Valoración del impacto de la legislación argentina sobre alérgenos alimentarios: cinco años de una travesía con aciertos y desafíos / Assessment of the impact of the argentine legislation on food allergens: five years of a journey with successes and challenges / Avaliação do impacto da legislação argentina sobre alérgenos alimentares: cinco anos de uma caminho de desafios e sucessos

Resumen Las alergias alimentarias representan un problema de salud pública. La declaración de alérgenos en el rótulo implicó un avance fundamental para la gestión del riesgo, ya que evitar el alimento desencadenante mediante el rotulado adecuado constituye actualmente una medida insustituible de cuidado para la población susceptible. Se realizó una valoración del impacto de la legislación nacional en referencia a la declaración de alérgenos alimentarios entre 2017 y 2022. Se utilizaron los motores de búsqueda interna de la Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT) para los retiros de productos alimenticios del mercado y se contrastó como herramienta de medición indirecta para la valoración del impacto de la implementación del Artículo 235 séptimo del Código Alimentario Nacional (CAA). Se analizaron 43 productos (galletitas, fideos, chocolates, alimentos a base de vegetales). El 53,5% (23 sobre un total de 43) presentaba declaración de alérgenos. El 70% de los mismos (16 sobre un total de 23) fueron categorizados "con inconsistencias" y el 14% (6 productos de 43) utilizaba etiquetado precautorio. El paradigma reactivo del control de alimentos sobresalió por sobre el de las auditorías, los programas de monitoreo y, en suma, sobre los programas de prevención, ya que el sistema se activó fundamentalmente por la vía reactiva de las denuncias. Esto representó un 72% de los productos categorizados.

Abstract Food allergies represent a public health problem. The declaration of allergens on the label implied a fundamental advance for risk management, since avoiding the triggering food through proper labelling is currently an irreplaceable measure of care for the susceptible population. An assessment of the impact of the national legislation was carried out in reference to the declaration of food allergens between 2017 and 2022. The ANMAT internal search engines were used for the withdrawals of food products from the market and contrastlised as an indirect measurement tool for the impact assessment of the implementation of Section 235 seventh of the Argentine Food Code (CAA, for its acronym in Spanish). Forty-three products (biscuits, noodles, chocolates, vegetable-based foods) were analysed. The allergen declaration was present in 53.5% (23 out of a total of 43). Some inconsistencies were present in 70% of them (16 out of a total of 23) and 14% (6 products out of 43) used precautionary labelling. The reactive paradigm of food control stood out above that of audits, monitoring programmes and, in short, prevention programmes, since the system was activated fundamentally through the reactive route of complaints. This represented 72% of the categorised products.

Resumo As alergias alimentares representam um problema de saúde pública. A declaração de alérgenos no rótulo envolveu um avanço fundamental para a gestão do risco, visto que evitar os alimentos que desencadeiam as alergias, por meio de uma rotulagem adequada, é atualmente uma medida insubstituível de cuidado para a população suscetível. Foi realizada uma avaliação do impacto da legislação nacional referida à declaração de alérgenos alimentares entre 2017 e 2022. Os motores de busca interna da ANMAT (Administração Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos e Tecnologia Médica) foram utilizados para as retiradas de produtos alimentares do mercado e contrastados como uma ferramenta indireta de medição para a avaliação do impacto da aplicação do artigo 235 sétimo, do CAA (Código Alimentar Nacional). Foram analisados 43 produtos (biscoitos, macarrão, chocolates, alimentos à base de vegetais). 53,5% (23 de um total de 43) apresentavam declaração de alérgenos, 70% deles (16 de um total de 23) foram categorizados "com inconsistências" e 14% (6 produtos de 43) utilizavam rotulagem de precaução. Destacou-se o paradigma "reativo" do controle de alimentos por sobre o controle das auditorias, dos programas de monitoramento e, em resumo, dos programas de prevenção, visto que o sistema foi ativado fundamentalmente pela via reativa das reclamações. Isso representou 72% dos produtos categorizados.

Idas y venidas del diseño de la política de alimentación saludable en el Perú: análisis comparativo de sus documentos regulatorios / The comings and goings of the design of the healthy eating policy in Peru: a comparative analysis of its regulatory documents

La venta de productos ultraprocesados y el sobrepeso y la obesidad han aumentado en América Latina en los últimos años. En el Perú, se aprobó la Ley N° 30021 en busca de reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad en niños y adolescentes, sin embargo, el desarrollo de esta Ley se caracterizó por tener continuas modificaciones en los diversos documentos elaborados. El propósito de este artículo es identificar cambios esenciales en los documentos elaborados por el Gobierno y el Congreso en el marco de la Ley N° 30021, específicamente en los temas de regulación de la publicidad de alimentos y bebidas no alcohólicas, advertencias publicitarias y parámetros técnicos de nutrientes críticos. Los cambios identificados en los diferentes documentos muestran el dinamismo en el desarrollo de esta política donde la falta de evidencia científica oportuna, la oposición de la industria alimentaria y la falta de consenso político fueron los principales motivos.

The sale of ultra-processed products has increased in Latin America in recent years, as well as the prevalence of overweight and obesity. In Peru, Law No. 30021 passed in an attempt to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; however, the development of this law was characterized by constant modifications to the documents prepared in this regard. This article aims to identify essential modifications in the documents elaborated by the Government and the Congress within the timeframe of Law No. 30021, particularly those regarding the regulation of food and non-alcoholic beverage advertising, advertising warnings and technical parameters of critical nutrients. The lack of timely scientific evidence, the opposition by the food industry and the lack of political consensus were the main reasons for the detected modifications, which shows the dynamism during the development of this policy.

Consumer perspectives on the inclusion of nutritional warnings in retail food establishments

ABSTRACT The present work aimed to assess Uruguayan consumers support of the inclusion of nutritional warnings on four types of retail food establishments and to obtain consumer insights on how the warnings could be implemented in such establishments. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 547 participants recruited via an advertisement on social media. Participants were requested to indicate their degree of agreement with the implementation of nutritional warnings in bakeries, delicatessens, fast-food restaurants and while ordering food online, and to provide ideas on how to include this information for each establishment. Results suggested that the inclusion of nutritional warnings in retail food establishments was positively perceived by participants. Participants highlighted that warnings should be highly visible to customers while making purchase decisions, so they become a relevant cue for making food choices. In particular, the retail display case and menu boards were identified as key locations for warnings in bakeries, delicatessen, and fast food restaurants, respectively. These results contribute valuable insights on how to implement the extension of nutritional warnings to unpackaged foods or foods made and packaged at the point of purchase.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la percepción de los consumidores uruguayos en relación a la implementación de advertencias nutricionales en cuatro puntos de venta de comida y generar ideas sobre cómo podría implementarse esta medida. Se realizó un estudio online con una muestra no probabilística de 547 participantes, reclutados utilizando publicidad en redes sociales. Los participantes indicaron su grado de acuerdo con la implementación de advertencias nutricionales en panaderías, rotiserías, lugares de venta de comida rápida y sitios de pedidos online, y proporcionaron ideas sobre cómo incluir esta inforamción en cada punto de venta. Los resultados sugieren que la población tiene una perecpeción positiva sobre la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales en puntos de venta de comida. Los participantes destacaron la importancia de incluir esta información en un lugar visible al momento de elegir los productos, de forma que pueda ser tenida en cuenta al tomar las decisiones. En particular, las vitrinas y la cartelería/pizarras fueron identificados como lugares estatégicos para la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales en panaderías/rotiserías y puntos de venta de comida rápida, respectivamente. Los resultados proporcionan valiosa información para extender la inclusión de advertencias nutricionales a puntos de venta de comida.

How do consumer characteristics influence responses to nutritional warnings?

ABSTRACT The aim of the present work was to explore the influence of consumer characteristics on purchase decisions when facing products with nutritional warnings a few days after their implementation in Uruguay. A non-probabilistic sample of 917 participants was obtained using an advertisement on social media. Participants were asked if they had seen the warning signs when making their food purchases and if they had seen the warnings on any product they intended to buy. Participants who answered affirmately (n= 616) were asked about their purchase decision by answering the question "What have you done with the product?" using the following response options: 'I purchased it anyway', 'I purchased a similar product with fewer excess signs', 'I purchased a similar product without excess signs', 'I didn't purchase the product or any similar one'. Univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the influence of individual variables on participants' likelihood of having taken different decisions when facing a product with warnings. Results showed that participants older than 55 years were more likely to react to the warnings by purchasing a similar product with fewer warnings or by not purchasing any product. Likelihood of modifying purchase decisions due to the inclusion of the warnings was associated with a frequent consumption of natural and minimally processed foods and a low consumption frequency of ultra-processed products. These results provide insights to target efforts to promote the use of nutritional warnings in decision making.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente trabajo fue explorar la influencia de caraterísticas de los consumidores en sus decisiones de compra al enfrentar productos con advertencias nutricionales, unos días después de su implementación en Uruguay. Se obtuvo una muestra no probabilística de 917 participantes utilizando redes sociales. Se les preguntó a los participantes si habían visto las advertencias en un producto que tenían la intención de comprar. A los participantes que respondieron afirmativamente (n= 616) se les pidió qué indicarn qué habían hecho con el producto, utilizando las siguientes opciones de respuesta: 'Lo compré igual', 'Compré un producto similar con menos símbolos de exceso', 'Compré un producto similar sín símbolos de exceso' y 'No compré el producto ni tampoco otro similar. Los datos se analizaron utilizaron modelos de regresión multinomial univariados y multivariados. Los participantes mayores de 55 años presentaron una mayor probabilidad de reaccionar a las advertencias no comprando el producto. La probabilidad de modificar la decisión de compra debido a las advertencias estuvo asociada con una mayor frecuencia de consumo de alimentos naturales y mínimamente procesados y una menor frecuencia de consumo de productos ultra-procesados. Los resultados del presente trabajo sugieren que los esfuerzos para promover el uso de las advertencias en la toma de decisiones deben estar focalizados en los ciudadanos con el mayor consumo de productos ultra-procesados.

Oferta y publicidad de alimentos y bebidas en instituciones educativas y entornos escolares de Lima Metropolitana. Un estudio exploratorio / Food and beverage supply and advertising in schools and their surroundings in Metropolitan Lima. An exploratory study

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue describir la oferta y la publicidad de alimentos y bebidas en instituciones educativas y entornos escolares de 15 colegios públicos y privados de Lima en 2019. Se realizaron observaciones inopinadas y se registraron los alimentos ofrecidos, la presencia de advertencias publicitarias, octógonos y la publicidad en quioscos y cafeterías. A la hora de salida se observó la venta ambulatoria de alimentos. Todas las escuelas ofrecían productos ultraprocesados, el 73,3% vendía alimentos con octógonos y el 60% tenía publicidad de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados. En el 86,7% de los colegios había vendedores ambulantes de alimentos, varios de los alimentos eran productos ultraprocesados. Los resultados sugieren un ambiente alimentario no saludable dentro y alrededor de las escuelas, y el incumplimiento de la regulación actual. Resulta necesario mejorar la difusión y supervisión de la política alimentaria, y construir con las escuelas estrategias para promover una alimentación saludable.

Abstract This study aimed to describe the supply and advertising of foods and beverages both inside educational institutions and in their respective local areas in 15 public and private schools in Lima during 2019. Unbiased observations were recorded regarding the types of food available, the presence of octagons, and advertisements used in kiosks and cafeterias. Mobile food vendors were observed at the end of the school day. All schools offered processed products, 73.3% sold food with octagons, and 60% displayed advertising for processed and ultraprocessed foods. Mobile food vendors were observed in 86.7% of schools, several of which were found to sell ultraprocessed products. The results suggest an unhealthy food environment both inside and outside schools, and a noncompliance with current regulations. It is therefore necessary to improve the dissemination and supervision of the food policy, and develop strategies with schools to promote healthy eating.

Comparación de tres modelos de etiquetado nutricional frontal de productos industrializados en Perú, 2019 / Comparison of Three Types of Nutrition Label on Processed Food Packages in Peru, 2019

Resumen Antecedentes: el etiquetado nutricional frontal es una herramienta para orientar la elección del con sumidor hacia una dieta equilibrada y sana. Objetivo: conocer el modelo de etiquetado nutricional frontal que más influye en la identificación de calorías y nutrientes críticos de productos industria lizados en adultos de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental-transversal en el que participaron 384 adultos de ambos sexos distribuidos en cuatro grupos equitativos: sin modelo de etiquetado nutricional, Guía Diaria de Alimentación, etiquetado de advertencia octogonal y Guía Diaria de Alimentación-semáforo. A cada participante se le aplicó un cuestionario con 10 figuras de empaques con el modelo de etiquetado, según el grupo al que correspondían, y 10 preguntas, con un puntaje total de 0 al 20, según el número de respuestas positivas en la identificación de calorías y nutrientes críticos. Resultados: los mayores puntajes totales fueron para los grupos Guía Diaria de Alimentación-semáforo (12,1±3,9) y Guía Diaria de Alimentación (12,1±3,7), con diferencias significativas respecto a los otros dos grupos. También se presentaron diferencias en los puntajes de la identificación de calorías, grasas saturadas y grasa total; los valores más altos fueron para los dos grupos señalados (p<0,05). No se observaron diferencias en la identificación de azúcar y sodio. Conclusiones: los modelos Guía Diaria de Alimentación y Guía Diaria de Alimentación-semáforo son los que más influyen en la identificación de calorías y nutrientes críticos.

Abstract Background: A front-of-package nutrition label is a tool to help guide food selection towards a balanced and healthy diet. Objective: To understand the model of front-of-package nutrition label that most influences the understanding of calories and important nutrients in processed food products in adult participants in Lima, Peru. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional study with 384 participant adults of both sexes. Participants were distributed into four equal groups: no nutritional labeling; daily food guide; stop sign warning labeling; and daily food guide with a traffic light symbol. Each participant was given a questionnaire with 10 pictures of food packaging with the labeling model that corresponded to their randomized group, along with 10 additional questions, for a total of 20 possible questionnaire points. Points were given for correct answers to the 20 questions on the questionnaire, such as identifying correctly the number of calories and/or critical nutrients. Results: The highest total scores were for the daily food guide-traffic light group (12.1 ± 3.9) and daily food guide group (12.1 ± 3.7), with significant differences with respect to the other two groups. There were also differences in the scores of the identification of calories, saturated fat, and total fat; the highest values were for the same two groups indicated above (p <0.05). No differences in food labels were found for the identification of sugars or sodium. Conclusions: The daily food guide and daily food guide-traffic light models most influence the identification of calories and critical nutrients.

Conhecimento e uso de rótulos nutricionais por consumidores / Consumers' knowledge and use of nutritional information on food labels

A rotulagem de alimentos é importante para a comunicação entre produtores e consumidores. No entanto, para ajudar os consumidores a ter maior autonomia em suas escolhas alimentares, é importante interpretar corretamente a rotulagem dos alimentos. Assim, esta pesquisa avaliou o conhecimento e o uso das informações nutricionais apresentadas nos rótulos dos alimentos. Pesquisa quantitativa, exploratória e transversal, realizada em 2018 em uma universidade pública no Brasil, com 415 consumidores com 18 anos ou mais. Para avaliar o conhecimento, aplicouse questionário estruturado com pontuação de 0 a 24. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise descritiva, correlação de Spearman e teste de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann Whitney. Participaram indivíduos com idade de 21,02 ± 2,89 anos, dos quais 58,31% eram do sexo feminino. Muitos consumidores liam frequentemente os rótulos dos alimentos (56,39%). A pontuação média de conhecimento foi de 14,99 ± 4,12. A média do escore de conhecimento foi afetada pela idade (p = 0,039) e renda (p = 0,020). Os participantes que utilizaram alegações nutricionais como critério de compra (p = 0,004) obtiveram maiores pontuações. Os maiores problemas na interpretação dos rótulos nutricionais estavam relacionados às reivindicações obrigatórias de nutrientes e aos termos "zero gordura trans (0%)", "alimento funcional", "diet" e "light". Considerando que a regulamentação dos rótulos de alimentos está em processo de revisão no Brasil, torna-se importante pesquisar seu uso e conhecimento por consumidores adultos jovens. Isso contribuirá para a discussão da revisão da legislação, além de ajudar os profissionais a orientarem os consumidores na interpretação dos rótulos. (AU)

Food labelling is important to communication between food producers and consumers. For consumers to have greater autonomy in terms of their food choices, it is important to facilitate a correct interpretation about what is on a food label. This paper assessed consumers' knowledge and use of nutritional information on food labels. Cross-sectional exploratory quantitative, "blind" research carried out in 2018 in a public university in Brazil, with 415 consumers aged 18 years or older. A structured questionnaire with a score ranging from 0 to 24 was applied. Descriptive analysis, Spearman correlation coefficient, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann Whitney test were employed. Participants were individuals aged 21.02 ± 2.89 years, of which 58.31% were female. Many consumers reported they read food labels frequently (56.39%). The mean score was 14.99 ± 4.12. The knowledge score mean was affected by age (p =0.039) and income (p = 0.020). Participants who used nutritional claims as a criterion for purchase (p = 0.004) had higher scores. The biggest issues in interpreting nutritional labels were related to mandatory nutrient claims and the terms "trans-fat free (0%)", "functional food", "diet" and "light". Food label regulation is a process currently under review in Brazil, so research on the use and knowledge of nutritional information on food labels by young adult consumers becomes important. It will contribute to the discussion of the revision of legislation, as well as helping professionals guide consumers in the interpretation of labels. (AU)

Impacto de diferentes etiquetados frontales de alimentos según su calidad nutricional: estudio comparativo en México / Impact of different front-of-pack nutrition labels on foods according to their nutritional quality: a comparative study in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la comprensión objetiva de cinco tipos de etiquetados frontales de paquetes (EFP) (Sistema de Clasificación de Estrellas de Salud, Semáforo Múltiple, Nutri-Score, Ingestas de Referencia y Símbolo de Advertencia) en México. Material y métodos: Se reclutaron 1 001 consumidores mexicanos para clasificar tres productos de tres categorías de alimentos sin EFP, según su calidad nutricional. Se les asignó al azar uno de los cinco EFP para clasificar los mismos productos, esta vez con un EFP en el empaque. El cambio en la capacidad para clasificar correctamente los productos en las dos tareas fue evaluado por EFP, utilizando un modelo de regresión logística ordinal. Resultados: Nutri-Score y Semáforo Múltiple obtuvieron un mejor desempeño, seguidos del Símbolo de Advertencia, Sistema de Clasificación de Estrellas de Salud e Ingestas de Referencia. Conclusión: Nutri-Score y el Semáforo Múltiple surgen como esquemas eficientes para informar a los consumidores sobre la calidad nutricional de los alimentos en México, donde podrían ser una herramienta útil para los consumidores en situación de compra.

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to compare consumers' objective understanding of five FoPLs [Health Star Rating system (HSR), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL), Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes (RIs), Warning Symbol] in Mexico. Materials and methods: 1 001 Mexican consumers were recruited and asked to rank three sets of label-free products according to their nutritional quality, via a survey. Upon completion of this task, participants were randomized to one of five FoPL conditions and were again asked to rank the same sets of products, this time with a FoPL displayed on pack. Change in ability to correctly rank products across the two tasks was assessed by FoPL using ordinal logistic regression. Results: Nutri-Score and MTL performed best, followed Warning Symbol, HSR and RIs. Conclusion: Nutri-Score and MTL appear as efficient schemes to inform consumers on the nutritional quality of foods, in particular in Mexico, where it would be a helpful tool for consumers in purchasing situations.

Food Literacy in South Korea: Operational Definition and Measurement Issues

Since chronic diseases have emerged as a major cause of death worldwide, people has been exposed to large amounts of information on healthy eating practices that are important aspects of its prevention and management. Food literacy, the functional, interactive, and critical ability to manage dietary information with the aim of improving health, is of global interest. In South Korea (hereafter Korea), there is currently a lack of food literacy research, despite its pertinence for the development of public health policies that are tailored to recipients' ability to understand and address health and nutrition issues. In this study, the research trend and policy implications of food literacy are derived through reviewing preceding studies related to food literacy in Korea and elsewhere. Existing literature on food literacy in Korea placed much emphasis on the functional ability of food literacy. Future research on the operational definitions of interactive and critical food literacy and their health effects in Korea is necessary. In addition, there is a lack of research on the development and validation of measurement tools that evaluate integrative concepts of food literacy. To accurately examine the relationships among food literacy, diet, and health, standardized measurement tools that can comprehensively evaluate food literacy frameworks for various Korean sub-population groups should be developed. Based on such future studies, an investigation of health promotion programs or policies on reducing the cognitive burden of food literacy would contribute to improving heathy eating practices in Korea.

Leitura de rótulos alimentares entre usuários da atenção básica e fatores associados / Reading food labels among users of primary care and associated factors

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a prevalência da leitura de rótulos de alimentos, fatores associados e informações consultadas por adultos e idosos usuários da atenção básica. Métodos Estudo transversal, com coleta de dados mediante aplicação de questionário, com perguntas sobre o hábito de ler rótulos e, aos que responderam afirmativamente, sobre as informações consultadas. Calculou-se a prevalência do desfecho e de sua associação com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, de situação e serviços de saúde, de conhecimento sobre saúde e nutrição, e de hábitos de vida. Resultados Entre os 1.246 entrevistados, a leitura de rótulos foi referida por 70,9%. Os fatores associados foram: sexo, idade, situação conjugal, escolaridade, diagnóstico de doenças crônicas, autopercepção da saúde e da alimentação, acesso a informações sobre saúde e nutrição, recebimento de orientação para alimentação saudável e prática de atividade física. As informações mais consultadas foram o prazo de validade (73,8%) e o valor nutricional (18%). Conclusão A leitura dos rótulos de alimentos precisa ser popularizada, seja por meio de campanhas educativas, seja pela interação entre usuários e profissionais de saúde. É necessário enfatizar não só a importância de observar-se a validade dos produtos, mas, principalmente, de consultar as informações nutricionais, visando a escolhas alimentares mais saudáveis.

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of reading food labels, associated factors and information consulted by adults and elderly users of primary care. Methods Cross-sectional study with data collected by questionnaire. It was asked about the habit of reading labels and those who answered affirmatively where questioned about what information they are consulting. Calculating the prevalence of the outcome and its association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, status and health services utilization, knowledge about health and nutrition and lifestyle habits. Results Among the 1,246 respondents, reading labels was reported by 70.9% and the associated factors were sex, age, marital status, education, diagnosis of chronic diseases, health and food self-perception, access to information on health and nutrition, guidance received for healthy eating and the practice of physical activity. The most consulted information was the expiration date (73.8%) and nutritional value (18%). Conclusion Reading food labels need to be popularized, through educational campaigns, or the interaction between users and health professionals. It is necessary to emphasize not only the importance of observing the validity of the products, but mainly to check the nutritional information in order to have healthier food choices.

ALERGIA ALIMENTARIA: IMPORTANCIA DE LA ROTULACIÓN CORRECTA EN LA PREVENCIÓN / Food allergy: importance of correct labeling in prevention

Introducción. La alergia alimentaria afecta a entre el 6 y 8% de los niños en Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido y la prevalencia de alergia entre los adultos es alrededor del 3% del total de manifestaciones alérgicas. Los aditivos alimentarios son parte de la alergia alimentaria, tienen una incidencia de 0,03 a 0,23%, por lo que se requiere una cuidadosa elaboración de los alimentos así como una adecuada rotulación y minuciosa y correcta lectura de los rótulos de los productos. Objetivos. Determinar si la información que se describe en el etiquetado de los alimentos cumple con el código alimentario y establecer la frecuencia de utilización de advertencia del contenido de alérgenos en los mismos. Materiales y métodos. Se auditaron almacenes y supermercados de la ciudad de Córdoba, de noviembre del 2013 a marzo del 2014, analizando los rótulos de alimentos de alta manufacturación. Resultados. Se analizaron 351 alimentos, solamente el 65,52% (230) de los productos cumplen con el correcto rotulado alergénico. En el 54,7% (192) de los productos la información era completa, en el 10,82% (38) incompleta y en el 34,75% (121) nula. En cuanto a la advertncia de uso de aditivos: 47% (165) indicaban el tipo de aditivo, 17% (60) indicaban aditivos e INS (International Numbering System: Sistema Internacional de Numeración), 17,7% (62) solo INS y el 18% (64) no informaban sobre el uso de aditivos. Conclusión. La información que se describe en la rotulación alimentaria es deficiente tanto para el contenido de alimentos como de aditivos, y no cumple con el código alimentario. Hay una baja frecuencia de advertencia del contenido de alérgenos en los productos alimenticios.(AU)

Introduction: Food allergy affects between 6 and 8% of children in the US and the UK and the prevalence of allergy among adults is about 3% of all allergic manifestations. Food additives are part of the food allergy, they have an incidence of 0.03 to 0.23%, so it requires careful preparation of food as well as proper labeling and thorough and accurate reading of product labels. Objectives: To determine if the information described in the food labeling complies with the food code and to establish the frequency of use of warning of the allergen content in the foods. Materials and methods: It was audited warehouses and supermarkets of the city of Córdoba, from November 2013 to March 2014, analyzing the labels of foods of high manufacture. Results: 351 foods were analyzed, only 65.52% (230) of the products comply with the correct allergen labeling. In 54.7% (192) of the products the information was complete, in the 10.82% (38) incomplete and in the 34.75% (121) null. As for the warning of use of additives: 47% (165) indicated the type of additive, 17% (60) indicated additives and INS (International Numbering System), 17.7% (62) only ISN and 18% (64) did not report on the use of additives. Conclusion: The information described in food labeling is deficient for both food content and additives, not complying with the food code. There is a low frequency of allergen content warning in food products(AU)

The Association of Food Label Use with Objective and Subjective Obesity among a Korean Population

PURPOSE: Using food labels has been related to healthy eating habits and positive health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of food labels utilization and the association between food label use and obesity related factors. METHODS: We conducted a self-reported population-based survey including health behaviors, 24-hour recalls, measurements of body mass indices with 6,266 Koreans aged 10 or older. χ2-test and ANOVA examined differences in demographic factors, health behavioral factors, and nutrition factors in tandem with food label use categories. Multivariates logistic regression was used to estimate association between food label use and obesity factors. RESULTS: The percentages of food label users and non-users who perceive food labels were 21.8% and 48.5% respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression, food label use had significant positive associations with women, age, income, education attainment, and subjective obesity. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors and dietetic treatments, the positive associations between food label use and subjective obesity, weight control, and subjective obesity with objective normal weight remained. CONCLUSION: In order to improve eating habits and weight management, the obesity population that does not use food labels needs to receive proper nutrition education including food choice and body image correction.

The Scope of Population Groups and Nutrients for Codex Nutrient Reference Values

The purposes of this study were to establish the scope of population groups to be set and nutrients to be included for Codex Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Examination of a variety of documents and reports on the principles of scientific evidence was gone through to choose representative groups from a variety of population groups and kinds of nutrients for setting Codex NRVs. Also, hearings from the groups of NRVs expertise has been formed and was gone through by e-working process. The differences of food and foods being consumed in general and by specific population groups and limited actual space on packages for food labeling were considered. This paper suggest the options on the scope of population groups to be set and nutrients to be included for Codex NRVs on the basis of the above procedures. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of these options are commented when the options are applied for establishment and revision of the Codex NRVs.