scholarly journals Food Rating Scale in Food Services: From Development to Assessment of a Strategy for Consumer Healthier Choices

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Mazocco ◽  
Rita Akutsu ◽  
Raquel Botelho ◽  
Izabel Da Silva ◽  
Raquel Adjafre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Services ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed to create an easy tool to identify healthier choices for meal assembly in food services (self-service restaurants) and to allow consumers to compose their plates to make healthier choices. It is an interventional study, and the first step was setting healthy food parameters to design a rating scale. The first evaluation criterion was based on energy density (ED) and sodium content (SC) using “traffic light” color in the dishes’ nameplates; the second criterion was based on food groups; the third criterion was based on ingredients of the meals. After using the classification, we assessed the rating scale in a food service and we evaluated the strategy with its consumers. To evaluate the effect of the nutritional intervention, we developed a multiple-choice-questionnaire with eight questions to measure the impact on consumer food choices quantitatively. The dish nameplate allows identification of healthier choices regarding SC and/or ED by colors; ingredients that compose the dish; the food group and the serving size, helping the identification of the amount of food to compose the meal. Banners helped consumers to understand the information. After four weeks, all the consumers (n = 1000) received questionnaires regarding their comprehension of the classification. The questionnaire presented an ICC of 0.71. Most of the preparations (61%) were inadequate based on ED and/or SC at the studied food service. A total of 556 consumers returned questionnaires, and 86.3% of them observed the rating scale as a nutritional strategy. Almost 55% (n = 261) of consumers reported changes in food choice after reading the dishes nameplates. The items with greater impact on consumer change in eating behavior were the use of colors as an indicator of nutritional quality, portion size information and ingredients list. Almost 25% of the consumers that changed their eating behavior noticed more than three items presented on the nameplate.

scholarly journals Effects of Indigenous Diet Iron Content and Location on Hemoglobin Levels of Ghanaians

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2710 ◽  
Author(s):  
April Callister ◽  
Joanna Gautney ◽  
Christina Aguilar ◽  
Julian Chan ◽  
David Aguilar
Keyword(s):  
Food Group ◽  
Food Type ◽  
Plant Proteins ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Sex Distribution ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Ease Of Access ◽  
The Impact

Multiple studies have demonstrated strong links between diet and anemia, but few have explored the impact of food groups on hemoglobin (Hb). We analyzed the correlation between Ghanaian diet and Hb levels to explore reduction of anemia prevalence through dietary interventions. Demographics, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and blood samples were obtained from 140 volunteers (ages 18–65) in five locations across Ghana. Hb was measured; estimated iron consumption was calculated. FFQ items were grouped by food type, and a regression analysis was performed to determine the most important dietary predictors of Hb. Moreover, 47% of total participants were anemic; 64% of females and 28% of males. Hb levels were highest in Mole (13.9 g/dL, SD = ±1.9), independent of sex distribution. The regression model revealed a 62.7% adjusted correlation between food groups and Hb levels. Animal foods (β = 0.016, t = 5.08, p < 0.01) and plant protein (β = 0.013, t = 2.86, p < 0.01) were the most influential groups to Hb levels. It is of vital importance to emphasize the benefits of consuming animal foods and plant proteins within the Ghanaian population. The ease of access to plant proteins makes it likely that this food group will be most influential and have the greatest impact in reduction of anemia in the Ghanaian population.

scholarly journals The impact of adding front-of-package sodium content labels to grocery products: an experimental study

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Goodman ◽  
David Hammond ◽  
Rhona Hanning ◽  
Judy Sheeshka
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Content ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Low Sodium ◽  
Numeric Information ◽  
Grocery Products ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Colour Coding

AbstractObjectiveCanadians consume approximately twice the daily Adequate Intake of sodium. The present study examined the efficacy of four types of front-of-package (FOP) sodium labels at influencing consumers’ selection of products low v. high in sodium.DesignParticipants were randomly assigned to one of five experimental conditions: (i) control condition with no FOP label; (ii) basic numeric FOP label; (iii) numeric FOP label with ‘high’ and ‘low’ sodium content descriptors; (iv) detailed Traffic Light (TL) label with colour coding, content descriptors and numeric information; and (v) simple TL label with no numeric information. Participants were shown pairs of grocery products that varied in sodium content and told they could choose a free sample. Selection of the low-sodium v. the high-sodium product was the primary behavioural outcome, in addition to ratings of effectiveness, understanding, liking and believability.SettingWaterloo, Ontario, Canada.SubjectsAdults (n 430) aged ≥18 years, recruited from community settings.ResultsParticipants in the three FOP conditions with ‘high/low’ sodium content descriptors were significantly more likely to choose the lower-sodium product compared with the control group. The detailed TL label was ranked most effective at helping participants select low-sodium products, and was rated significantly higher than other formats in liking, understanding and believability. Product selection did not differ significantly across sociodemographic groups.ConclusionsFOP labels that include content descriptors may be more effective in helping consumers to select lower-sodium products. TL labels, which incorporate content descriptors and colour coding, should be considered for future FOP labelling initiatives.

scholarly journals Offspring Birth Weight Is Associated with Specific Preconception Maternal Food Group Intake: Data from a Linked Population-Based Birth Cohort

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3172
Author(s):  
Nastaran Salavati ◽  
Petra C. Vinke ◽  
Fraser Lewis ◽  
Marian K. Bakker ◽  
Jan Jaap H.M. Erwich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Artificial Sweeteners ◽  
Food Groups

The preconception period has been recognized as one of the earliest sensitive windows for human development. Maternal dietary intake during this period may influence the oocyte quality, as well as placenta and early embryonic development during the first trimester of pregnancy. Previous studies have found associations between macronutrient intake during preconception and pregnancy outcomes. However, as food products consist of multiple macro- and micronutrients, it is difficult to relate this to dietary intake behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between intake of specific food groups during the preconception period with birth weight, using data from the Perined-Lifelines linked birth cohort. The Perined-Lifelines birth cohort consists of women who delivered a live-born infant at term after being enrolled in a large population-based cohort study (The Lifelines Cohort). Information on birth outcome was obtained by linkage to the Dutch perinatal registry (Perined). In total, we included 1698 women with data available on birth weight of the offspring and reliable detailed information on dietary intake using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire obtained before pregnancy. Based on the 2015 Dutch Dietary Guidelines and recent literature 22 food groups were formulated. Birth weight was converted into gestational age-adjusted z-scores. Multivariable linear regression was performed, adjusted for intake of other food groups and covariates (maternal BMI, maternal age, smoking, alcohol, education level, urbanization level, parity, sex of newborn, ethnicity). Linear regression analysis, adjusted for covariates and intake of energy (in kcal) (adjusted z score [95% CI], P) showed that intake of food groups “artificially sweetened products” and “vegetables” was associated with increased birth weight (resp. (β = 0.001 [95% CI 0.000 to 0.001, p = 0.002]), (β = 0.002 [95% CI 0.000 to 0.003, p = 0.03])). Intake of food group “eggs” was associated with decreased birth weight (β = −0.093 [95% CI −0.174 to −0.013, p = 0.02]). Intake in food groups was expressed in 10 g per 1000 kcal to be able to draw conclusions on clinical relevance given the bigger portion size of the food groups. In particular, preconception intake of “artificially sweetened products” was shown to be associated with increased birth weight. Artificial sweeteners were introduced into our diets with the intention to reduce caloric intake and normalize blood glucose levels, without compromising on the preference for sweet food products. Our findings highlight the need to better understand how artificial sweeteners may affect the metabolism of the mother and her offspring already from preconception onwards.

scholarly journals Labelling the salt content in foods: a useful tool in reducing sodium intake in Finland

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pirjo Pietinen ◽  
Liisa M Valsta ◽  
Tero Hirvonen ◽  
Harri Sinkko
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the impact of choosing food products labelled either as low or high in salt on salt intake in the Finnish adult population.Setting and subjectsThe National FINDIET 2002 survey with 48-hour recalls from 2007 subjects aged 25–64 years. Sodium intake was calculated based on the Fineli® food composition database including the sodium content of natural and processed foods as well as the salt content of recipes. The distribution of salt intake was calculated in different ways: the present situation; assuming that all breads, cheeses, processed meat and fish, breakfast cereals and fat spreads consumed would be either ‘lightly salted’ or ‘heavily salted’ based on the current labelling practice; and, in addition, assuming that all foods would be prepared with 50% less or more salt.ResultsExcluding underreporters, the mean salt intake would be reduced by 1.8 g in men and by 1.0 g in women if the entire population were to choose lightly salted products and further by 2.5 and 1.8 g, respectively, if also salt used in cooking were halved. Choosing heavily salted products would increase salt intake by 2.1 g in men and by 1.4 g in women. In the worst scenarios, salt intake would be further increased by 2.3 g in men and by 1.6 g in women.ConclusionsThese calculations show that the potential impact of labelling and giving consumers the possibility to choose products with less salt is of public health importance. In addition, strategies to reduce the salt content of all food groups are needed.

An Analysis of Household Foods Demand in Rural Burundi

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Niyomwungere ◽  
◽  
Yu Wen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Food Group ◽  
Food Demand ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Socioeconomic Variables ◽  
Head Of Household ◽  
Expenditure Elasticity ◽  
Demand Patterns ◽  
Land Size ◽  
The Impact

This study was aimed to investigate the roles of income and other socioeconomic variables such as household size, land size, head of household education level, raising the animals, source of income on food demand in rural Burundi. The demands for food and nutrients among the households in rural Burundi were examined using a recent survey done by the authors. An almost ideal demand system (AIDS) was employed to estimate the price and expenditure elasticities and the impact of socioeconomic variables on food demand patterns. An econometric model was then used to analyze the determinants of food demand. The estimated expenditure elasticities for the food groups range from 0.64 for oils to 1.36 for meats. These outcomes showed that there is a higher expenditure elasticities for meats, fish, and animal products, as well as cereals and grains. The results showed that the income and other socioeconomic variables exerted significant effects on food demand. The income and other socioeconomic variables exerted a significant impact on the food demand, and higher expenditure elasticity for food group items will increase remarkably with rising income.

scholarly journals Portion Size of Energy-Dense Foods among French and UK Adults by BMI Status

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Rippin ◽  
Jayne Hutchinson ◽  
Jo Jewell ◽  
Joao Breda ◽  
Janet Cade
Keyword(s):  
Normal Weight ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Data Limitations ◽  
Consumption Frequency ◽  
Serving Sizes ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact

Evidence links consumed food portion size (FPS) and excess weight via increased energy intake. Policies to regulate on-pack serving sizes may be needed; determining consumed FPS of popular energy-dense foods for normal weight and overweight or obese (OWOB) adults, as reported here, may provide evidence to assist this. Data were analysed from national cross-sectional surveys, the French Étude Individuelle Nationale des Consommations Alimentaires2 2005–2007 (n = 2117), and UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2014 (n = 3413). The impact of body mass index (BMI) on FPS is also investigated, adjusting for age, sex and under-reporting. Effects of under-reporting on relationships between FPS and BMI; and BMI on consumption frequency (UK only) were explored. OWOB reported larger FPS than normal-weight individuals in many, but not all food subgroups; however, there were only two significant FPS differences. In adjusted analyses, French individuals consumed 1.0 g (99% CI 0.01–2.1 p = 0.01) greater FPS in cakes for 1 point difference in BMI. ‘Other cakes’ and ‘dark chocolate’ were also significantly positively associated with BMI. High-fat bar snacks, but no UK main food groups, were positively associated with BMI. There was limited evidence of links between FPS and BMI in UK and French national cross-sectional data, possibly due to data limitations such as under-reporting. Future work should explore this and relationships between consumed FPS and on-pack suggested serving sizes to provide evidence to assist obesity-prevention policies.

scholarly journals “The Best Portion of Your Life Is Small:” The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Food Choices and Eating Motivations

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 556-556
Author(s):  
Isabella Quadrini ◽  
Deema Ujayli ◽  
Amanda Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Beaumont Hospital ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe food choice changes and explain food choice rationales to understand dietary intake patterns in the first year following bariatric surgery. Methods Thirty bariatric surgery candidates (19 sleeve gastrectomy, 11 gastric bypass) were recruited to participate in a mixed methods study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants pre-surgery and at 6- and 12-months post-surgery to explore food choices, dietary patterns and behaviors. Block Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) were completed at each time point. Transcripts were coded using a constant comparative method. Emergent themes were compared across time points. A matrix was created to display food classifications and dietary patterns. Pre-and post- surgery food group and macronutrient comparisons were made using paired t-tests. Results Three themes emerged to describe food choice patterns: macronutrient content at meals and snacks, eating structure and routine, and “eating out” habits. Both pre- and post-surgery, protein foods (e.g., dairy and lean meats) and vegetables were the most commonly reported “healthy” foods and were valued for satiety. Unhealthy foods included desserts, sweets, salty snacks, and fruit. Participants unanimously described reduced portion size, but not all chose foods based on perceptions of health. Other important food choice motivators included hunger, convenience, control and enjoyment. FFQ data revealed that participants reduced intake of all food groups at 6 months with increases in servings of fat (P &lt; 0.05) 12 months. At 6 months, there was an increase in % calories from protein (P &lt; 0.000) and a decrease in % calories from sweets (P &lt; 0.021). At 12-months, there was a reversal of this trend: Protein decreased to 20% of calories (P &lt; 0.007) and sweets increased to 18% (P &lt; 0.045). Conclusions Participants’ perceptions of healthy and unhealthy food did not drive a majority of food choice decisions following bariatric surgery. Post-surgery changes in food choice patterns and dietary behaviors may not be long-term, which could impact weight loss outcomes. Funding Sources Oakland University and William Beaumont Hospital.

Temporal trends in food group availability and cancer incidence in Africa: an ecological analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 2569-2580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elom K Aglago ◽  
Freddie Bray ◽  
Francis Zotor ◽  
Nadia Slimani ◽  
Veronique Chajès ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Cancer Incidence ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjective:We evaluated the relationship between food availability, as the only dietary exposure data available across Africa, and age-standardised cancer incidence rates (ASR) in eighteen countries.Design:Ecological study.Setting:Availability of food groups and dietary energy was considered for five hypothetical time points: years of collection of ASR (T 0) and 5, 10, 15 and 20 preceding years (T –5, T –10, T –15, T –20). Ecological correlations adjusted for human development index, smoking and obesity rates were calculated to evaluate the relationship between food availability and ASR of breast, prostate, colorectal, oesophageal, pancreatic, stomach and thyroid cancer.Results:Red meat was positively correlated with pancreatic cancer in men (T –20: r –20 = 0·61, P &lt; 0·05), stomach cancer in women (T 0: r 0 = 0·58, P &lt; 0·05), and colorectal cancer in men (T 0: r 0 = 0·53, P &lt; 0·05) and women (T –20: r –20 = 0·58, P &lt; 0·05). Animal products including meat, animal fats and higher animal-sourced energy supply tended to be positively correlated with breast, colorectal, pancreatic, stomach and thyroid cancer. Alcoholic beverages were positively correlated to oesophageal cancer in men (r 0 = 0·69, P &lt; 0·001) and women (r –20 = 0·72, P &lt; 0·001).Conclusions:The present analysis provides initial insights into the impact of alcoholic beverages, and increasing use of animal over plant products, on the incidence of specific cancers in Africa. The findings support the need for epidemiological studies to investigate the role of diet in cancer development in Africa.

scholarly journals Having Children in the Household Affects Adult Dietary Consumption: Results of a Cross-Sectional Community Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 129-129
Author(s):  
Masoomeh Hajizadeh Oghaz
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Median Income ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Consumption ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Preschool Aged Children

Abstract Objectives This study examined whether food group consumption varies by demographic, socioeconomic, health-related, and household factors in a mid-sized Midwestern city. Methods This study was reviewed and certified exempt by the Institutional Review Board at a large Midwestern university. University and community partners developed a Community-Campus Health Connections Survey assessing demographic characteristics, health behaviours, and health education and communication preferences, and nutrition consumption. It was administered fall of 2017. We used t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations to assess the strength of associations between the dependent and independent variables. We then used multiple hierarchical regression analysis to identify predictors of daily dietary consumption of different food groups. Results A total of 172 adult respondents were included in the final sample.  Age, healthcare access, zip code median income, and self-rated health, and age of children in the household predicted dietary consumption. Having preschool-aged children in the household predicted increased consumption of dairy, vegetables, and fruits, while having teenagers in the household predicted decreased consumption of water. Conclusions This study finds that having children in the household influences dietary consumption of adults after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables. An unanticipated finding is that this study may demonstrate the impact of food assistance programs on healthy food consumption of caregivers with preschool-aged children. Funding Sources Department-level institutional funding.

scholarly journals Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Egnell ◽  
Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot ◽  
Pilar Galan ◽  
Mathilde Touvier ◽  
Mike Rayner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Group ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Size Selection ◽  
The Impact

In the European Union (EU) three coloured graded Front-of-Pack labels (FoPLs), two endorsed by governments (Nutri-Score and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL)) and one designed by industry (Evolved Nutrition Label (ENL)) are currently being discussed. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these FoPLs on portion size selection, specifically for less healthy products. In 2018, participants from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study (N = 25,772) were exposed through a web-based self-administered questionnaire to products from three food categories (sweet biscuits, cheeses, and sweet spreads), with or without FoPLs, and were invited to select the portion they would consume (in size and number). Kruskall-Wallis tests, and mixed ordinal logistic regression models, were used to investigate the effects of FoPLs on portion size selection. Compared to no label, Nutri-Score consistently lowered portion sizes (OR = 0.76 (0.74–0.76)), followed by MTL (OR = 0.83 (0.82–0.84)). For ENL, the effects differed depending on the food group: It lowered portion size selection for cheeses (OR = 0.84 (0.83–0.87)), and increased it for spreads (OR = 1.19 (1.15–1.22)). Nutri-Score followed by MTL appear efficient tools to encourage consumers to decrease their portion size for less healthy products, while ENL appears to have inconsistent effects depending on the food category.

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