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PubMed2004

Do dietary intakes affect search for nutrient information on food labels?

Nutrition labels on food packages are designed to promote and protect public health by providing nutrition information so that consumers can make informed dietary choices. High levels of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in diets are linked to increased blood cholesterol levels and a greater risk of heart disease. Therefore, an understanding of consumer use of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol information on food labels has important implications for public health and nutrition education. This study explores the association between dietary intakes of these three nutrients and psychological or demographic factors and the search for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol information on food labels. Psychology literature suggests a negative association between intakes of these nutrients and probability of search for their information on food labels. Health behavior theories also suggest perceived benefits and costs of using labels and perceived capability of using labels are associated with the search behavior. We estimate the relationship between label information search and its predictors using logistic regressions. Our samples came from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture. Results suggest that search for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol information on food labels is less likely among individuals who consume more of the three nutrients, respectively. The search is also related to perceived benefits and costs of using the label, perceived capability of using the label, knowledge of nutrition and fats, perceived efficacy of diets in reducing the risk of illnesses, perceived importance of nutrition in food shopping, perceived importance of a healthy diet, and awareness of linkage between excessive consumption of the nutrients and health problems. These findings suggest encouraging search of food label information among consumers with unhealthy dietary habits would need innovative approaches. Yet, nutrition education can be instrumental in encouraging this search by stimulating motivation and providing technical help.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Globalisation and income growth promote the Mediterranean diet.

OBJECTIVE: To examine global food demand patterns and how changing diets may stimulate demand for and trade of Mediterranean diet products. DESIGN: Literature review. Trends in global and US food consumption patterns are examined and trade data are reviewed to evaluate the impact of changing diets on trade of Mediterranean diet products. Market access issues are also addressed briefly to highlight the role of policy in the trade of Mediterranean diet products. RESULTS: Diets are shifting towards higher-value products such as meats, fruits and vegetables, and a wider array of packaged food products. Trade in these products has also grown in the past two decades, with several non-traditional importers and exporters becoming increasingly active in the global market. CONCLUSIONS: Income-driven demands for quality and variety are likely to increase the demand for Mediterranean diet products globally. While the middle-income countries appear to be the best growth prospects, the USA remains a potential growth market if these products can meet the growing consumer demand for variety, quality and convenience. Although consumer trends globally indicate growth in demand for Mediterranean diet products, the additional demand may not be reflected by a corresponding growth in trade. Trade in Mediterranean diet products continues to be hampered by higher than average trade barriers and high transportation costs for perishables.

Commerce↗
PubMed1977

[Supervision in veterinary health (author's transl)].

The supervision programme of the Veterinary Chief Inspectorate of Public Health comprises nearly fifty projects, a number of which are discussed. This will give the authorities an opportunity to gain a more complete view of the state of the human food package, for which inspection of the individual animal in the slaughter-house does not so far offer any practical possibilities. Attention is drawn to the important place occupied by the veterinary nutritionist in the protection of human health.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Headspace analysis of benzene in food contact materials and its migration into foods from plastics cookware.

Concentrations of benzene of 29 and 64 mg/kg were found in two samples of thermoset polyester compounded for the manufacture of plastic cookware. In collaboration with the suppliers of the materials, it was established that the benzene originated from the use of t-butyl perbenzoate used as an initiator in the manufacture of the polymer. Samples of thermoset polyester made to the original formulations and thus contaminated with benzene showed migration levels of 1.9 and 5.6 mg/kg in olive oil after extraction for 1 hour at 175 degrees C. Migration levels into olive oil at 175 degrees C for samples produced with non-aromatic initiator were less than 0.1 mg/kg. Concentrations of benzene in thermoset polyester cookware purchased from retail outlets were 0.3 to 84.7 mg/kg. Low amounts of benzene (less than 0.01 to 0.09 mg/kg) were detected in foods when the articles were used for cooking in microwave or conventional ovens. Other plastics used for retail food packaging, such as polystyrene and PVC, which might utilise t-butyl perbenzoate catalyst, were also analysed for benzene. Levels were mostly below 0.1 mg/kg, with the highest amounts detected being from 0.2 to 1.7 mg/kg, predominantly in articles of expanded polystyrene.

Benzene↗
PubMed2006

When is an individual an individual versus a member of a group? An issue in the application of the dietary reference intakes.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reports on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) present a new paradigm for the description of nutrient requirements. Tradition and the DRI reports themselves have created an erroneous impression that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is intended for use with individuals and the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is to be used with populations. Two recent IOM committee reports (one on nutrition labeling and one on Women, Infants and Children [WIC] food packages) challenge that interpretation, revealing the critical issues surrounding individuals versus groups or populations. The present paper examines the issues and concludes that the median requirement and Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) are the critical reference values for both individuals and populations. The RDA is both unneeded and lacking a sound scientific basis.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Nutrition labelling: perspectives of a bi-national agency for Australia and New Zealand.

Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) is a bi-national government agency forming a partnership between all of Australia's States and Territories and the New Zealand government. Australia New Zealand Food Authority employs scientific, legal policy, communication and administrative staff in our Australia and New Zealand offices. Prior to 1991 each of Australia's States and Territories had their own food standards; however, in 1991 Commonwealth legislation was introduced to consolidate responsibility for developing food standards in one specialist agency and to ensure the uniformity of Standards across all States and Territories in Australia. This was extended to New Zealand in 1995 when we became a bi-national agency following the signing of a Treaty between Australia and New Zealand to develop joint food standards for both countries. Australia New Zealand Food Authority's objectives in setting food standards are to: protect public health and safety; provide adequate information to enable consumers to make informed choices; and prevent misleading or deceptive conduct. Health Ministers have recently approved a new Joint Food Standards Code for Australia and New Zealand. This is the result of over 6 year's work and many rounds of public consultation. The new Code has had extensive input from government agencies, industry and consumers. In drafting the new code our emphasis has been on making decisions based on sound science and the most up-to-date information available. We also recognized the need for Standards to be practical in not imposing unnecessary costs on food manufacturers with an inevitable flow on effect to consumer prices. The Joint Code will replace both the existing Australian Food Standards Code and the New Zealand Food Regulations after a 2-year transition period. During the development of the Joint Code a wide range of matters were considered in relation to labelling. Amongst these were consumer needs, costs to industry, voluntary versus mandatory, enforcement issues, relationship to advertising and exemptions. A number of features of the new Code relate specifically to labelling and include: warning and advisory statements; ingredients lists; date marking; directions for use and storage; nutrition information; legibility requirements; and percentage labelling. One of the key features of the Joint Code is the requirement for most packaged foods to bear a nutrition information panel (NIP). Information must be presented on the amount of fat, saturated fat, protein, energy, carbohydrates, sugars and sodium. For the majority of foods the label is the first and only source of information regarding the nutritional content of food purchased. Mandatory nutrition labelling will ensure that consumers are provided with key nutritional information about foods. Single ingredient produce such as fruit and vegetables, and some other foods such as spices, tea and coffee will be exempt. The new requirements will give consumers more nutritional information to allow product comparison. All products will be required to provide information on these nutrients on both a per 100 g basis and in terms of an average serving. In addition to the mandatory nutrient declarations NIP are also required to carry additional data for any substance for which a nutrition claim is made. During the 2-year transition period to December 2002 ANZFA will be working with industry, enforcement agencies and consumers to help to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the Joint Food Standards Code.

Australia↗
PubMed1990

The current status of nutrition labelling in the United Kingdom.

During the past 10 years there has been considerable discussion about nutrition labelling of foodstuffs. In the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has published several proposals for guidelines and regulations. The European Community has more recently considered this subject and has issued their proposals for draft directives. There is now considerable agreement between the UK guidelines on nutrition labelling published in 1987 and EC proposals which are under discussion. Compulsory nutrition labelling is unlikely in the immediate future, except when a nutrition claim is made, when labelling is to be compulsory and must conform to one of several specified formats. In contrast, many consumer groups believe that nutrition labelling should be compulsory for all packaged foods. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food intends to control nutrition claims, such as claims of 'high' or 'low' levels of various nutrients, and definitions of these nutrient levels have been proposed for discussion. Whether to label foods according to 'total' or 'added' sugars content, or both, is also under discussion.

Consumer Organizations↗
PubMed1999

Volatile release from aqueous solutions under dynamic headspace dilution conditions.

Static equilibrium was established between the gas phase (headspace) and an unstirred aqueous phase in a sealed vessel. The headspace was then diluted with air to mimic the situation when a container of food is opened and the volatiles are diluted by the surrounding air. Because this first volatile signal can influence overall flavor perception, the parameters controlling volatile release under these conditions are of interest. A mechanistic model was developed and validated experimentally. Release of compounds depended on the air-water partition coefficient (K(aw)) and the mass transport in both phases. For compounds with K(aw) values <10(-)(3), K(aw) was the factor determining release rate. When K(aw) was >10(-)(3), mass transport in the gas phase became significant and the Reynolds number played a role. Because release from packaged foods occurs at low Reynolds numbers, whereas most experiments are conducted at medium to high Reynolds numbers, the experimentally defined profile may not reflect the real situation.

Food Handling↗
PubMed1997

Environmental oestrogens--present understanding.

Three years ago it was hypothesized that the reported adverse changes in male reproductive health could be explained by exposure to compounds with oestrogenic (or other hormone disruptive) activity. Although this issue has been highly publicized, there has been little progress towards a realistic assessment of whether environmental oestrogens pose a health risk to humans. This article attempts to give a brief overview of the current status of knowledge concerning environmental oestrogens and highlights some of the difficulties associated with risk assessment. Compounds within several major groups of chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, phenolic compounds and phthalate esters, have been identified as being weakly oestrogenic by in vitro and in vivo screening methods. Many of these compounds are widespread and persistent in the environment. They are likely to be present in the food chain, drinking water, plastics, household products and food packaging, although which is the most important route of human exposure is unclear. In addition to exposure to man-made chemicals, the consumption of plant-derived oestrogens in foodstuffs poses a potential risk to human health as phytoestrogens are more potent oestrogens and their intake by some infants is likely to be considerable.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Determination of vinylidene chloride in Saran films by electron capture gas-solid chromatography and confirmation by mass spectrometry.

A method is presented for determining vinylidene chloride (VdC) in Saran food packaging films by using electron capture gas-solid chromatography. The VdC present was confirmed by combined gas-solid chromatography-mass spectrometry, employing selected ion recording. The method is capable of detecting larger than or equal to 5 ppm VdC in films. Production lots of Saran film were analyzed and found to contain 6-30 ppm VdC.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed1992

[Food hygienic indexes on biodegradable polymers].

Current specifications for food packaging made of polyolefine plastics were applied to biodegradable plastics. No lead and cadmium were detected in any biodegradable plastic samples with the exception of bacterial cellulose, which contained trace amounts of lead and cadmium. Potassium permanganate consumption amount was less than the current specification level for polyofines. Sugars leached from bacterial cellulose was 22 +/- 1 microgram per 100 cm2 as glucose, and amino acids leached from poly-gamma-methylglutamate films was 8 +/- 3 micrograms per 100 cm2 as glutamic acid.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1990

Impact of the Special Supplemental Food Program on infants.

The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, popularly known as WIC, provides participants with supplemental foods and nutrition education. The WIC participants are eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday. The program currently serves 1.2 million infants each month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National WIC Evaluation Study of Infants and Children is the most comprehensive assessment of WIC's impact on a national infant sample. Its findings indicate that WIC infants consumed more iron-fortified infant formula (the core of the WIC infant food package) than non-WIC infants and, as a result, had higher daily intakes of formula-related nutrients--namely, iron and vitamin C. Because of lower consumption of whole cow milk, WIC infants had lower daily intakes of milk-related nutrients--calcium, protein, magnesium, and vitamin B6. The research team concluded that increased dietary intake of specific nutrients occurs only during program participation and has no residual effect after participation ceases. Possible scientific and social science research that would be useful in federal policy decisions affecting infant participation in the WIC program is discussed.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1976

A statistical assessment of the quantitative uptake of vinyl chloride monomer from aqueous solution.

The presence of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in foodstuffs and its demonstrated carcinogenic potential when administered by the oral route has raised questions concerning the quantitative estimation of the safety of the use of food packaging fabricated from rigid polyvinyl chloride. A statistical model, which was tested by curve-fitting data obtained from an oral uptake study, has been demonstrated to be of predictive value. Ninety-five percent condifence limits were also calculated, and the data from this study were compared with those from a previous gas phase exposure study. It was concluded that if the total daily liquid intake contained 20 ppm of VCM then the area generated under the blood level-time curve, for rats, would be equivalent to an inhalation exposure of about 2 ppm for 24 hr.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Tuberculosis and nutrition: disease perceptions and health seeking behavior of household contacts in the Peruvian Amazon.

SETTING: Households of TB patients in the Peruvian Amazon. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how knowledge and beliefs of household contacts about TB affected health seeking behavior. DESIGN: Interviews with 73 patients finishing treatment and 79 of their adult household contacts. RESULTS: Contacts were knowledgeable about free screening and treatment, but contacts who noted weight loss, not cough, were more likely to be screened for TB (P = 0.03). Forty-two per cent reported that TB was prevented by nutrition, 28% by separating eating utensils, and only 19% by avoiding a coughing patient. Only one household contact reported being stigmatized. Stigma centered upon nutrition, and only 12% knew of the association between TB and HIV. Only 14% had a BMI < 20, yet 30% reported regularly going to sleep hungry. Free food packages were reported to be the most important reason for treatment adherence by 33% of patients. CONCLUSION: Contacts misperceived TB as a nutritional disease and did not fear airborne transmission, which should be corrected by public health education. Weight loss, and not cough, led to screening. Stigma appeared to be minimized because risk was perceived as personal, through malnutrition, rather than exposure-based. Nutritional incentives that utilize these beliefs may reduce diagnostic delay and enhance treatment adherence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Sources used and trusted by nationally-representative adults in the European Union for information on healthy eating.

OBJECTIVE: To assess what sources of information on healthy eating are used and in particular to ascertain which are the most trusted by European adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in which quota-controlled, nationally-representative samples of approximately 1000 adults from each country completed a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire. SETTING: The survey was conducted between October 1995 and February 1996 in the 15 member states of the European Union. SUBJECTS: 14331 subjects (aged 15 y upwards) completed the questionnaire. Data were weighted by population size for each country and by sex, age and regional distribution within each member state. RESULTS: The five sources of information most frequently selected were: TV/radio (29%), magazines and newspapers (27%), health professionals (26%), food packages (22%) and relatives/friends (22%). Those used by less than 5% of the population included vegetarian and slimming societies and women's organizations. The reliance on health professionals for information was stronger for females and tended to increase with age. The most trusted sources of information in almost all countries were health professionals (91%) and government agencies (80%) with great consistency across countries. 15% of Europeans stated that they did not get any information on healthy eating.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Fructose, insulin resistance, and metabolic dyslipidemia.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are occurring at epidemic rates in the United States and many parts of the world. The "obesity epidemic" appears to have emerged largely from changes in our diet and reduced physical activity. An important but not well-appreciated dietary change has been the substantial increase in the amount of dietary fructose consumption from high intake of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, a common sweetener used in the food industry. A high flux of fructose to the liver, the main organ capable of metabolizing this simple carbohydrate, perturbs glucose metabolism and glucose uptake pathways, and leads to a significantly enhanced rate of de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride (TG) synthesis, driven by the high flux of glycerol and acyl portions of TG molecules from fructose catabolism. These metabolic disturbances appear to underlie the induction of insulin resistance commonly observed with high fructose feeding in both humans and animal models. Fructose-induced insulin resistant states are commonly characterized by a profound metabolic dyslipidemia, which appears to result from hepatic and intestinal overproduction of atherogenic lipoprotein particles. Thus, emerging evidence from recent epidemiological and biochemical studies clearly suggests that the high dietary intake of fructose has rapidly become an important causative factor in the development of the metabolic syndrome. There is an urgent need for increased public awareness of the risks associated with high fructose consumption and greater efforts should be made to curb the supplementation of packaged foods with high fructose additives. The present review will discuss the trends in fructose consumption, the metabolic consequences of increased fructose intake, and the molecular mechanisms leading to fructose-induced lipogenesis, insulin resistance and metabolic dyslipidemia.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica colonies under modified atmospheres at 4 and 8 degrees C using a model food system.

The growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica colonies was studied on solid media at 4 and 8 degrees C under modified atmospheres (MAs) of 5% O2: 10% CO2: 85% N2 (MA1), 30% CO2: 70% N2 (MA2) and air (control). Colony radius, determined using computer image analysis, allowed specific growth rates (mu) and the time taken to detect bacterial colonies to be estimated, after colonies became visible. At 4 degrees C both MAs decreased the growth rates of L. monocytogenes by 1.5- and 3.0-fold under MA1 (mu = 0.02 h(-1)) and MA2 (mu = 0.01 h(-1)), respectively, as compared with the control (mu = 0.03 h(-1)). The time to detection of bacterial colonies was increased from 15 d (control) to 24 (MA1) and 29 d (MA2). At 8 degrees C MA2 decreased the growth rate by 1.5-fold (mu = 0.04 h(-1)) as compared with the control (mu = 0.06 h(-1)) and detection of colonies increased from 7 (control) to 9 d (MA2). At 4 degrees C both MAs decreased the growth rates of Y. enterocolitica by 1.5- and 2.5-fold under MA1 (mu = 0.03 h(-1)) and MA2 (mu = 0.02 h(-1)), respectively, as compared with the control (mu = 0.05 h(-1)). At 8 degrees C identical growth rates were obtained under MA1 and the control (mu = 0.07 h(-1)) whilst a decrease in the growth rate was obtained under MA2 (mu = 0.04 h(-1)). The detection of colonies varied from 6 (8 degrees C, aerobic) to 19 d (4 degrees C, MA2). Refrigerated modified atmosphere packaged foods should be maintained at 4 degrees C and below to ensure product safety.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2003

[Nutritional ecology: chances of public health services to shape procedures].

Nutrition ecology is the science that studies the impacts of human nutrition on the environment, on human health and on social systems. Environmental impacts are usually the result of intensive food production, food transport and food packaging; they include soil contamination and erosion, energy consumption, air contamination and waste disposal. Health impacts of contemporary western eating behavior concern nutrition-related diseases (diabetes, hypertension, gout, overweight etc) and their psychological and social consequences; nutrition ecology aims at a balanced diet and suitable eating behavior to reduce the risks of chronic disease. The social impacts of nutrition concern the effects of feed trade on poor working conditions and poverty, especially in developing countries. The strategies of nutrition ecology agree in many points with those of the agenda 21 and of Consumer Protection. As nutrition-related diseases are increasing further, the public health services in Germany discover nutrition as an important topic in health promotion and prevention. They will contribute remarkably to a sustainable development if they include the strategies of nutrition ecology in their projects.

Developing Countries↗