat (SSF) has prompted concerns regarding their potential adverse health impacts when consumed excessively. The present study aimed to investigate consumers’ behavior and perception regarding the purchase of ready-to-serve foods and the practice of food producers in providing these products. The study employed a structured questionnaire involving 100 consumers selected based on purposive sampling. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with 80 ready-to-serve food producers across five Indonesian cities using a cross-sectional research design. The data analysis, conducted using binary logistics, yielded significant findings regarding the relationship between consumers’ income and their purchase decisions regarding ready-to-serve food. This study revealed that price (42%), taste (31%), and accessibility (23%) were the primary factors influencing consumers’ food choices. However, it also indicated that nutrition and health aspects received inadequate attention from consumers, which is a cause for concern. Concurrently, the producers who participated in this study indicated that they prioritize sanitation and hygiene (53.8%) in their food production, citing regulatory requirements as the primary driver of this practice. It is regrettable that the majority of the producers (92.5%) lacked information regarding the nutrition content of their products. Moreover, they did not actively contribute (2%-11%) to controlling SSF levels except to respond to consumers’ demands. These findings underscore the necessity for enhanced awareness campaigns and implementation strategies involving all stakeholders to promote healthier, ready-to-serve foods. The implications of these findings for future policy and practice are significant, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to nutrition education and labeling in the ready-to-serve food industry in Indonesia.

Nutrition label is one of the crucial tools that are highly recommended for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus T2DM. The aim of this study was to determine the association between food label awareness and their anthropometric and biochemical parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire included information regarding sociodemographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data. Study participants were recruited from T2DM patients in Diabetes Clinics in Madaba City and Al-Bashir Hospital in Amman. Results of the study indicated that food label awareness among T2DM patients were severely low within the score (2 out of 8) among Jordanian T2DM patients. Patients that practicing sports, smoking, having higher monthly incomes, and having higher educational levels, have shown a significant higher food labelling awareness. Body mass index (BMI) and females' waist circumference (WC) negatively correlated with food label awareness, while male WC was not correlated with food label awareness. Food label awareness was negatively correlated with high HbA1c and FBS (mean=8.84, 212.85, respectively) among T2DM patients. It was concluded from the study that Poor nutrition awareness be a barrier to diabetes control, thus the reinforcement of nutrition awareness is beneficial in understanding food labeling and guiding patients to choose healthier foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jenang ayas is ethnic food from Gresik, East Java, Indonesia. Recently, jenang ayas are still packaged using improvised packaging, and the information conveyed regarding the product is still lacking. Even though the label information on the packaging can attract consumers' attention in making purchases, packaging will not only serve to protect the product but also as a means of promotion to increase the selling value of the product and influence the customer purchase decision. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the influence of the jenang ayas label and packaging that affect the customer purchase decision. A quantitative method with a descriptive approach was adopted following 179 responses to the online questionnaire. The finding revealed that the independent variables (label and packaging of jenang ayas) positively affected the dependent variable (customer purchase decision) both partially and simultaneously. The influence of food labels was greater than the packaging, with a value of 0.200 compared to 0.119. Label information, especially the expiration date, becomes an important factor in the jenang ayas product based on consumer choice. This study result provides useful insight into strategies for producing jenang ayas as Gresik food souvenir products in the Asian business.

Food labels are low-cost, informational tools that can help curb the spread of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study described consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food labels in Jordan and explored the relationship between knowledge and attitude with comprehensive use of food labels. A cross-sectional, online survey assessed Jordanian adult consumers' ability to comprehend the nutritional contents of food labels (knowledge score), their attitudes towards food labels (attitude scale), and how frequently they used different parts of food labels (practice scale). Multivariate logistic regression models assessed predictors of comprehensive use of food labels. A total of 939 adults participated in the study. Total mean scores for the practice scale (14 questions), attitude scale (8 questions), and knowledge score (4 questions) were 49.50 (SD, 11.36; min, 5; max, 70), 29.70 (SD, 5.23; min, 5; max, 40), and 1.39 (SD, 1.33; min, 0; max, 4), respectively. Comprehensive users of food labels (26.4%) were more likely female, responsible for grocery shopping, and had higher mean knowledge and attitude scores. Jordanian consumers seem to have good practices and attitudes related to food label use but suboptimal knowledge regarding content. Future interventions should focus more on enhancing knowledge and awareness related to food labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption and availability of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases, have increased in most countries. While many countries have or are planning to incorporate UPF recommendations in their national dietary guidelines, the classification of food processing levels relies on expertise-based manual categorization, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Our study utilized transformer-based language models to automate the classification of food processing levels according to the NOVA classification system in the Canada, Argentina, and US national food databases. We showed that fine-tuned language models using the ingredient list text found on food labels as inputs achieved a high overall accuracy (F1 score of 0.979) in predicting the food processing levels of Canadian food products, outperforming traditional machine learning models using structured nutrient data and bag-of-words. Most of the food categories reached a prediction accuracy of 0.98 using a fined-tuned language model, especially for predicting processed foods and ultra-processed foods. Our automation strategy was also effective and generalizable for classifying food products in the Argentina and US databases, providing a cost-effective approach for policymakers to monitor and regulate the UPFs in the global food supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare the classification of foods available in the Portuguese market using Nutri-Score and NOVA classifications and to analyse their ability to discriminate the fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt content of foods. A sample of 2682 food products was collected. The nutritional quality of foods was established using the Nutri-Score, classifying them into five categories (from A to E). The NOVA classification was used to classify foods according to the degree of food processing into unprocessed/minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods (UPF). The nutritional content of food products was classified using a Multiple Traffic Light label system. It was observed that 73.7% of UPF were classified as Nutri-Score C, D, and E, 10.1% as Nutri-Score A, and 16.2% as Nutri-Score B. Nutri-Score was positively correlated with NOVA classification (ρ = 0.140, p < 0.001) and with the Multiple Traffic Lights system (ρTotal Fat = 0.572, ρSaturated Fat = 0.668, ρSugar = 0.215, ρSalt = 0.321, p < 0.001). NOVA classification negatively correlated with the Multiple Traffic Lights system for total fat (ρ = −0.064, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate the presence of many UPFs in all Nutri-Score categories. Since food processing and nutritional quality are complementary, both should be considered in labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate food labelling is of utmost importance for fair trade and empowering consumers to make knowledgeable choices. Quantitative assessment of the meats is one of the most important factors in authentication of this meat product. Therefore, the purpose of this research was the efficiency of the stereological method for detection of the percentage of meat used in raw (Hamburger) and heat-treated (Sausage) meat products. In this study, three samples of beef burger (containing 30, 60 and 90 % meat) and sausage (containing 40, 60 and 90 % meat) were prepared. Each sample was flattened, and then fractionator sampling using a perforated plate as a cutting guide was used for getting systematic uniform random blocks. Totally, 12 blocks were taken from each sample. Each block was fixed in 10 % neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin. The obtained samples, after preparation of tissue sections and staining using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), were studied by a light microscope. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical method and t-test was used to compare significance difference between groups. Stereological analysis showed that the estimated meat percentages in beef burger in different percentages (30, 60 and 90%) did not have a significant difference with the real percentages of meat. In the case of sausage, there was significant difference between the estimated meat percentages and the real percentages of meat in different samples of sausage. Stereology method can be a suitable complementary method to detect the amount of meat used in raw meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most challenging part of diabetes management for a patient with diabetes is selecting a healthy diet. The purpose of this study is to evaluate participants’ knowledge of food labels, to find out the relationship between the type of diabetes mellitus (DM) and knowledge score of food labels, and to explore the barriers that prevent patients from reading food labels. Methodology: This observational study was conducted on patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted at diabetes clinics at King Khalid University Hospital and King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2019 to February 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: A total of 310 participants were enrolled in this study, of which 50.3% had type 1 DM, and more than half of them were female (51.6%). Patients with type 1 DM had higher mean declarative and applied knowledge scores than those with type 2 DM, regardless of whether they were taking pre meals insulin or not. The highest proportion (39.9%) had difficulty in understanding the content of the nutrition labels, and some of them (37.2%) did not receive any educational session about it. Only 9.5% of the participants did not have any difficulties in reading food labels. Conclusion: Patients with both types of diabetes tended to have poor total knowledge about food labels and faced difficulties in reading them. Provided educational sessions by primary health care and specialized physician and DM educator about food labels are recommended to help them to choose food properly.

Food manufacturers communicate with their consumers via food labels, information, and advertisement. Therefore, manufacturers are obliged to pay great attention to these elements. When it comes to information , emphasis is placed on the composition of the product, quantity, shelf life, product origin and characteristics , identity and property. Through a survey conducted among students, the paper aims to assess the level of familiarity among younger demographic with nutritional and health information on food labels and explore their perspectives on these declarations. The study involved the active participation of 262 students. The role of the label on the consumer food product is to convey information about the given product. Using various domestic and foreign literary sources, a questionnaire has been created and survey research was conducted. The obtained results were statistically processed, using descriptive statistics. The goal of the paper is to show the degree of awareness among students regarding the importance of the directives defined by the Regulation on Food labeling, marking, and advertising along with the Regulations pertaining to nutrition and health claims featured on food labels. The initial hypothesis of the research was that the respondents (students) were familiar with the nutrition and health claims on the food label. Based on the entire research and the obtained results, the initial hypothesis was not confirmed.

This study aimed to compare the level of processing (as assessed by the NOVA classification) and the nutritional quality (as assessed by nutrition values, Nutri-Score and NutrInform battery) of breakfast cereals currently on the Italian market. A total of 349 items were found, mostly belonging to the NOVA 4 group (66.5%) and to Nutri-Score C and A (40% and 30%, respectively). The NOVA 4 products showed the highest energy, total fat, saturates, and sugar content per 100 g and had the highest number of items with Nutri-Score C (49%) and D (22%). Conversely, NOVA 1 products had the highest content of fibre and protein, the lowest amounts of sugars and salt, and 82% of them were Nutri-Score A, while few Nutri-Score B and C were found. Differences were attenuated when products were compared for their NutrInform battery, with NOVA 4 items showing only slightly fuller batteries for saturated fats, sugar, and salt than NOVA 1 and NOVA 3 products. Overall, these results suggest that the NOVA classification partially overlaps with systems based on the nutritional quality of foods. The lower nutritional quality of NOVA 4 foods may at least partially explain the association found between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most challenging part of diabetes management for a patient with diabetes is selecting a healthy diet. The purpose of this study is to evaluate participants' knowledge of food labels, to find out the relationship between the type of diabetes mellitus (DM) and knowledge score of food labels, and to explore the barriers that prevent patients from reading food labels. Methodology: This observational study was conducted on patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted at diabetes clinics at King Khalid University Hospital and King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2019 to February 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: A total of 310 participants were enrolled in this study, of which 50.3% had type 1 DM, and more than half of them were female (51.6%). Patients with type 1 DM had higher mean declarative and applied knowledge scores than those with type 2 DM, regardless of whether they were taking pre meals insulin or not. The highest proportion (39.9%) had difficulty in understanding the content of the nutrition labels, and some of them (37.2%) did not receive any educational session about it. Only 9.5% of the participants did not have any difficulties in reading food labels. Conclusion: Patients with both types of diabetes tended to have poor total knowledge about food labels and faced difficulties in reading them. Provided educational sessions by primary health care and specialized physician and DM educator about food labels are recommended to help them to choose food properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of individuals towards food labels according to their nutrition consultancy. The study was performed as a survey model, and a total of 580 participants were sampled in two groups according to their nutrition counseling on adults, private nutrition and diet counseling centers in Konya, Turkey. The data were collected by obtaining a face-to-face interview method, consisting of five parts. Food label reading according to the duration of counseling differed (p

Today’s consumers are becoming more aware of what they consume and the implications that a proper diet can have for their health. This work aimed to understand how Lebanese people get information about foods, and which communication media they consider the most appropriate. Also, the attitudes toward food labelling were assessed. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken by means of a questionnaire survey on a sample of 258 Lebanese participants. Data analysis used statistical tools such as T-test and ANOVA with post hoc to test possible group differences or Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal scale reliability. The results showed that radio was the first choice as a media tool used by Lebanese people for gathering food information (29.1%), followed by hospitals (23.3%), and the participants also considered that these are the most appropriate means to communicate information (28.3 and 22.5%, respectively). Regarding the Lebanese behaviour on nutrition labelling, nearly half of the participants (44.6%) very frequently or always check the food labels but some showed no interest in the components and the fibres they contain. Reliability analysis showed that the items used to assess the food labelling scale have a very high internal consistency (α = 0.847). So, the Lebanese people tend to rely on radio for information about food and the labels are considered as important source of information as well. Nevertheless, Lebanese don’t consult the nutritional composition as often as desirable in order to adjust their purchases or compare to different items, aimed at healthier food choices. So in order to inform Lebanese people about related food rich in fibres and to instigate their purchasing intentions, the producing companies must rely on marketing campaigns through radio and on labels not just the information in nutritional composition.

Food allergies have increased in prevalence over the last few decades and continue to grow. Consumption of even trace amounts of common foods can cause a rapid allergic reaction (generally within minutes) which can be mild to severe to even life-threatening. Eating at restaurants poses a risk of allergic reactions for those with food allergies due to inadequate, inconsistent labeling of allergens in foods. Here, we review food labeling rules and practices in the restaurant industry and compare and contrast it with food labeling for prepackaged foods. We review global and United States trends, and provide a brief historical overview. The paper describes the key legal and economic motivations behind restaurant food labeling. Next, we describe novel risk-driven policies and new biotechnologies that have the potential to change food labeling practices worldwide. Finally, we outline desirable federal regulations and voluntary information disclosures that would positively impact the public health aspects of restaurant food labeling and improve the quality of life for people with severe food allergies.

Sugar is one of the main ingredients in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs): a major contributor to added sugar intake in the diet. Excess consumption of added sugars can adversely affect human health mainly by contributing to non-communicable diseases. Information related to sugar content is usually declared on an SSB product in the section titled ingredients, nutrition information panel, non-addition claim and in front-of-pack labelling (FOPL). Various countries have implemented laws to disclose sugar-related information in SSBs. The aim of this research is to assess sugar labelling requirements for SSBs in Sri Lanka against international Codex standards and sugar labelling requirements in Australia. A doctrinal review was conducted based on legal related literatures. Both Sri Lankan and Australian legislations as well as Codex standards have provisions on ingredients and claims. FOPL is compulsory for Sri Lankan law for selected sugar sweetened beverages. FOPL is neither recommended by Codex currently nor made compulsory by Australian law; however, Australia does have a voluntary code in that regard. NIP, a compulsory requirement in codex standards is mandatory in Australian food label; whereas, it is not mandatory in Sri Lanka. Introducing legal provisions on nutrition information panel would not only align Sri Lankan law with international standards and jurisdictions but also contribute to the control of non-communicable diseases. Highlighting the sugar content raw in the NIP of SSB with ‘high sugar’ in red colour would further improve the expected outcome. Furthermore, more legal clarity will be achieved in Sri Lanka by adding definitions to terms ‘ingredient’ and ‘non-addition claim’.

By 2024, the European Commission will examine a new sustainable labeling framework. Here we describe the development of a new food product labeling system, named Mediterranean Index (Med Index), aimed at promoting adherence to the Mediterranean diet (healthy and sustainable nutritional pattern) by stimulating citizens to practice physical activity consistent with the energy intake of meals and encouraging producers to make healthier and more sustainable food products. It is characterized by the possibility of integrating 27 criteria addressing the issue of sustainable food production processes in the frame of three pillars: nutritional, environmental, and social sustainability. It is conceived as a holistic front-of-pack (FOP) label, complete and applicable by food producers as it is based on measurable criteria, widely shared by stakeholders, but usually adopted on an individual basis.

To reduce obesity and thus promote healthy food choices, front-of-pack (FOP) labels have been introduced. Though FOP labels help identify healthy foods, their impact on actual food choices is rather small. A newly developed so-called swipe task was used to investigate whether the type of label used (summary vs. nutrient-specific) had differential effects on different operationalizations of the "healthier choice" measure (e.g., calories and sugar). After learning about the product offerings of a small online store, observers (N = 354) could, by means of a swipe gesture, purchase the products they needed for a weekend with six people. Observers were randomly assigned to one of five conditions, two summary label conditions (Nutri-Score and HFL), two nutrient (sugar)-specific label conditions (manga and comic), or a control condition without a label. Unexpectedly, more products (+7.3 products)—albeit mostly healthy ones—and thus more calories (+1732 kcal) were purchased in the label conditions than in the control condition. Furthermore, the tested labels had different effects with respect to the different operationalizations (e.g., manga reduced sugar purchase). We argue that the additional green-labeled healthy products purchased (in label conditions) "compensate" for the purchase of red-labeled unhealthy products (see averaging bias and licensing effect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We describe a novel 4-day food microbiology laboratory learning module for a first-year, introductory undergraduate course. In the module, the students test the suitability of four different pH indicator dyes as freshness indicators for dairy products. The concepts of serial dilutions, microbial growth, microbial metabolism, pH as well as pKa, and basic microbial laboratory practices are a part of the designed activity. It is a relatively inexpensive module and can be executed with little infrastructural support. It can be delivered as a stand-alone structured inquiry. The associated variables and applications indicate that the activity can perhaps be developed into a more elaborate course-based undergraduate research experience, or CURE.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the most consumed school snacks using the free listing and understand how marketing strategies on food labels influenced children's perceptions of snacks via focus groups.DesignThe study design involved free lists and semi-structured focus group interviews.SettingSão Paulo, Brazil.ParticipantsA total of 69 children were involved in this study.Phenomenon of InterestChildren's perceptions of food labels.AnalysisFood groups mentioned on the free lists were analyzed for their frequency and priority of occurrence. The focus groups were analyzed through content analysis.ResultsJuices and chips were the most salient snacks, with availability and flavor as reasons for their consumption. Children found images on labels appealing, which created a desire for the food, although could be deceptive. Snacks perceived as healthy were encouraged by parents, and children could more easily convince them to buy snacks with health claims. Colors and brands were important to catch children's attention and make the snack recognizable. Television commercials and mascots reinforced marketing strategies on labels.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results point to the need for public health strategies to deal with the obesity epidemic through creating and implementing specific legislation to regulate food labels to discourage the consumption of unhealthy snacks and prohibit food marketing targeted at children.

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The environmental impact of the production and consumption of food is seldom depicted to consumers. The footprint of food products provides a means for consumers to compare environmental impacts across and within product groups. In this study we apply carbon, nitrogen, and water footprints in tandem and present food labels that could help inform consumers about the environmental impacts of individual food products. The footprint factors used in this study are specific to the United States, but the concept can be applied elsewhere. We propose three methods of footprint calculations: footprint weight, sustainability measures, and % daily value. We apply the three footprint calculation methods to four example labels (stars label, stoplight label, nutrition label add-on, and a detailed comparison label) that vary in design and the amount of detail provided. The stars label is simple and easily understood but provides minimal detail about the footprints. At the other end of the spectrum, the detailed comparison label gives context in relative terms (e.g., carbon emissions for equivalent distance driven) for the food product. Implementing environmental impact food labels requires additional understanding of how consumers use footprint labels, and label suitability may vary for government organizations, retail and local grocers, and farmers.

The environmental impact of the production and consumption of food is seldom depicted to consumers. The footprint of food products provides a means for consumers to compare environmental impacts across and within product groups. In this study we apply carbon, nitrogen, and water footprints in tandem and present food labels that could help inform consumers about the environmental impacts of individual food products. The footprint factors used in this study are specific to the United States, but the concept can be applied elsewhere. We propose three methods of footprint calculations: footprint weight, sustainability measures, and % daily value. We apply the three footprint calculation methods to four example labels (stars label, stoplight label, nutrition label add-on, and a detailed comparison label) that vary in design and the amount of detail provided. The stars label is simple and easily understood but provides minimal detail about the footprints. At the other end of the spectrum, the detailed comparison label gives context in relative terms (e.g., carbon emissions for equivalent distance driven) for the food product. Implementing environmental impact food labels requires additional understanding of how consumers use footprint labels, and label suitability may vary for government organizations, retail and local grocers, and farmers.

The study aimed to evaluate consumers' perception of self-service foods' nutrition labels. This qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed with potential consumers at food services. Four food labeling formats, traditional, simplified, traffic-light, and warning, were proposed to evaluate three types of sandwiches: simple, chicken, and hamburger. Data were collected via an online survey from April to May 2020. The study included 413 subjects. The respondents preferred the traffic-light format, but there was a good understanding and acceptability of all four models. The traffic-light and warning nutrition labeling models, which showed health warnings, led to a reduction in the choice of the Simple Sandwich and the Hamburger. Most respondents (96.1%, n = 397) agreed that it is necessary to complement the information on food labels with ingredients and the number of calories per serving. Therefore, it is essential to have legislation regulating such issues. Consumers' choices improved with the increase in the information placed on the products. This research demonstrated that nutrition labels explain what exists currently and that consumers require such information. Thus, food labeling may positively influence consumers' choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that food labelling could significantly affect consumer purchasing behaviour. Aim: To identify the profile of the consumer regarding the knowledge about food additives and reading food labels. Materials and methods: Prospective cross-sectional study for a period of 7 months (September 2020- March 2021), using convenience sampling. The research was based on the application of a structured online questionnaire developed on the basis of questionnaires used (successfully) in other similar studies. This questionnaire was designed online using the Google Forms platform, and was distributed through applications and social networks such as: (WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups). Results: The total number who met the inclusion criteria in this study was n = 611 respondents, of whom 12% (n=75) were males and 88% (n=536) were females. Respondents with a low educational level do not know enough information about food additives (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.12-3.9, p <.05), read the label only when buying a product for the first time (OR = 0.41, 95IC: 0.26 -9.82, p <.01), when reading the label to check only the expiration date (OR = 6.43, 95% CI: 2.74-15.02, p <.001) and for these people the information on the label is difficult to understand (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.6-468, p <.01). For respondents with income <1500 lei, the information on the label is difficult to understand (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.24-3.16, p <.05), and they also do not read the food label (OR = 11.39, 95% CI: 2.44-47.3, p <.001). Conclusion: The profile of the consumer who does not read the food label is: people with low educational level, low monthly income and age under 35 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many food safety issues have arisen in Taiwan during the past decade. Therefore, in 2016, the Taiwan government proposed the “five rings of food safety” policy to comprehensively protect consumer food supply. Among these policies, the “4- labels-1-Q” approach was adopted to ensure the selection of foods with traceable labels for retrospective study. Hence, this study investigated the association between the degree of familiarity with the 4-labels-1-Q food traceability system and risk perceptions and also investigated whether a consumer’s purchase intention toward fresh foods with food labels changed after viewing an educational film on food labels. This study defined subjects as the main food purchasers for their families; 290 valid questionnaire interviews were administered and educational films shown in Tainan markets and stores. Results showed that knowledge about labels significantly affected risk perception for labeling. Age, educational level, and degree of risk perception influenced purchase intention. Results also showed that after viewing the video, subjects’ label knowledge and purchase intention increased significantly. However, after adjustment for age, educational level, income, and purchase places, the effect of film education on risk perception was insignificant, especially for those who had lower educational levels, including those older than 65 years. Public trust can be boosted through label education among age groups using different channels and methods, and encouraging the sale of labeled foods in traditional markets would be a useful strategy. Age, educational level, income, and risk perception of participants significantly affected purchase intention. This study can be a reference for designing risk communication strategies and promoting traceable agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today’s consumers are becoming more aware of what they consume and the implications that a proper diet can have for their health. This work aimed to understand how Lebanese people get information about foods, and which communication media they consider the most appropriate. Also, the attitudes toward food labelling were assessed. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken by means of a questionnaire survey on a sample of 258 Lebanese participants. Data analysis used statistical tools such as T-test and ANOVA with post hoc to test possible group differences or Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal scale reliability. The results showed that radio was the first choice as a media tool used by Lebanese people for gathering food information (29.1%), followed by hospitals (23.3%), and the participants also considered that these are the most appropriate means to communicate information (28.3 and 22.5%, respectively). Regarding the Lebanese behaviour on nutrition labelling, nearly half of the participants (44.6%) very frequently or always check the food labels but some showed no interest in the components and the fibres they contain. Reliability analysis showed that the items used to assess the food labelling scale have a very high internal consistency (α = 0.847). So, the Lebanese people tend to rely on radio for information about food and the labels are considered as important source of information as well. Nevertheless, Lebanese don’t consult the nutritional composition as often as desirable in order to adjust their purchases or compare to different items, aimed at healthier food choices. So in order to inform Lebanese people about related food rich in fibres and to instigate their purchasing intentions, the producing companies must rely on marketing campaigns through radio and on labels not just the information in nutritional composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Claims on labels are one of major marketing strategies in the food industry. Health of consumers may be affected by inaccurate and misleading claims and therefore, such claims need to be regulated by state legislation. The Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations, 2005 made under the Food Act of 1980 is the main law governing food labelling claims in Sri Lanka. This study is a desk review which analyses the relevant regulations in the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations, 2005. The study further critiques the existing regulations and compares with international standards (Codex Alimentarius) and regulations in developed countries such as Australia which have a broad local and international food market with modern technology. The objective of the study is to identify the scope of the ‘claim’ and its current legislative pitfalls under the existing Sri Lankan legal domain together with its permeability and restrictions. This study finds that the regulations on claims are not precisely structured and less strong in Sri Lanka. The scope of the definition of ‘claim’ is vague. Only limited types of claims are stated within the legislation and are often wrongly classified. Certain claim types are not defined at all in the Sri Lankan regulations. Therefore, this study suggests that in order to improve public health, future amendments to the existing regulations are necessary with broader, stronger and clear regulations.

Objective To investigate the current status of allergen claims in the label of prepackaged foods in China, and to provide suggestions for the revision of the General Rules for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods. Methods Sampling or photographing was performed in large and medium-sized supermarkets across the country, allergen claims information on pre-packaged food were collected, various food allergen claims were analyzed. Results A total of 8 694 samples were included. The overall identification rate of allergen claims was 21.58% (1 876/8 694). The percentage of foods containing allergens claims in bakery foods was the highest (65.73%, 468/712). Among the allergens, the highest rate of claims was milk and dairy (17.09%, 1 486/8 694). The most frequent claims were "may contain", "this streamline also produces", "this processing equipment also produces", and "this plant also processes" which indicated the presence of cross-contaminations, and those claims were mainly in bakery foods, puffed foods, grains and their products. Conclusion There were many types of food allergens in pre-packaged foods in China. The use of allergen claim was not standardized, and their were too many cross-contamination claims. In general, allergen claims were widely used in food products and should become the focus of allergens management in China.

Having a holistic understanding of research on well-being messaging for milk is vital to allow the optimal communication of the association between milk consumption and various nutritional, physical, and psychological benefits to the consumer. This work is a unique interdisciplinary, scoping review of existing research on well-being messaging for milk. Well-being messages are ways to communicate the broad well-being benefits of specific products to the consumer through information on food content or statements that link a product with favourable components, functions, or well-being outcomes. Leveraging this broad definition, and by proposing a guiding theoretical model that considers well-being messaging as a form of communication, milk well-being messaging literature has been mapped across time, geographical locations, disciplines, and product types. Two hundred forty-six were records included in this review, of which 177 were empirical studies. Studies were disseminated between 1954 and 2019, with 54.9% published after 2011. Food, Agriculture, and Biological Sciences (N = 109), Nutrition and Dietetics (N = 78), and Medicine, Public Health, and Health Professions (N = 69) disciplines have attracted the most publications, with numbers generally increasing in most recent years. The majority of included non-empirical records (69.6%) provide lists of commercially available products carrying well-being messaging and/or regulations on the use of particular well-being messages for milk according to various legislative authorities. Most of the empirical studies were conducted in North America (N = 71), West Europe (N = 52), and Oceania (N = 22), and on plain (i.e., unflavoured) milk (N = 152). Whereas, most studied elements of well-being messaging for milk across time, i.e., message (N = 169), product (N = 141), receiver (N = 101), and context (N = 72) have seen an increasing number of studies in recent years; sender (N = 51) and medium (N = 27) have been even less studied in the past four years. A more detailed analysis of research trends in each element of well-being messaging is reported. The research highlights immediate and strategic knowledge gaps that need further attention from researchers and/or policymakers in order to improve the “messaging” of well-being benefits of milk consumption to the consumer.

Attitudes and knowledge regarding the food environment and purchasing behaviour are drivers or hindrances toward a healthier lifestyle. A questionnaire-based study on consumers' knowledge about food and health and main drivers for food purchasing was applied to a group of Romanians and results were compared with those from a similar study carried about 10 years ago. Respondents seem to be more aware of some environmental and ecological problems (deforestation, global warming, etc), about the importance of bioproducts consumption, and regarding the link between food products and health. Still, the nutritional part of the food label is underused. The main reasons for selecting food are the same as in 2011, but with the greater interest paid to food related health aspects and taste. The perceived trust in food safety remains low. The consumers' amount of knowledge regarding food increased, food being perceived more as a useful adjuvant for health maintenance and an energy booster. Ten years after, some positive changes have been noticed in a group of Romanian citizens. Efforts have to continue in order to put a greater accent on the link between health, food, and purchasing behaviour. Education policies at local and European level have to guide consumers' choices so that the impact of food consumption becomes a sanogenic and sustainable one, both on people, and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate consumers’ perception of self-service foods’ nutrition labels. This qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed with potential consumers at food services. Four food labeling formats, traditional, simplified, traffic-light, and warning, were proposed to evaluate three types of sandwiches: simple, chicken, and hamburger. Data were collected via an online survey from April to May 2020. The study included 413 subjects. The respondents preferred the traffic-light format, but there was a good understanding and acceptability of all four models. The traffic-light and warning nutrition labeling models, which showed health warnings, led to a reduction in the choice of the Simple Sandwich and the Hamburger. Most respondents (96.1%, n = 397) agreed that it is necessary to complement the information on food labels with ingredients and the number of calories per serving. Therefore, it is essential to have legislation regulating such issues. Consumers’ choices improved with the increase in the information placed on the products. This research demonstrated that nutrition labels explain what exists currently and that consumers require such information. Thus, food labeling may positively influence consumers’ choices.

Background and purpose: Labelling is a communication tool between the manufacturer/ distributor and customer which includes all optional and mandatory information about a product. Awareness and education are the primary steps in forming a positive attitude toward food labels. The purpose of this study was structural equation modeling in awareness and attitude of consumers about food labels in Sari, north of Iran. Materials and methods: This survey research was performed in 2019. The research population included all food consumers in Sari, of whom 167 were selected as the study sample based on Cochran's formula. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. According to the average variance extracted (0.501 >AVE< 0.621) and composite reliability (0.823 >CR < 0.941), the questionnaire had a convergent validity and appropriate reliability. SPSS V16 and SmartPLS 2.0.M3 were used to analyze the data. Results: The study showed that characteristics of the products and food labels, and consumer’s age, and educational level had significant effects on their awareness of food labeling (P<0.01). The awareness of the consumers about food labels and consumer’s age were found to significantly influence their attitude toward food labels (P<0.01). Conclusion: Efforts should be done to increase consumers awareness about food labeling which consequently improves their ability to interpret food labels and their attitude towards food labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Increased public knowledge concerning roles of nutrition in prevention of noncommunicable diseases have urged people to select healthy foods. The aim of this study was to investigate levels of understanding and use of food labeling systems and their determinants by medical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study on medical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 2018, 240 medical students were participated using stratified random sampling method. During the study, participants were asked about their use of nutritional value panel, ingredient list and serving size information of the food labels. To assess understanding levels of the food labeling, subjective and objective methods were used. Results: Based on the findings, 41.2% of the participants always/most often read food labels when purchasing foods, while 34.2% of them read food labels occasionally. The most common reason for non-using food labels included lack of time to read the food labels (40.8%). A relative majority of the participants (42.5%) occasionally used food labels for diet planning. A majority of the participants (74.6%) reported that they somewhat were aware of food label information. Moreover, 70 to 90.4% of the participants chose the right label as the healthiest from three pairs of labels. Understanding and use of food labels were higher in females than males (p = 0.046 and p = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions: Less than half of the medical students always/most often used food label information when buying food products. Further studies on other populations are needed to suggest recommendations for an effectual food labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in relative level of education and the growing middle-class income earners in Nigeria have made packaged food items attractive to consumers. These foods provide handy, nutritious and convenient food for consumers; however, they also come with public health concerns. From a policy perspective, food labelling can gauge consumers’ response to the safety conditions of packaged food. However, understanding consumers’ awareness and the use of food label information has attracted little research attention in many developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigated consumers’ awareness of the use of food safety labels in Lagos state, Nigeria. We used primary data collected using pretested structured questionnaire from 220 food shoppers who bought pre-packaged foods. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Consumers’ awareness and use of food safety information was revealed using descriptive statistics; Ordinal Regression Analysis was used to examine the socioeconomic factors determining the frequency of reading food safety labels. We found evidence of the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on how consumers read food labels. The study therefore recommends that there should be continuous awareness campaigns on the importance of food labels in ensuring safety and food producers should make sure their food labels are legible.

The increase in relative level of education and the growing middle-class income earners in Nigeria have made packaged food items attractive to consumers. These foods provide handy, nutritious and convenient food for consumers; however, they also come with public health concerns. From a policy perspective, food labelling can gauge consumers' response to the safety conditions of packaged food. However, understanding consumers' awareness and the use of food label information has attracted little research attention in many developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigate consumers' awareness of the use of food safety labels in Lagos state, Nigeria. We used primary data collected using pretested structured questionnaire from 220 food shoppers who bought pre-packaged foods. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Consumers' awareness and use of food safety information was revealed using descriptive statistics; Ordinal Regression Analysis was used to examine the socioeconomic factors determining the frequency of reading food safety labels. The study therefore recommends that there should be continuous awareness campaigns on the importance of food labels in ensuring safety and food producers should make sure their food labels are legible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The perception that consumers in low Income Countries have poor knowledge and understanding of food or nutrition labels and, therefore, do not rely on them at the point of purchase is rife. This study was aimed at assessing consumer knowledge and understanding and its influence on food label usage in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed and mainly literate adults aged 15 to 60 years were conveniently selected and interviewed at various points-of-purchase including supermarkets, provision shops and other trading outlets. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows (version 19.0). Percentages were calculated and reported for descriptive statistics whilst chi-square tests of significance and regression analysis were employed to measure relationships between variables. Statistically significant differences were accepted at p<0.05. Out of the 384 consumers interviewed, 98.4% (n=378) were aware of food labels, yet, only 66.7 % (n=256) claimed they understood the labels. A large proportion (95.8%) also claimed they checked but just about 51.9% said they did so "always". Most (89.3%) claimed they are influenced by key factors on the labels with the level of influence being highest with nutrition content, followed by expiry date, health-claim, price and advertisement respectively. However, at the point-of-purchase most (79.4) revealed they looked out for expiry date. Socio-demographic characteristics including gender (p=0.009), age (p=0.017), occupation (p=0.042), educational level (p=0.022) and income (p=0.051) were significantly associated with consumers' understanding of the labels, with gender remaining the only significant predictor. Furthermore, age (p=0.054), occupation (p=0.0.007) and educational level (p<0.001) showed significant associations with food label usage. Education level (Tertiary) emerged the only significant predictor of food label usage. The level of knowledge and use of nutrition information on food packages among predominantly literate consumers in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana can be compared to that of consumers in other parts of the world. These results may inform the need for developing an approach towards future information and education strategies for health professionals and other stakeholders interested in consumer awareness activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Alergia alimentar é uma reação adversa à saúde, cujas manifestações clínicas podem levar o indivíduo a óbito. Dentre os diversos alimentos que podem ser fonte de alergênicos, pode-se destacar o chocolate. Dependendo da composição, o chocolate pode acumular um grande número de ingredientes alergênicos, potencializando os riscos associados ao seu consumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a rotulagem de chocolates frente à legislação brasileira RDC n.º 26/2015. Os chocolates foram separados em oito categorias, sendo avaliados 139 rótulos. A declaração para alergênico não foi encontrada em 11% dos rótulos, mesmo havendo ingredientes com obrigatoriedade de declaração. As categorias: “chocolate a base de soja” e “confeitos” representaram 40% e 33% dos rótulos não declarados, respectivamente. Pelo menos uma não conformidade frente à RDC n.º 26/2015 foi encontrada em 53% dos rótulos de chocolate, cujas categorias “chocolate diet/light/zero ” e “confeitos” apresentaram não conformidade em 100% e 50% dos rótulos, respectivamente. A declaração em “ local encoberto, de difícil visualização e/ou no lacre/torção ” foi a não conformidade mais recorrente (21% dos rótulos). A legislação deveria ser suficiente para promover um alinhamento na comunicação entre a indústria e o consumidor. Porém, observa-se que a adesão às regras de rotulagem para alergênicos ainda não é completa, mesmo depois de encerrado o período para adequações.

Objective: Studies have shown that the consumption of added sugars may be associated with harmful health effects. The present study investigated the presence and types of added sugars in packaged foods. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the presence and types of added sugars in the ingredients lists of packaged foods sold in a major Brazilian supermarket. The nomenclature of ingredients classified as added sugars and their frequency were identified. Data were organised and analysed through descriptive statistics: absolute and relative frequencies of the presence of added sugars categorised by food groups were calculated, and ingredients were analysed by text mining using R statistical environment. Setting: A supermarket in Florianópolis, a metropolis in southern Brazil. Subjects: Packaged food products (n 4539) classified into eight groups. Results: Of the 4539 products, 71 % had some type of added sugar. The group with the highest frequency of added sugars was 'products in which carbohydrates and fats are the main energy source' (93 %). Food groups containing predominantly salty foods had a high frequency of added sugars, such as 'meats and eggs' (61 %). In total, 179 different terms for added sugars were identified, of which sugar, maltodextrin and glucose syrup were the most frequent. Conclusions: Most of the packaged foods sold in Brazil contain added sugars, which may hamper adherence to the recommendation of limiting added sugars intake. The data may be useful for monitoring tendencies in the use of added sugars in packaged foods and as supplementary information to support the improvement of food label regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: By clearly conveying the healthiness of a food, front-of-pack (FOP) labels have the potential to influence the portion size considered appropriate for consumption. The present study examined the how the Daily Intake Guide (DIG), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL) and Health Star Rating (HSR) FOP labels affect judgements of appropriate portion sizes of unhealthy foods compared with when no FOP label is present.Design: Respondents viewed mock packages of unhealthy variations of pizzas, cookies, yoghurts and cornflakes featuring the DIG, MTL, HSR or no FOP label, and indicated the portion size they believed should be eaten of each food on a single occasion.Setting: The survey was completed on the respondent's personal computer.Subjects: A total of 1505 Australian adults provided 4166 ratings across 192 mock packages relating to four product categories: pizza, yoghurt, cornflakes and cookies.Results: Compared with no FOP label, the HSR resulted in a small but significant reduction in the portion size selected as appropriate for consumption of pizzas and cornflakes (P<0·05). The MTL resulted in smaller portions of cornflakes being selected compared with no FOP label (P<0·05).Conclusions: Respondents perceived smaller portion sizes as appropriate for some, but not all, of the foods tested when FOP labels with more interpretative formats (HSR, MTL) appeared on-pack compared with no FOP label. No effect was found for the less interpretive FOP label (the DIG). Interpretive FOP labels may have the potential to influence portion size judgements, albeit at modest levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]