Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
S. K. Singh, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Ashish Gupta, Maxime Bercholz, Barry Popkin, Nandita Murukutla
Summary: The study found that front-of-package labels (FOPLs) can help Indian consumers identify unhealthy foods and serve as effective warning signs.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Allison Kiefner-Burmeister, Jacob M. Burmeister
Summary: This review introduces the concept of deceptively unhealthy foods and how they are marketed to parents and children, emphasizing that these foods are commonly marketed using specific nutrient labels, deceptive terms, general health reputation, and package design.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Akosua Pokua Adjei, Gideon Senyo Amevinya, Wilhemina Quarpong, Akua Tandoh, Richmond Aryeetey, Michelle Holdsworth, Charles Agyemang, Francis Zotor, Matilda E. Laar, Kobby Mensah, Phyllis Addo, Dennis Laryea, Gershim Asiki, Daniel Sellen, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Amos Laar
Summary: This study reveals the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in modern retail outlets in the selected districts. The majority of the foods sold were categorized as unhealthy, with a high proportion of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. The ratio of ultra-processed to unprocessed foods was 5:1, indicating a need for measures to improve the availability of healthy foods in supermarkets and mini-marts.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
E. Boyland
Summary: The marketing of high-fat, high-salt, and/or high-sugar (HFSS) foods and beverages has been linked to the rise in childhood obesity. Exposure to such marketing can negatively impact children's dietary health and infringe upon their rights. The debate revolves around whether all marketing is exploitative or if it can be regulated through accuracy and truthfulness. The implications for public health research, policy, and practice need to be considered in addressing these ethical concerns.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gideon Senyo Amevinya, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Bridget Kelly, Seth Kwaku Afagbedzi, Richmond Aryeetey, Akosua Pokua Adjei, Wilhemina Quarpong, Akua Tandoh, Silver Nanema, Charles Agyemang, Francis Zotor, Matilda E. Laar, Kobby Mensah, Dennis Laryea, Gershim Asiki, Michelle Holdsworth, Amos Laar
Summary: There is a significant amount of unhealthy food advertising around primary and junior high schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Food advertisements are most commonly found at food outlets, but also appear along roads and on non-food structures. The majority of food advertisements feature non-core/unhealthy products, with ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages being the most advertised food types. Measures are needed to restrict the promotion of unhealthy foods in children's settings.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca Meiksin, Vanessa Er, Claire Thompson, Jean Adams, Emma Boyland, Thomas Burgoine, Laura Cornelsen, Frank de Vocht, Matt A. Egan, Amelia Lake, Karen Lock, Oliver Mytton, Martin White, Amy Yau, Steven Cummins
Summary: This paper reports on a process evaluation of the design and implementation of the policy that restricts the outdoor advertisement of high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods and beverages by Transport for London. The findings suggest that it is feasible to implement such a policy within a complex policy and business landscape and that it can effectively reduce children's consumption of HFSS products. However, there are still practical and political challenges in the design and implementation of the policy.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexandra Chung, Christina Zorbas, Devorah Riesenberg, Ainslie Sartori, Kelly Kennington, Jaithri Ananthapavan, Kathryn Backholer
Summary: Unhealthy food marketing can influence people's preferences and consumption, and should be restricted by government policies; Existing studies mainly focus on advertising prevalence, but lack evaluation of the impact of implemented policies; Policy implementation requires collaboration, leadership, and overcoming industry lobbying, among other factors.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Amos Laar, Bridget Kelly, Michelle Holdsworth, Wilhemina Quarpong, Richmond Aryeetey, Gideon Senyo Amevinya, Akua Tandoh, Charles Agyemang, Francis Zotor, Matilda E. Laar, Kobby Mensah, Dennis Laryea, Gershim Asiki, Rebecca Pradeilles, Daniel Sellen, Mary R. L'Abbe, Stefanie Vandevijvere
Summary: This study outlines a project, MEALS4NCDs, aimed at addressing the rise in obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in Ghana. By adapting methods from INFORMAS and incorporating a community participatory approach, the project seeks to measure and support actions to create healthy food environments for Ghanaian children. It demonstrates the feasibility and innovative application of these methods in a lower-middle income setting, with potential for adaptation in similar country settings.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gustavo Cediel, Marcela Reyes, Camila Corvalan, Renata Bertazzi Levy, Ricardo Uauy, Carlos A. Monteiro
Summary: The consumption of ultra-processed foods in Chile is significantly associated with the intake of nutrients related to non-communicable diseases, with a positive correlation with unhealthy nutrients and a negative correlation with protective nutrients. Reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods could significantly decrease the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy and help achieve WHO nutrient goals for NCD prevention.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Carla Maria Avesani, Lilian Cuppari, Fabiana Baggio Nerbass, Bengt Lindholm, Peter Stenvinkel
Summary: When our diet contains more calories than the energy expended by our bodies, obesity may occur. Obesity increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are one of the products that can contribute to increased energy intake and they include industrialized foods such as carbonated soft drinks, candies, ice cream, packaged breads and buns, margarines, and other ready-to-eat foods. UPFs may contain non-caloric artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, but they are still unhealthy. For individuals with CKD, a diet high in UPFs can worsen blood pressure and increase blood concentrations of glucose, potassium, and phosphate. It is recommended that CKD patients avoid or reduce the consumption of UPFs and opt for home-cooked meals.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jessica Packer, Simon J. Russell, Gabriela Siovolgyi, Katie McLaren, Claire Stansfield, Russell M. Viner, Helen Croker
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of celebrities in the marketing of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) products on children's dietary outcomes. By systematically reviewing the literature, it was found that under experimental conditions, the use of celebrity endorsements significantly increased children's consumption of HFSS products. However, there is limited evidence on the impact on preference or purchase intentions and the comparisons between use of celebrities and influencers.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francesca R. Dillman Carpentier, Fernanda Mediano Stoltze, Marcela Reyes, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Camila Corvalan, Teresa Correa
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of child-based and time-based restrictions on high-in food and beverage advertising in Chile. The findings indicate that these restrictions effectively reduced the number of high-in ads and children's exposure to them.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Julia S. Guimaraes, Lais A. Mais, Fernanda H. M. Leite, Paula M. Horta, Marina O. Santana, Ana P. B. Martins, Rafael M. Claro
Summary: This study analyzed the extent and nature of abusive marketing techniques used in food-related ads on Brazilian television. The findings showed that more than 90% of food ads included ultra-processed products, and over half of them used abusive techniques directed towards children and adolescents. These ads lacked clear information about the products and contained multiple types of abusive techniques. Fast-food meals were particularly associated with these abusive techniques.
HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nan Lei, Zechen Liu, Lin Xiang, Lihong Ye, Juan Zhang
Summary: This study assessed F&B ads on television during the Chinese New Year holiday in Beijing targeted at children aged 4-14 years. More than 55% of the ads were classified as unhealthy for children, with savory snacks, milk drinks, and cakes/sweet biscuits being the most frequently advertised categories. Unhealthy F&B ads were more likely to use promotional characters, brand benefit claims, and health claims than permitted F&B ads.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Loredana Biondi, Andrea Fulgione, Assunta De Lella, Anna Cutarelli, Morena Nappa, Francesca Garofalo, Stefania Cavallo, Donatella Nava
Summary: This study evaluated the labeling, microbiological communities, and allergens present in 50 ethnic foods. The visual inspection of labels revealed the absence of labeling in Italian and/or a failure to specify the place of origin. Microbiological analyses showed the absence of pathogens in all samples, but process hygiene indicator bacteria were found in 37 samples. For allergens, 12 samples were non-compliant and only two products had species different from those declared on the label. This research highlights the need to increase control of ethnic foods and improve the labeling system with standardized international regulations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin Wood, David McCoy, Phil Baker, Owain Williams, Gary Sacks
Summary: This study aims to examine the long-term trends in wealth and income distribution among publicly listed corporations active in unhealthy commodity industries. The findings reveal a distributive injustice, as these corporations distribute less wealth and income to governments in low- and middle-income countries and more to shareholders and investors based in high-income countries.
CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mark Lawrence
Summary: Modern nutrition science started 100 years ago in the context of nutrient deficiency diseases, and primarily focused on analyzing foods as a collection of nutrients. Today, nutrition problems extend to all forms of malnutrition and are associated with food and dietary pattern exposures. The concept of ultra-processed food (UPF) within the NOVA classification system is gaining attention in nutrition research and policy activities.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kim Anastasiou, Patricia Ribeiro De Melo, Scott Slater, Gilly A. Hendrie, Michalis Hadjikakou, Phillip K. Baker, Mark Andrew Lawrence
Summary: The choice of terms used to describe 'foods to limit' (FTL) in food-based dietary guidelines can impact public understanding, policy translation and research applicability. This study aimed to analyze the terms used and definitions given to FTL in guidelines around the world, including changes over time and regional differences. The findings suggest that diverse and often poorly defined terms are used to describe FTL, and policymakers should ensure that these terms have clear definitions and can be integrated with other disciplines and understood by consumers.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark Lawrence
Summary: Modern nutrition science began with a focus on nutrient deficiency diseases, but has since expanded to include all forms of malnutrition, sustainability concerns, and the impact of food processing. The concept of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has gained attention in nutrition research and policy, as it has been linked to negative health outcomes and is challenging traditional approaches. The UPF concept is increasingly being used to guide policy actions and challenge the industrial food system. However, there are politicized debates surrounding UPF, with some claiming controversy while having associations with UPF manufacturers.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin Wood, Gary Sacks
Summary: Share buybacks are recognized as potentially harmful to society, contributing to economic inequalities and hindering investments that protect and promote stakeholders' welfare. However, there has been minimal analysis of share buybacks in the public health literature. This study aimed to explore the influence of share buybacks on population health and health inequity using a socio-ecological determinants of health lens. The findings highlight the substantial expenditure on share buybacks by US-listed corporations and the prioritization of short-term financial interests over investments that could benefit public health.
GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sirinya Phulkerd, Natjera Thongcharoenchupong, Aphichat Chamratrithirong, Rossarin Soottipong Gray, Umaporn Pattaravanich, Chantana Ungchusak, Pairoj Saonuam
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that 28.6% of the respondents experienced food insecurity. Factors such as age, education, income, region, personal debt, and role as the main food provider were associated with a higher likelihood of food insecurity. The findings suggest the need for government attention to develop policies and strategies that address the socio-economic determinants of food security and mitigate the impact of a national crisis on diets.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Oliver Huse, Sally Schultz, Tara Boelsen-Robinson, Jaithri Ananthapavan, Anna Peeters, Gary Sacks, Miranda R. Blake
Summary: Healthy food outlet accreditation schemes incentivize food retailers to promote healthy eating patterns by improving the healthiness of food environments. This systematic review assesses the impact of these schemes on outlet practices and customer purchases, as well as identifies barriers and enablers to scheme implementation.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Oliver Huse, Erica Reeve, Paul Zambrano, Colin Bell, Anna Peeters, Gary Sacks, Phillip Baker, Kathryn Backholer
Summary: There is mounting evidence that the ultra-processed food industry seeks to influence food and nutrition policies in ways that protect their market growth at the expense of public health. This study aimed to explore how this occurs in the Philippines, a lower-middle income country in East Asia.
GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexa Gaucher-Holm, Benjamin Wood, Gary Sacks, Lana Vanderlee
Summary: This study analyzed the structure of the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing and grocery retailing sectors in 2020/21. It found that the packaged food manufacturing sector and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing sector were dominated by foreign multinational companies, while the grocery retailing sector was dominated by national companies. Market concentration varied across sectors, with the retailing and non-alcoholic beverage sectors having higher concentration. A small number of large corporations in the retailing sector have extensive power to influence Canadian food environments.
GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Benjamin Wood, Owain Williams, Phil Baker, Gary Sacks
Summary: In recent decades, the global consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased, leading to negative impacts on public health and the environment. This study examined the long-term trends in the structure and market dynamics of the global UPF manufacturing industry to better understand the drivers of this dietary transition. By using various methods, metrics, and data sources, the study found that the UPF manufacturing industry has become a significant component of global food systems, with dominant corporations accumulating high profits and distributing capital. To reverse this global UPF dietary transition, structural and regulatory changes are necessary to ensure that population diets and food systems are not controlled by powerful for-profit corporations.
JOURNAL OF AGRARIAN CHANGE
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Erica Reeve, Colin Bell, Gary Sacks, Sarah Mounsey, Gade Waqa, Anna Peeters, Anne Marie Thow
Summary: Obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases have significant impacts in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the Western Pacific Region. Implementing effective policies to address these issues faces challenges, including dilution of political leadership and difficulties in enforcing policy compliance. Strengthening implementation could be achieved through improved engagement between health policymakers and implementing agencies, increased accountability from governments, and building the capacities of policy actors.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael Essman, Thomas Burgoine, Adrian Cameron, Andrew Jones, Monique Potvin Kent, Megan Polden, Eric Robinson, Gary Sacks, Richard D. Smith, Lana Vanderlee, Christine White, Martin White, David Hammond, Jean Adams
Summary: The study aimed to examine differences in noticing and use of nutrition information in jurisdictions with and without mandatory menu labelling policies, and to explore differences among sociodemographic groups. The results showed that participants in jurisdictions with mandatory policies were more likely to notice and use nutrition information, order something different, eat less of their order, and change restaurants. Although the magnitudes of these differences were relatively small, mandatory labelling policies were associated with changes in consumption habits.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ella Robinson, Jasmine Chan, Meghan O'Hearn, Dariush Mozaffarian, Gary Sacks
Summary: This study compared the nutrition-related assessment criteria and performance of food companies across three prominent assessment tools. The results showed that the overall nutrition-related performance was low across all tools. The domain with the highest score was 'Governance and Reporting', while 'Product Portfolio' and 'Accessibility and Affordability' had the lowest scores.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maddie Heenan, Stephen Jan, Martyn Ralph, Gary Sacks, Boyd Swinburn, Janani Shanthosh
Summary: This study aimed to co-create a priority setting framework for non-communicable disease (NCDs) prevention that accounts for local context and the prevailing regulatory agenda. The framework incorporated general prioritisation criteria and local contextual criteria. Through surveys and policy dialogue workshops, the most impactful, feasible and acceptable policies for NCD prevention were identified, including restrictions on product placement, enhancement of data systems, removal of unhealthy foods and drinks, prohibition of marketing, and implementation of subsidies or grants.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(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)