Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Virginie Hamel, Milena Nardocci, Nadia Flexner, Jodi Bernstein, Marie R. L'Abbe, Jean-Claude Moubarac
Summary: Excessive sugar consumption can lead to noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Ultra-processed foods are increasingly suspected to be major contributors to free sugars intake in the population's diet. A study in Canada found that almost half of the population's energy intake came from ultra-processed foods, and the majority of these calories came from free sugars. Therefore, public health policies aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods should be a priority due to their significant contribution to sugar intake in the population.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alicia Sandall, Leanne Smith, Erika Svensen, Kevin Whelan
Summary: This study is the first to demonstrate the widespread occurrence and co-occurrence of emulsifiers in ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the UK food supply. The study also identified the five most common emulsifiers in UPF, including lecithin, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, diphosphates, and xanthan gum and pectin.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juliana Sarmiento-Santos, Melissa B. N. Souza, Lydia S. Araujo, Juliana M. Pion, Rosemary A. Carvalho, Fernanda M. Vanin
Summary: This study explored the understanding of the term ultra-processed food (UPF) among Brazilian consumers, and found that the term is still confusing for most Brazilians. This indicates the risks of using classification systems and the urgent need to improve consumer understanding.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thayane C. Lemos, Guilherme M. S. Coutinho, Laiz A. A. Silva, Jasmin B. Stariolo, Rafaela R. Campagnoli, Leticia Oliveira, Mirtes G. Pereira, Bruna E. F. Mota, Gabriela G. L. Souza, Daniela S. Canella, Neha Khandpur, Isabel A. David
Summary: The study found that visual cues of ultra-processed foods trigger higher emotional responses and approach motivation compared to unprocessed/minimally processed foods, influencing individuals' intention to consume ultra-processed foods.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Melissa Fitzgerald
Summary: Processed food has been widely criticized for being unhealthy and linked to chronic diseases. However, it is important to recognize that food processing serves various purposes, including preservation, safety, and responding to market demands. Many processed foods are designed to meet specific nutritional needs and provide convenience.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sladana Zilic, Valentina Nikolic, Burce Atac Mogol, Aytul Hamzalioglu, Neslihan Goncuoglu Tas, Tolgahan Kocadagli, Marijana Simic, Vural Gokmen
Summary: This paper reviews the literature on the acrylamide content of corn-based food products present in the market around the world and discusses the risk of acrylamide exposure from corn-based foods. The content of acrylamide in widely consumed corn/tortilla chips, popcorn, and cornflakes ranges from 5 to 6360 μg/kg.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Dietrich Knorr, Robert Sevenich
Summary: Humans need food processing for ensuring food safety, quality, and functionality to sustain their life. The ongoing debates regarding food processing require rational and scientific data about food processing and processed foods. This study deals with the importance, origins, and history of processing, defining processes and discussing existing food classification systems and provides recommendations for future food process development.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Zun Wang, Ken Ng, Robyn Dorothy Warner, Regine Stockmann, Zhongxiang Fang
Summary: This article provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms underlying the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and factors influencing their formation in processed foods. The strategies for reducing PAHs levels are discussed, including changes in ingredients, pretreatment conditions, processing methods and parameters, and packaging and storage conditions. Potential novel strategies for reducing PAHs are also identified and their feasibility is evaluated.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luisa Schertel Cassiano, Marco A. Peres, Janaina V. S. Motta, Flavio F. Demarco, Bernardo L. Horta, Cecilia C. Ribeiro, Gustavo G. Nascimento
Summary: This study investigated the association between periodontitis and food consumption among a population in Southern Brazil. The results suggest that "initial" periodontitis is associated with a higher consumption of in natura food, while "moderate/severe" periodontitis is associated with a higher consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Barbara Virginia Caixeta Crepaldi, Leticia Martins Okada, Rafael Moreira Claro, Maria Laura da Costa Louzada, Leandro F. M. Rezende, Renata Bertazzi Levy, Catarina Machado Azeredo
Summary: The intersection between educational, gender, and race/skin color inequalities influences food consumption in Brazil. Highly educated White women have higher consumption of in natura/minimally processed foods than Black women with the same education level. On the other hand, White men with low and intermediate education levels consume more in natura/minimally processed foods than Black men with the same education levels. There is higher absolute educational inequality for in natura/minimally processed foods among White women and Black/Brown men. Furthermore, Black/Brown men and women have higher absolute educational inequality than White men in the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luisma Sanchez-Siles, Sergio Roman, Vincenzo Fogliano, Michael Siegrist
Summary: The degree of food processing, healthiness, and naturalness are different aspects of food. The study found that not all snack bars categorized as UPFs were necessarily unhealthy and unnatural. Significant differences were observed in terms of Nutri-score and FNI values, suggesting that overall ratings for a product category may not be appropriate. This research helps clarify the role of UPFs in the food system.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mariana Zogbi Jardim, Bruna Vieira de Lima Costa, Milene Cristine Pessoa, Camila Kummel Duarte
Summary: This study found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFD) is closely associated with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, while consumption of natural foods and minimally processed foods may have a protective effect. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the intake of UPFD in order to improve dietary quality and reduce the incidence of NCDs.
NUTRITION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ioanna Katiforis, Elizabeth A. Fleming, Jillian J. Haszard, Tiana Hape-Cramond, Rachael W. Taylor, Anne-Louise M. Heath
Summary: There has been a significant shift in the New Zealand infant food market, with the majority of complementary foods now sold in pouches. Research has found that infant food pouches have higher total sugar content but lower free sugars and added sugars content, except for dairy and sweet snacks. Although all dry cereals were fortified with iron, none of the infant food pouches contained added iron, which may increase the risk of iron deficiency if infants rely solely on pouches for nutrition.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jiyoung Park, Hong-Sik Kim
Summary: This article reviews the quality attributes of rice-based gluten-free foods, such as bread, pasta, and beer, and explores the technological advancements and methods to improve their quality. By blending different gluten-free grains and incorporating additives to mimic gluten function, along with utilizing starch preprocessing and extrusion puffing processes, the quality of rice-based gluten-free products can be enhanced to meet consumer preferences.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lok Yin Chan, Daisy H. Coyle, Jason H. Y. Wu, Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
Summary: This study assessed the free sugar content of pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong and found that over half of the products contained free sugar, with 'sugar (sucrose)' being the most frequently used free sugar ingredient. Fruit and vegetable juices had a higher median free sugar content than soft drinks, with free sugar contributing to nearly 70% of total sugar in most food groups.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simone Pettigrew, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Alexandra Jones, Serge Hercberg, Chantal Julia
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of five front-of-pack food labels in guiding consumers towards healthier choices. The Nutri-Score and Multiple Traffic Lights performed best in terms of improving consumers' understanding and simulated choice outcomes, while the Reference Intakes performed the weakest. The results indicate that front-of-pack labels that effectively guide consumers towards healthier options can also help steer them away from unhealthy choices.
FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Simone Pettigrew, Leon Booth, Elizabeth Dunford, Tailane Scapin, Jacqui Webster, Jason Wu, Maoyi Tian, D. Praveen, Gary Sacks
Summary: This study assessed support for a broad range of nutrition interventions across seven countries. The results showed substantial support for interventions involving food labelling and food reformulation, while fiscal interventions had the weakest support. Factors associated with stronger support were higher self-rated health, higher educational attainment, female sex, older age, and perceptions of consuming a healthy diet.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Simone Pettigrew, Leon Booth, Victoria Farrar, Branislava Godic, Charles Karl, Julie Brown, Jason Thompson
Summary: This study explores the factors that could accelerate or restrict home drinking resulting from the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Interviews with stakeholders reveal demand-side and supply-side factors that could increase home drinking, as well as regulatory options to minimize alcohol-related harms.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Simone Pettigrew, Joseph Alvin Santos, Mia Miller, Thout Sudhir Raj, Min Jun, Georgia Morelli, Alexandra Jones
Summary: Despite the comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes in India, educated young people are still able to access e-cigarettes. The study found that their attitudes and behaviors towards e-cigarettes vary, as well as their support for different control policies. Some educated young adults are open-minded and curious about using e-cigarettes, indicating the need for increased education and monitoring on the harms associated with vaping.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Simone Pettigrew, Victoria Farrar, Leon Booth, Charles Karl, Branislava Godic, Julie Brown, Jason Thompson
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential for autonomous food deliveries and identify policy options to optimize positive outcomes and minimize negative consequences for health and well-being. The study found that automated food deliveries are expected to extend the trend towards online ordering and rapid home deliveries, which may have adverse implications for diet quality. Effective regulation is needed to anticipate and address this emerging phenomenon.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Simone Pettigrew, Mia Miller, Joseph Alvin Santos, Thout Sudhir Raj, Katherine Brown, Alexandra Jones
Summary: The objective of this study was to explore e-cigarette exposure and patterns of vaping among Australians aged 15-30 years in order to understand how to minimize harm from e-cigarettes among young people. A national sample of 1,006 Australians completed an online survey, assessing demographics, tobacco and vaping product use, motivations for use, access to e-cigarettes, exposure to others' vaping behaviors and e-cigarette advertising, perceptions of harms associated with e-cigarettes, and ease of access for minors. The results suggest that despite restrictions, many young people in Australia may be exposed to e-cigarettes in multiple ways, highlighting the need for further efforts to control availability and promotion.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maree Scully, Helen Dixon, Emily Brennan, Jeff Niederdeppe, Kerry O'Brien, Simone Pettigrew, Brian Vandenberg, Melanie Wakefield
Summary: This study found that exposing the harmful products of alcohol industry marketing through counter-advertising can increase support for policies restricting alcohol sport sponsorship and decrease favorable beliefs about the alcohol industry.
Article
Substance Abuse
Simone Pettigrew, Joseph Alvin Santos, Yuan Li, Min Jun, Craig Anderson, Alexandra Jones
Summary: This study examined the susceptibility to e-cigarette use among young people in four countries: Australia, China, India, and the United Kingdom. The results showed that 54% to 82% of respondents in these countries were likely to use e-cigarettes. Factors positively associated with susceptibility included tobacco use, exposure to advertising, higher income, and having friends and family members who vape.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Leon Booth, Joseph Alvin Santos, Annet C. C. Hoek, Jacqui Webster, Simone Pettigrew
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine changes in the frequency of consuming unhealthy foods and beverages during lockdown and whether certain population subgroups were more likely to make such changes. The results showed that overall, the frequency of consuming unhealthy products did not change during lockdown. However, being male and having children at home were consistently associated with unhealthy changes, whereas believing that alcohol or unhealthy diets would exacerbate COVID-19 severity was linked to a decreased frequency of consumption of these products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Bella Strauli, Tazman Davies, Stephen Jan, Leon Booth, Nadia Laznik, Fraser Taylor, Simone Pettigrew
Summary: In Australia, only 36% of ready-to-drink alcohol products with mandatory pregnancy warnings displayed the required version, with 74% of non-mandatory warnings being DrinkWise warnings. There was no apparent relationship between alcohol content and the likelihood of displaying a mandatory warning, as indicated by the data.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2023)
Review
Substance Abuse
Keira Bury, Danica Keric, Devorah Riesenberg, Lyndal Wellard-Cole, Simone Pettigrew
Summary: The inconsistency in defining zero-alcohol products (ZAPs) in alcohol policy measures needs to be addressed, as it creates confusion in regulating marketing strategies. Further clarification is necessary to determine if ZAPs should be treated the same as alcoholic products.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leon Booth, Victoria Farrar, Jason Thompson, Rajith Vidanaarachchi, Branislava Godic, Julie Brown, Charles Karl, Simone Pettigrew
Summary: This study aims to investigate how the advent of autonomous vehicles might affect people's transport behaviors. The results reveal that in an autonomous future, most respondents anticipate making greater use of active, shared, and public transport options, while the intended use of private transport options halves. The current use of a transport option is the most consistent predictor for selecting that option in the future.
Article
Geography
Kristina Larsson, Anna Anund, Simone Pettigrew
Summary: Children's independent mobility is limited by unsafe traffic situations, and the introduction of autonomous buses can contribute to their independent mobility in various ways. Autonomous buses can be adapted to children's conditions and have a positive effect on perceived safety.
JOURNAL OF URBAN MOBILITY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra Jones, Maria Shahid, Georgia Morelli, Kylie Howes, Devorah Riesenberg, Katherine Sievert, Simone Pettigrew, Gary Sacks
Summary: The prevalence and types of child-directed promotional techniques used on food packaging in Australia were investigated, and it was found that these techniques are commonly used on unhealthy food products. Stronger regulation is needed to protect children's health.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)