A new study reveals that the FDA lacks oversight over thousands of added ingredients in US foods, including ultra-processed foods. The lack of regulation allows companies to independently evaluate the safety of these substances, often without notifying the government or public.
A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A USC Dornsife study finds that nearly one in four LA County residents experience food insecurity, while almost half with nutrition insecurity do not report food insecurity, highlighting the need for addressing both issues to improve access and address barriers to healthy diets.
The US food system is dominated by industrial agriculture, which perpetuates global challenges like food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Agroecology offers a solution, prioritizing ecological and social sustainability without sacrificing one for the other.
Researchers found that people in lower-income neighborhoods and without local food stores eat more snacks and sweets. Despite this, a surprising finding is that people living in USDA-defined food deserts ate the same amount of snacks and sweets as those who did not live in these areas.
A new study emphasizes the need to balance water conservation with food security, finding that ending groundwater depletion would lead to significant declines in food production, particularly for rice and wheat. The study warns that such efforts could push up international prices, making food less affordable for the poor.
A new University of Michigan study concludes that nearly half of the food produced globally each year goes to waste. Implementing fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide could eliminate 620 million metric tons of global food loss and reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.
A new study published in Nature Food emphasizes the necessity of incorporating diverse knowledge systems into decision-making processes to address blind spots in current food system policies. The authors advocate for participatory and transdisciplinary approaches that integrate scientific, Indigenous, and traditional understandings.
Researchers have developed a system to detect food contamination, which could save hundreds of billions of dollars globally by reducing food waste. The technology would replace the current 'best before' date system, which often leads to perfectly safe food being wasted.
A three-step approach is proposed to address global hunger and hidden hunger by focusing on calorie needs, high-quality protein, and emission reduction. The study suggests optimizing crop and livestock cycles, introducing novel foods like insect-based products and lab-grown meats, and enhancing global trade and spatial planning.
A recent study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that women with restrained eating habits who practiced flexible responses to food cues showed increased positivity towards high-calorie foods. This suggests that a balanced approach to responding and inhibiting food cues can foster more positive emotional reactions to food.
A study explores multi-objective nitrogen management in the food system, focusing on Quzhou County in China. The researchers found significant N losses to the environment, mainly from crop and animal production, and developed a framework for reducing these losses while promoting food security and economic sustainability. The study sugg...
A University of Sydney study found that most advertised items on major online food delivery outlets and applications are missing nutritional information. The study highlights the need for updated menu labelling laws to reflect the rise of online food delivery services, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Researchers propose a direction of research on 'microbial food production from sustainable raw materials' to produce nutritious and eco-friendly foods. Microbial biomass is rich in protein, emits minimal carbon dioxide, and requires less water and space.
Researchers developed a framework to ensure food safety by retaining vitamins and minerals. The study used bootstrapping to estimate kill ratios in low-moisture foods, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and potentially relaxed standards, while maintaining high levels of food safety.
Research at the University of Oxford discovered that socially connected great tit birds are more likely to use new foods, consuming twice as much novel food as less sociable individuals. This trend suggests that social birds expand their diets to mitigate competition costs, not increased exploratory behavior.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that changes in home food availability between 2 to 4 years old are associated with changes in nutrient intake. The researchers used the Home Food Inventory (HFI) to measure food availability and found significant changes in several food categories over time.
Researchers found that AI-generated food visuals excel at enhancing the appeal of depicted foods by leveraging symmetry, shape, and lighting. However, this may lead to 'visual hunger' and influence unhealthy eating behaviors among consumers.
A study using AI to analyze almost 180,000 food outlets found that restaurants tend to have the healthiest menus, followed by cafes and snack bars. The research reveals a 'double burden' on people living in deprived areas due to high concentrations of unhealthy fast-food outlets.
A recent study analyzing 85,000 kilograms of donated food to Foodbank WA found that 96% met food safety standards, while four per cent were not safe for human consumption. The research highlights the need for improved regulation and guidelines in Australia's food relief sector.
A new IIASA study proposes a stochastic modeling framework to improve West Africa's food supply reliability. By sharing risk over time and space, policymakers can make informed decisions to strengthen the resilience of the food system.
A new study found that living close to pubs, bars, and fast-food restaurants is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study, which analyzed data from over 500,000 adults in the UK, also found that proximity and density of ready-to-eat food outlets were linked to an elevated risk of heart failure.
Researchers found that individuals who engaged in home and wild food production (HWFP) activities exhibited improved food security 9-12 months later. Those who were newly food insecure during the pandemic seemed to be the best at recovering from food insecurity with HWFP.
A new study found that a four-week family-based food literacy program reduced fruit and vegetable-avoidable waste in families with school-aged children. The program included online cooking classes, text messages, and toolkits to promote meal preparation and reduce food waste.
A study found that a common food preservative called nisin, which kills pathogens in food, also harms beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers identified six different lantibiotics produced by the gut microbiome and tested their effects on both pathogens and commensal bacteria.
A new study suggests that kids who participate in school-based gardening and food programs show lasting healthy food attitudes and behaviors. Current and former program participants reported improved dietary habits and increased confidence in making informed food choices.
Researchers found that Eurasian jays settle for less preferred food options when rivals are present, while New Caledonian crows consistently choose the better, delayed reward. The study suggests that species' social tolerance and competition levels influence self-control in animals.
A new study found that pickier dogs exhibit distinct brain responses when rewarded with higher-quality food, which influences their motivation. The research used behavioral observations and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between food quality and dog behavior.
A new study presents evidence that children with private insurance are more likely to outgrow food allergies compared to those with public insurance. Milk and egg allergy were the most frequently outgrown allergies in the cohort of 188 children studied, with a mean age at which food was outgrown being 5 years.
A new study presents a nationwide survey of children and adults with food allergies, revealing common themes around when their allergy developed and coinciding events. The research suggests that eating too much of an allergenic food or genetics may be contributing factors to adult-onset food allergies.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that approximately one in eight military families with children used a food bank or pantry to make ends meet. The odds of using these resources increased by 35% for each dependent child, highlighting the need for targeted support to alleviate financial stress among military families.
A study found that teens experiencing food insecurity, who rely on low-cost ultra-processed foods, are developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at a higher rate. Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) seems to protect young people against liver disease.
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.
A recent University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs chose food over toys in a simulated training experience. Dogs responded more strongly to the food reward and gave up earlier when offered a preferred toy reward.
A new study surveyed leading UK food experts, finding that logistical distribution issues are the most likely cause of civil unrest in the next 10 years, but catastrophic failure resulting from extreme weather is more likely over 50 years.
The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.
A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.
The American Heart Association calls for building on existing research and implementing cross-sector approaches to Food Is Medicine. FIM programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing healthy food resources to treat, manage, and prevent specific chronic conditions.
A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that children from households with food insecurity experienced a significant increase in BMI, suggesting that food insecurity may hinder the effectiveness of pediatric obesity treatment. The researchers suggest that providers identify and address food insecurity in their patient popul...
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
New research shows that food is the primary driver of the EU-27's outsized Ecological Footprint, exceeding regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. The study highlights the need for holistic policies across the food supply chain to advance towards the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that the discontinuation of pandemic-related SNAP benefits led to a significant increase in food insufficiency in the US. The study found that households affected by the benefit cuts experienced a 21% relative increase in both food insufficiency and food insufficiency among children, affecting over 2 ...
Researchers at KAIST have developed microbial cell factories that can produce a variety of food and cosmetic compounds, including natural pigments, flavors, and functional compounds. These eco-friendly alternatives can help address global food shortages and environmental concerns.
A new study found that babies with food allergies are more likely to develop asthma and have reduced lung function by six years of age. Early life food allergy was associated with an increased risk of both conditions, even if the allergy resolved or persisted.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
Researchers at UC Irvine and CU Boulder found that curbing food spoilage increases the amount of produce in markets, leading to lower costs. This results in cheaper food that encourages consumers to buy and eat more, offsetting some environmental benefits.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study finds that reducing food loss and waste could lead to increased access to affordable food worldwide, but at the cost of reduced environmental benefits. The study suggests that more food availability would result in lower prices, leading to changes in consumer behavior.
A new packaging tray can signal the presence of Salmonella or other pathogens in raw or cooked food without opening it, preventing exposure to contamination. This technology simplifies lab-based detection processes, saving time and cost in food production.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
A new study by University of Utah Health finds that non-citizen individuals are more susceptible to food insecurity, even with similar income and education levels. The researchers suggest increasing awareness about safety net programs like SNAP can help reduce disparities in food insecurity between immigrants and US-born citizens.
Clean technology can help reduce food waste and establish long-term sustainability goals in on-site foodservice providers. Engaging employees in the process is crucial for its success, as it helps measure and quantify waste production.
A researcher at OSU-Cascades is developing an AI-powered smart compost bin that tracks household food waste. The device prompts users to describe deposited items, transcribing notes with automatic speech recognition and collecting 3-D images and sensor measurements.
A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.
The grant aims to develop accurate household food waste measurement methodologies and metrics. Innovative technologies will help create impactful interventions to minimize and eliminate food waste in the United States and globally.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.