Search

The secondary shelf life (SSL) is defined as the time after package opening during which the food product retains a required level of quality. The SSL, indicated in labels as “best if used within x days after opening”, could lead to domestic food waste if not correctly evaluated. In this context, the SSL of two brands of industrial shelf-stable pesto products (with an indicated SSL of 5 days) was studied through a domestic use simulation performed in five households under two scenarios simulating real opening and storage conditions. The quality of pesto after opening was assessed through microbiological and sensory analyses, determination of instrumental colour parameters, pH and volatiles profiling. For both pesto sauces tested, a SSL ≥ 20 days was proven. Irrespective of the intensity of use (scenarios 1 and 2), the pesto was microbiologically stable: the maximum count for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TMB) observed during 20 days of storage was 9.64 ± 1.7 × 102 CFU/g, starting from a commercially stable product. Colour parameters L* and ΔE did not change significantly during storage (p &gt, 0.05), while the a* and BI values significantly changed (p &lt, 0.05) during the first 5 days, and then stabilized during the rest of the household storage. Nevertheless, the slight colour modifications were not perceived by the sensory panel. Moreover, sensory assessors were not able to discern pesto samples stored for up to 20 days after first opening, from a just-opened reference sample, proving that the sensory appreciation of pesto was not influenced by the time after opening. The results of this study suggest the possibility to significantly extend or even omit the SSL indications for industrial pesto sauces. The objective assessment of SSL could have impressive practical outcomes both for the industry and the end user. The elongation of the SSL on the food label might increase food sustainability, thanks to the potential reduction of food wastes, thus giving added value to the commercial products. In addition, the end user could benefit the increase of the useful period for the food consumption after first opening, with significant domestic food waste reduction, reduced household stock turnover and consequent cost savings.

Food security among migrants and refugees remains an international public health issue. However, research among ethnic minorities in Australia is relatively low. This study explored the factors that influence the understanding of food labelling and food insecurity among Libyan migrants in Australia. An online survey was completed by 271 Libyan migrant families. Data collection included the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module (for food security) and a question from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Consumer Label Survey (for food labelling comprehension). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was utilised to identify the predictors of food label comprehension and food security. Food insecurity prevalence was 72.7% (n = 196) while 35.8% of families (n = 97) reported limited food label understanding. Household size, food store location, and food affordability were found to be significantly related to food insecurity. However, gender, private health insurance, household annual income, education, and food store type and location were found to be significantly related to food labelling comprehension. Despite the population’s high educational status and food labelling comprehension level, food insecurity remained an issue among the Libyan migrants. Policy makers should consider the incorporation of food label comprehension within a broader food security approach for migrants.

Background: Use of food labels can help consumers to make informed choices on foods they purchase which could have beneficial role in protection from obesity and diet related chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate food label use in the Palestinian society along with related factors. Methods: Electronic survey was distributed on social media platforms to Palestinian society in West Bank, Gaza, and other places of Palestinian communities’ presence. The survey collected data on demographic variable, obesity, chronic disease history and nutritional deficiencies. In addition to food label use information. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 21 software. Results: We included 271 participants in our study, mean age of our study group was 25.6±10 y, mainly females. Obesity was present in 24.4% of the study group, whereas 42.8% reported they were not satisfied with their current weight and 49.4% reported they attempted to lose weight. The prevalence of label use in our study group was 61.6%. Majority of label users obtained information on amount of calories, serving size, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals content. Very few obtained information on sodium, saturated fat and transfat in food product. Food label use was significantly related to age (p

Food safety is an important issue in the whole processes of food utilization and appropriate labelling is very fundamental in guiding consumers’ decisions. This research was carried out to determine perception of consumers on usefulness of food labels, analyse the factors influencing their perception and determine the factors influencing utilization food labels in their food purchasing decisions. The respondents were randomly sampled and interviewed with structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression and Probit regression model. Majority of the respondents (56%) were older than 23 years and female (65%). Also, many of the respondents were checking for labels on vegetable oil (54%), eggs (48%), milk (56%) and bread (70%). Majority of the respondents were interested in the expiry dates of vegetable oil (66%), eggs (83%), milk (85%) and bread (86%). Time constraint (32%) and uncertainty about the accuracy of the information (33%) were highlighted as constraints to food label utilization. Perception of importance of food labels was influenced significantly (p

The development and expansion of ecenomy especially in the sector of nasional industry and trading have been produce all kinds of goods snd services that can be consumend. That condition makes the position of consumer and producer aren’t balance. The main factor which being weakness for consumer is the consciousness bout their right are still low. One of the rights for consumer is information roghts, it forms food label but there are still can be found products from home industries food label in food in fact. That purpose from this research is know legal protection for the consumer againts unlable home industry’s food product and responbillity from producer unlabel home industry’s food. The research uses normative law receach. The writer uses legislation nd concept approach. The law data taken from primary, secondary, tertiary law. It will be analyzed a prescriptive that extend argumentation of the result as the writer did the research. From the research, it can be conclude that the legal protection for consumer about home i dustries food product which have not label that is preventive legal protection. Sanction related to food labeling only administrative sanction

Objective:To assess the associations among eating behaviour traits, food label use and diet quality and to evaluate if the association between eating behaviour traits and diet quality is mediated by food label use.Design:Eating behaviour traits were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), the Restraint Scale and the Intuitive Eating Scale, whereas food label use was measured with the Label Reading Survey. Diet quality (Canadian Healthy Eating Index) was assessed with an FFQ.Setting:Cross-sectional study.Participants:Adults (n 385; mean (sd): BMI = 26·0 (4·9) kg/m2, age = 41·1 (15·0) years) involved in two previous experimental studies.Results:When controlling for potential covariates, general food label use (β = 1·18 (se 0·26), P < 0·0001) was the main determinant of diet quality, explaining 6·7 % of its variance. General food label use partly mediated the association between TFEQ-cognitive restraint and diet quality; the indirect effect (βindirect (se); 95 % CI) was stronger in men (0·32 (0·10); 0·15, 0·55) than women (0·16 (0·05); 0·08, 0·27). General food label use also partly mediated the negative association between unconditional permission to eat and diet quality; the indirect effect (βindirect (se); 95 % CI) was also stronger in men (−1·88 (0·55); −3·11, −0·96) than women (−1·03 (0·33); −1·81, −0·49).Conclusions:General food label use was the main determinant of diet quality and partly mediated the association between eating behaviour traits and diet quality. The stronger mediating effect observed in men suggests they rely more on food labelling when attempting to restrained themselves, which translates into better diet quality.

Convenient caffeine sources include energy drinks that are increasing in popularity among recreational and professional athletes, military personnel, young adults, and other consumers seeking ‘’energy boosters’’. Since energy drinks are a relatively concentrated source of caffeine, there is a risk of missing individually targeted caffeine intake or risk of inadvertently high intake with adverse effects. Therefore, the accuracy of declared caffeine content of energy drinks is highly important, especially from a consumer point. The purpose of this study was to determine caffeine content of 15 beverages available on the Croatian market and compare the analytical with the declared value. Caffeine was determined by high performance liquid chromatography technique with photodiode-array detection (HPLC-PDA). In 5 of total 15 products, a higher caffeine content was determined in average of 3.01 % than the one declared, resulting with increased intake of 4.75 mg caffeine/serving. In another 10 analysed products the content of caffeine was lower in average of 5.33 % (4.79 mg caffeine/serving) in compare to the one declared. Therefore, only with accurate information about the caffeine content in energy drinks may consumers and clinicians be assured of safe usage.

Poor diet, resulting from high intake of ultra-processed packaged foods, is increasingly recognised as a key contributing factor to ill health. Food labels provide information on the nutritional content of packaged foods to consumers, which may influence consumption of nutrients such as energy, fat, saturated fat, trans-fats, sodium and added sugars. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for the association between use of food labels and dietary intake. The systematic search was conducted in August 2017 using six databases, with 6325 results. Twenty-six studies were included, including cross-sectional studies (n = 20), a cohort study (n = 1) and randomised controlled trials (n = 5). Studies were assessed using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. Results were inconsistent in reporting a relationship between diet and food label use but indicated that reading the nutrition facts label is associated with healthier diets, measured by food frequency questionnaires and 24 h recalls. However, there is insufficient research on the association between dietary consumption and use of ingredients lists, serving size information and front-of-pack labels. Using health-related claims may be associated with poor diets, however evidence is inconclusive. Apart from health-related claims, using food labels is associated with healthier diets and should continue to be promoted through policies and education programs. Further research in this area is warranted to provide additional information on the impact of ingredients lists, serving sizes, front-of-pack labels and health-related claims on dietary intake.

Nowadays, consumers expect to be sure that a food product complies with its label and demand further information regarding the geographical origin of the product. Beverages are among the most likely foods to be the target of food fraud. Adulteration through practices including, among the others, mixing or substituting the original material with other materials or useless parts of the same materials, which do not conform to the official standards and the food label, originate non-authentic beverages. For the determination of beverage authenticity, chemical, biomolecular and isotopic approaches could be applied depending on the level in the structure of the matter for obtaining the target information. This review highlights the recent key studies and related analytical approaches on authentication of beverages including fruit juices, coffee and tea, and wine and other alcoholic beverages.

We consider how a marketer of a GM food product should price it in response to the requirement of GMO food label in the near future and its effect on consumers’ heterogenous attitude. We examine how the GM food pricing is affected by different consumer attitudes toward GM-food (Like, Uninformed, and Dislike), the GMO food labelling to be enforced, and price competition. On the one hand, the GM food seller should expect to raise price after the GMO food labelling to cover the additional cost incurred on labelling. On the other hand, the seller may need to reduce price after labelling as the Uninformed consumers’ attitude may change and become negative once the labelling is available. The tradeoff of these two effects yields interesting results. For example, we find that a monopolist GM food seller may choose to charge a high price, i.e., charge a premium for the GM-traits, and maintain at this price even after the labelling is enforced. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.

Consumers are willing to pay a higher price for products certified as sustainable. By implication, such certification is in the interest of producers, too. A general claim that sustainability chara...

Given the lack of state regulation and the growing consumer demand for local foods, several retailers have started to promote “locally” grown food using different labeling strategies. However, there has been relatively little analysis of consumers' preferences for these different labeling strategies. The aim of the present study is hence to explore whether consumers prefer specific local food labeling strategies to others and where there is a difference between fresh and processed tomatoes. For this purpose, a choice experiment was conducted with a representative sample of 640 German consumers. The respondents had to choose the preferable alternative from various products (fresh tomatoes/ketchup), varying in origin, production method, and price. The main findings of the choice-based conjoint analysis revealed the highest part-worth utilities for the generic “local” food label. The results did not differ greatly between processed and fresh tomatoes in the choice experiment setting. Additionally, the findings indicated that most of the consumers view food as local if it is sold in the same state as it was grown. This finding is particularly interesting in view of the absence of a unified definition of the term local. Latent class segmentation of the data identified four segments, of which two placed high importance on local food origin. Thus, the findings indicated high market potential for locally grown tomatoes in Germany. This is an important finding, as most tomatoes in Germany are imports from either European Union member states or non-European Union countries.

Since 2013, China has implemented a nutrition label regulation that aims to provide essential nutrition information through nutrition facts tables labeled on the back of food packages. Yet, the relationship between people’s nutrition knowledge and their nutrition label use remains less clear. This study adopted the structural equation modeling approach to analyze a nationally representative survey of 1500 Chinese individuals through the cognitive processing model, interrelated nutrition knowledge, attention to nutrition information on the nutrition facts table, comprehension of nutrition information, food choice and dietary intake. It was found that nutrition knowledge positively influenced attention to nutrition information, a better comprehension of nutrition information, which could benefit healthier food choices, did not relate to a higher level of attention to that information, dietary intake was affected significantly by nutrition knowledge, but it had little impact on food choice. The results signify that nutrition knowledge hardly supports nutrition facts table use among the Chinese people, mainly due to incomprehensible labeled information. Therefore, it emphasizes the need to enhance people’s comprehension through front-of-package labels and corresponding smartphone applications.

Food neophobia (FN) is associated with reduced quality of diet in adults, thus, the understanding of the relationship between FN and food consumption in more depth appears to be a key issue. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between food neophobia, dietary patterns, food choice motives, and food label reading in the group of adults. Data were collected using the computer-assisted personal interviewing technique (CAPI). A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in November–December 2017 in a sample of 1017 Polish adults. The questionnaire used in the study included the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), and questions regarding food choice motives, reading food labels, and sociodemographic characteristics. The food neophobics were older, had a lower level of education, and had higher BMI compared to others. Compared to others, among the food neophobics, there were more people who often consumed vegetables, fruit, meat, and meat products and who rarely consumed functional and convenience food, sweets, and sweetened beverages. When choosing food, more food neophobics chose healthy and tasteless food products, while more food neophilics chose unhealthy and tasty products. More food neophobics declared not reading price and shelf-life information on food labels compared to the other two groups. Although food neophobia may make adaptation to dietary recommendations difficult, health-promoting features of the diet were observed within the food neophobics. Actions focusing on food choice motives may help even more to limit the effects of food neophobia in adults. Further research is recommended to confirm the observed relationships under different sociocultural conditions.

This study contemplates the factors that influence consumer intention, before and during the eruption of COVID-19, for the selection of healthy packaged food in Pakistan. The extant studies have identified two distinct attitudes of consumers about food label information: one is its usefulness and the second elucidates the avoidance. Hence forth, the current study contributes to the extant literature while signifying both reasons which motivate consumers to read food labels and reasons which discourage consumers from consult food labels at the point of purchase. Moreover, the impact of subjective norms and self-efficacy for healthy packaged food intentions has also been examined for both before the emergence of COVID-19 and during the spread of COVID-19. The underpinning of the proposed model has been justified by the behavioral reasoning theory. The cross-sectional data of 14,455 students has was collected from 10 universities through Microsoft Teams and Zoom. AMOS 21 was employed for the final analysis. The results indicate that before COVID-19 the subjective norms and self-efficacy were not the stimulating factors for the selection of healthy packaged food. On the contrary, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the subjective norms and self-efficacy divulged a significant effect. Moreover, the reasons to consult food labels are positively significant whereas the reasons to avoid food labels have negatively affected the consumer, both before COVID-19 and during COVID-19 outbreak, while endorsing healthy packaged food. Conclusively, COVID-19 has been proved to be a deterrent for unhealthy packaged food lovers while being a blessing for healthy packaged food.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) deaths were on the rise in developing countries. In Malaysia, the accelerating economic transition has been accompanied by high prevalence of CVD risk factors which accounts for 35% of total deaths in 2016. This increasing trend involving not only the elderly but also the young adults. Food label reading is reported to be the key to help individual adopt healthy food choice and dietary habits. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the associations of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of food label on CVD risk amongst university students. A cross sectional study was conducted on 389 university students aged 19 to 35 y old in Selangor. Information on socio-demographic profile, nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice of food label were collected using self-administrated questionnaires. Anthropometric data of participants were measured using standardize methodology and blood pressure was measured using Omron blood pressure monitor. The data were tested using Chi-Square test. Average age of the respondents were 23 y. Majority of the respondents had no CVD risk (41%) while (59%) had increased CVD risks. There was a significant association between CVD risk factors (BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with knowledge and attitude of using food label (p0.05). The practice of food label usage showed no significant association (p0.05) with all CVD risk factors. Considering the importance of understanding and usage of food label in the management of chronic diseases, these findings provide useful information to incorporate nutrition education on food labelling in preventing CVD risks.

The purpose of this research is to understand how information revealed on organic food label drive consumer trust and attitudes toward organic foods, which in turn together with subjective norm eventually influence subsequent purchase intentions of consumption on organic food in north Jakarta. This research used a quantitative method and use primary data such as respondent answer. Researcher used questionnaire to collect data from 100 respondent from Total Fresh Fruit supermarket at north Jakarta. In total, 100 valid questionnaires were obtained, yielding a response rate of 100 per cent. Researcher analysis the data using multiple linear regression with SPSS 25.0 for windows. The result showed attitudes, trust significantly effects purchase intentions of consumption on fruit and organic food, but the result with subjective norm is inversely proportional. Because most people buy organic food product at north Jakarta negatively not based by social pressure for a person to engage in or avoid a behavior effected by those people who important for them.

Background: Food labeling can be a very important public health tool in providing consumers withinformation which may help them to make informed decisions towards choosing good nutrition and health.Objective: The main objectives were to assess the awareness and importance of food labeling amongstudents of nutrition and non-nutrition groups and to study the type of information students generally lookon the food label while buying a product. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at St. FrancisCollege for Women in which 240 undergraduate college girls aged between 18-21 years of age were selected.The questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of the participants towards food labeling. Results: Theresults showed that 89.16% of nutrition and 57.5% of non-nutrition students were aware of FSSAI,78.33%of nutrition and 60.83 % of non-nutrition students were aware of ISI, 80.8% of nutrition and only 12.5%of non-nutrition students were aware of FPO,100% of nutrition and 32.5% of non-nutrition students wereaware of trans fat,98.3% of nutrition and 86.66% of non-nutrition students reported that food additives andpreservatives affect the state of health, 85.8% of nutrition and 38.33% of non-nutrition students reported thatMSG has harmful impact on human health,91.66% of nutrition and 92.5% of non-nutrition students wereaware of QR codes. Conclusion: The study concluded that those pursuing a degree in nutrition appear to bemore capable of interpreting food label information and incorporating that information into a healthy dietthan non-nutrition students. Hence, nutrition education can be a powerful tool to create awareness on foodlabel usage.

Background “Clean labeling” is a food industry trend characterized by simpler ingredients and front of package marketing statements that attract health-oriented consumers looking for more natural foods. Many clean labels, including “all natural” are not clearly defined, nor regulated, and have the potential to detract from food labels that are regulated by the FDA and/or USDA. Objective To compare consumer use of federally regulated (organic) and unregulated (natural) food labels, and to determine whether use of these labels is associated with demographic characteristics. Study Design, Setting, Participants Computer-aided telephone interviews were collected (in February 2020) in a random, representative sample of Vermont residents (n = 574). Measurable Outcomes/Analysis Respondents were asked about their use of food labels, including whether they used organic and/or natural food labels when evaluating food products. Associations between use of each type of food label and demographic variables (age, gender, income, education, having children in the household) were compared using chi-squares, and logistic regression (P Results Most respondents indicated that they did use organic (70% of respondents) or natural (64% of respondents) labels when evaluating food products. Use of organic food labels was significantly higher among parents with children in the home (78%), women (77%), and those with a college degree or higher (75%). In contrast, use of natural labels was negatively associated with income, with the highest use (79%) seen in the lowest income category ( Conclusion The increasing use of unregulated marketing statements on packaged foods (including “natural,” “raw” and “minimally processed”) could be distracting consumers from using more regulated food labels, especially consumers with limited education or income. Nutrition education programs and federal labeling policies are needed to support consumer use of labels, and to prevent low-income consumers from potentially being deceived by unregulated food labels.

The aim of the current study was two-fold: (1) to identify consumer segments based on bread selection motives and (2) to examine differences between the identified segments in terms of perception of bread and bread with added fiber, and information on the food label. The data were collected using a CAPI (computer-assisted personal interview) survey on a sample of 1013 consumers. The k-means clustering method was used to identify four clusters of consumers, namely, Enthusiastic, Involved, Ultra-Involved, and Neutral. The Enthusiastic was the group that expressed the most positive opinions about the bread and about the addition of fiber to white bread. Moreover, they appreciated the most the information placed on the bread label. On the other hand, the Ultra-Involved and the Involved presented moderate opinions on these issues. In contrast, the consumers from the Neutral segment agreed the least with the opinion that white bread fortified with fiber is healthier and more expensive compared to white bread without added fiber. Consumers belonging to the Enthusiastic segment declared, to a greater extent than others, that cereal products with added fiber facilitate a healthy lifestyle and can reduce the adverse effects of an inadequate diet. The obtained results indicated that relatively positive opinions on the addition of fiber to white bread, including its benefits for health, are an opportunity to further develop the market of cereal products with added fiber. However, the information about bread on the label and its readability should meet the expectations of consumers who differ significantly in terms of their motives for choice. Both now and in the future, this aspect will be a challenge for food entrepreneurs and organizations that are engaged in the education and development of information aimed at consumers.

Context Reducing population intakes of sugar has become a focus of many national and international public health policies. Packaged foods and beverages are key contributors to sugar intakes, and food labels can be an effective tool to reduce sugar consumption. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to examine the influence of sugar label formats on 2 outcomes: consumers’ understanding of sugar information, and the amount of sugar in consumers’ food choices. Data Sources Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CAB Abstracts, SciELO, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched up until February 4, 2020. Study Selection Randomized experiments or quasi-experiments were included if they investigated the influence of sugar label formats on consumers’ understanding of sugar information or on the amount of sugar in consumers’ food choices. Data Extraction Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Mean differences (MDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and odds ratios (ORs) plus 95%CIs were used to describe between-group differences for intervention label formats using random-effects models. Results Twenty-three studies, which examined 39 comparisons, were included. Label formats using “high in sugar” interpretative texts (traffic light labels [MD 41.6; 95%CI 37.9–45.4] and warning signs [OR 1.33; 95%CI 1.0–1.78]) were most effective in increasing consumers’ understanding of the sugar content in packaged foods. Health warning messages (SMD −0.32; 95%CI −0.43 to −0.22), graphical depictions of sugar content in teaspoons (SMD −0.32; 95%CI −0.48 to −0.17), and warning signs (SMD −0.24; 95%CI −0.35 to −0.13) were most effective for influencing consumers to choose products with lower sugar content. Conclusions Formats that provide an interpretation of sugar information, particularly those indicating if a product is high in sugar, were more helpful than only numerical information for improving consumer understanding and promoting food choices with less sugar. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42018081222.

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between maternal participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the use of food labels to purchase various types of beverages, and whether home availability of beverages differed by SNAP participation. Low-income mothers (n=250) of preschool children were surveyed. Food label use to purchase beverages and home availability of beverages were analyzed using adjusted multivariate logistic regression and iteratively reweighted with least squares regression. SNAP participants were approximately 50% less likely to use the food label to purchase beverages for the home than non-participants. SNAP homes also had significantly higher availability of fruit juice (192 oz vs. 128 oz), juice drinks (192 oz vs. 128 oz), regular soda (156 oz vs. 135 oz), and low-calorie beverages (469 oz vs. 243 oz) than non-SNAP homes (p < 0.05). Further research is needed to understand the attitudes and group-specific characteristics associated with food label use and beverage availability among low-income families.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) with food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in a sample of Iranian children. This cross sectional study was performed on 315 children aged 9 to 12 years recruited from the primary schools throughout Mashhad, Iran. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to assess the HFI. Also, overall FNLIT score and its sub-categories were evaluated using a validated 40-item questionnaire. Results The prevalence of HFI in the total sample was about 56%. Also, almost 14% of students had a low FNLIT score. Food insecure children had significantly lower levels of FNLT and some subscales including nutrition knowledge, food choice literacy, and food label literacy than the food-secure subjects, moreover, they had a higher likelihood of having low FNLIT score (OR = 2.89, CI 1.03–8.09; p = 0.04). In conclusion, there is a negative association between HFI and FNLIT in children. Further studies to confirm this finding are needed.

Objective:Using a legal standard for scrutinising the regulation of food label claims, this study assessed whether consumers are misled about wholegrain (WG) content and product healthfulness based on common product labels.Design:First, a discrete choice experiment used pairs of hypothetical products with different amounts of WG, sugar and salt to measure effects on assessment of healthfulness; and second, a WG content comprehension assessment used actual product labels to assess respondent understanding.Setting:Online national panel survey.Participants:For a representative sample of US adults (n 1030), survey responses were collected in 2018 and analysed in 2019.Results:First, 29–47 % of respondents incorrectly identified the healthier product from paired options, and respondents who self-identified as having difficulty in understanding labels were more likely to err. Second, for actual products composed primarily of refined grains, 43–51 % of respondents overstated the WG content, whereas for one product composed primarily of WG, 17 % of respondents understated the WG content.Conclusions:The frequency of consumer misunderstanding of grain product labels was high in both study components. Potential policies to address consumer confusion include requiring disclosure of WG content as a percentage of total grain content or requiring disclosure of the grams of WG v. refined grains per serving.

Nutrient profiling (NP) models are useful tools for objectively and transparently quantifying the nutritional quality of packaged foods and beverages. Many NP models incorporate ingredients beneficial for health (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes (FVNL)) in addition to less healthful nutrients or components, assigning points based on the proportion of the product that contains FVNL ingredients. However, with food labelling in most countries lacking mandatory quantitative ingredient declarations (QUIDs), there is potential for the estimation of FVNL points to be ambiguous and inconsistent. The purpose of this article was to describe the development and application of methodology for estimating FVNL points for products without QUIDs, based on the position of FVNL components within the ingredients list. Using this method, FVNL points were calculated for packaged foods and beverages in the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database (n = 17,337). Distributions of FVNL points were examined overall and by food category. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of this method in distinguishing between products with differing amounts of FVNL ingredients. This method will be valuable for researchers and policymakers in ensuring consistent, objective and reproducible estimations of FVNL points—and consequently, assessments of product healthfulness—for food supplies without QUIDs.

Objective:To quantify total sugar reformulation in Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages between 2013 and 2017 and identify changes in the nutritional composition of the foods and beverages reformulated to be lower in total sugar.Design:Longitudinal examination of foods and beverages present in both 2013 and 2017 collections of the University of Toronto’s Food Label Information Program database (n 6628 matched products). The proportion of products with changes in sugar levels was determined. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine changes in sugar levels overall for products lower or higher in sugar and changes in nutrient composition for products lower in sugar.Setting:Largest grocery retailers by market share in Canada.Participants:Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages.Results:The majority (76·6 %) of products had no change in total sugar content, 12·4 % were reformulated to be lower in sugar and 11·0 % were higher in sugar. A median sugar reduction of 19·0 % (1·6 g) was seen among products lower in sugar which was offset by a median 18·0 % (1·5 g) increase among products higher in sugar. Overall, median levels of energies and other nutrients stayed the same or decreased among products reformulated to be lower in sugar, the exception was for starch, which increased.Conclusions:Limited progress was made to reformulate foods and beverages to be lower in total sugar between 2013 and 2017. Results from this study identify areas in the food supply where attention may be needed to avoid unintended consequences of sugar-focused reformulation in terms of overall nutritional composition.

Growth in the consumer health and wellness industry has led to an increase of packaged foods marketed as health food (HF) products. In consequence, a &lsquo, health halo&rsquo, around packaged HF has arisen that influences consumers at point-of-purchase. This study compared product claims (nutrient content claims (NCC), health claims and marketing &lsquo, buzzwords&rsquo, ) displayed on packaged HF snack products sold in HF stores and HF aisles in supermarkets to equivalent products sold in regular aisles (RA) of supermarkets. Product Health Star Rating (HSR), nutrient profile and price were also compared. Data were collected for 2361 products from three supermarket chains, two HF chains and one independent HF store in Sydney, Australia. Mann-Whitney U tests compared the product claims, HSR, nutrient composition and unit ($) price. HF snacks displayed significantly more product claims per product compared to RA foods (HSR &le, 2.5), median (IQR) 5.0(4.0) versus 1.0(2) and (HSR &gt, 2.5) 4.0(4.0) versus 3.0(4), respectively (p &lt, 0.001). A significantly different HSR was evident between HF and RA snack products, median 2.5(0) versus 2.0(1.5), respectively (p &lt, 0.001). HF snacks cost significantly more than RA snack foods, irrespective of product HSR (p &lt, 0.001). These findings support the recommendation for revised labelling regulations and increased education regarding consumers food label interpretation.

The lifestyle aspect can influence people buying intention on food label products and services. This paper is conducted to examine on the lifestyle demographic of consumer that need to be highlighted before consumer come up with the buying decision on food labelling products. Knowing how consumer lifestyle pattern is important in order to gain information on food label products about what they most preferred in purchasing the products or services. Furthermore, this study also helps in fulfilling the national agenda in Malaysia National Agro Food Policies 2011-2020. Hence 200 respondents were given a structured questionnaire to know the lifestyle aspect in consumer behaviour of food label consumption the result of this study shows that attitude and awareness of consumer play a crucial role in deciding the food labelling products that contains nutritious, healthy and most important is halal certificate. The major finding shows there are different awareness and attitude of consumers on food labelling towards buying decision when they are in the different of lifestyle aspect. In addition result also shows that consumers are concern about the quality, safety, and nutritional content of food labelling on food products enable to obtain healthy lifestyles.

Federally mandated restrictions on food and beverage marketing to kids (M2K) have been re-introduced as a national public health priority in Canada by the newly elected government, following the failure to implement a similar policy first proposed in 2016. This study examined the extent to which Canadian packaged foods, including products already displaying M2K on the packaging, would be permitted to be marketed, based on the nutrient criteria for marketing restrictions defined by Health Canada (in December 2018) as part of the previous policy proposal. Products from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2013 database (n = 15,200) were evaluated using Health Canada&rsquo, s published criteria: thresholds for sodium, sugars and saturated fats that products cannot exceed in order to be M2K. The proportion of products exceeding no thresholds (i.e., permitted to be M2K), the number of thresholds exceeded, and the proportion exceeding each individual threshold were calculated overall and in the subsample of products displaying M2K on the packaging (n = 747). Overall, 18.0% of products would be permitted to be M2K, versus 2.7% of products displaying M2K. Sodium was the most exceeded threshold overall (57.5% of products), whereas sugars was the most exceeded by products displaying M2K (80.1%). Only 4.7% of all products versus 10.4% of products displaying M2K exceeded all three thresholds. These results highlight the importance of reintroducing federal regulations restricting M2K in Canada and including marketing on product packaging in the regulatory scope.

Despite widespread attempts to educate consumers about the dangers of sugar, as well as the advent of nutritional labeling, individuals still struggle to make educated decisions about the foods they eat, and/or to use the Nutrition Facts Panel. This study examined the effect of visual aids on judgments of sugar quantity in popular drinks, and choices. 261 volunteers at four different locations evaluated 11 common beverages. Key measures were estimates of sugar in the drinks, nutrition knowledge, and desire to consume them. In the experimental condition, participants viewed beverages along with test tubes filled with the total amount of sugar in each drink, the control condition had no sugar display. Both groups were encouraged to examine the Nutrition Facts Panel when making their evaluations. Correlational analyses revealed that consumers exposed to the visual aid overestimated sugar content and the length of time needed to exercise to burn off the calories, they also had lower intentions to consume any of the beverages. Individuals asserting to use the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) in general were also less likely to admit using it in this particular study (r = &minus, 2, p = 0.001). This study suggests that a simple visual aid intervention affected judgments and choices towards curtailing sugar intake. This has implications for labeling format implementation.

Canada's food supply is abundant in energy-dense products containing excess amounts of sodium, saturated fat and free sugars, increasing Canadians' risk of developing obesity and non-communicable diseases. Food companies shape the food supply through their control over the formulation of their products; however, no studies have examined the healthfulness of products offered by different companies in Canada. This study aimed to assess and compare the nutritional quality of the product portfolios of major packaged food and beverage companies in Canada. Twenty-two top food companies were selected for study, representing a combined 50% and 73% of Canadian packaged food and beverage sales in 2018, respectively. This included 18 multinational companies, 2 Canadian manufacturers and 2 retailers with private-label brands. Nutritional information for products was sourced from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database. The nutritional quality of all products offered by the sampled companies that were included in the database (n = 8,211) were evaluated using the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, with HSRs ranging from 0.5 (less healthy) to 5 (healthier). Descriptive analyses and analysis of variance with post-hoc tests examined the HSRs of each company's products overall and by food category (n = 24). Mean HSRs of companies’ overall product portfolios ranged from 1.8 to 3.7 (μx̅ = 2.7, σx̅ = 0.5) and differed significantly between companies (p < 0.001). Mean HSRs differed between companies for all food categories except eggs (p = 0.5), seafood (p = 0.2), legumes (p = 0.1), nuts and seeds (p = 0.4), and vegetables (p = 0.08). Variation in mean HSRs of products offered by different companies was greatest for beverages (range = 1.3–5.0, μx̅ = 2.0, σx̅ = 1.0), fats/oils (range = 0.7–4.4, μx̅ = 3.6, σx̅ = 1.6), fruit/fruit juices (range = 0.8–4.0, μx̅ = 2.6, σx̅ = 0.9), and sauces/dips/gravies/condiments (range = 0.5–3.4, μx̅ = 2.3, σx̅ = 1.0). These findings demonstrate that the nutritional quality of products offered by leading food manufacturers in Canada varies significantly overall and by food category, with many of these products considered less healthy according to the HSR system. Differences between companies may reflect the nature of their products; for example, products offered by dairy companies were healthier than those of confectionary and soft drink manufacturers, on average. Variation in nutritional quality within food categories illustrates the need and potential for many companies to improve the healthfulness of their products. By identifying companies that offer less healthy products compared with others in Canada, this study may prompt reformulation.

Gluten-free claims (GFC) on food labels are becoming popular despite the fact that 1% and 6% of the population have celiac disorder or gluten sensitivity, respectively. A previous Canadian study found that GFC were displayed on 8% of food labels; however, certain food categories (e.g., snacks, meat products) were among the ones carrying most GFC. This study aimed to assess trends in the use of GFC on Canadian food labels in top food categories carrying GFC from 2013 to 2017 and to determine the nutritional quality between products with and without GFC.This study was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2013–2017. GFC were identified by systematically reviewing the photographs of food labels (n = 9,179) in seven food categories previously identified as carrying larger proportions of GFC: 1) desserts; 2) desserts toppings and fillings; 3) meat products; 4) nuts and seeds; 5) sauces and dips; 6) snacks; and 7) soups. GFC were coded as present, if a gluten-free declaration or symbol was made on package, otherwise products were coded as claim absent. Proportions of products displaying GFC were calculated overall and by food category. Mean contents of saturated fat (g per 100g/ml), sodium (mg per 100g/ml) and sugar (g per 100g/ml) were calculated for products with and without GFC. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tested differences in proportions and mean contents of those nutrients between years.Results showed that among these categories, GFC have significantly increased from 11% in 2013 to 23% in 2017 (p < 0.001). At a category level, snacks had the greatest increase of GFC as their prevalence doubled (15% to 33%, p < 0.001), followed by nuts and seeds (12% to 27%, p < 0.001) and meat products (15% to 28%, p < 0.001), respectively for 2013 and 2017. The proportion of GFC in dessert toppings and fillings remained constant (16% in 2013 and 14% in 2017, p = 0.74). When the nutritional composition was examined, results were mixed: in dessert toppings and filling, meat products and, nuts and seeds, products with GFC had higher contents of saturated fat, sodium and sugar in comparison to their counterpart without claims, whereas the opposite was true for foods within desserts, sauces and dips, snacks, and soups categories (p < 0.001 for all nutrients, except for saturated fat in nuts and seeds). In conclusion, prevalence of GFC has doubled in the Canadian food supply; such claims are not indicative of better nutritional composition.

How effectively does this new norm is materialized today in supermarket chains? The main purpose of this chapter is to map and discuss the differentiation strategies practiced by the food industry, using an innovative proposal, based on an exploratory study regarding the decoding of information contained in food labels.