Articles tagged with Food Policy
Colorado State University researchers propose strategies to immobilize toxic metals and prevent plant uptake in rice grains, protecting food security and public health. The approach aims to reduce arsenic, cadmium, and mercury contamination in rice paddies using nanomaterials and chemical reactions.
A survey of nearly 1,000 Americans found that information-based policies on ultra-processed foods are widely supported. Restriction-based policies, such as limiting UPFs in schools, also gained majority support. However, taxation of UPFs was the only policy that did not achieve majority support.
A study published in The Lancet found that Chile's comprehensive food policies, including labelling and advertising bans, have a real-world impact on reducing child obesity. After implementing the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, children who had been at school for 18 months showed a lower risk of overweight or obesity compa...
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that geographic differences account for most of the variation in the cost of the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, with regions like the Northeast and major metropolitan areas like New York having higher costs. The study highlights the importance of considering regional pric...
A nationally representative survey of US adults found that over 60% believe ultraprocessed foods are addictive and major causes of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Respondents across party lines supported policies to reduce consumption of such foods.
Massachusetts Medicaid members who received medically tailored meals experienced significantly fewer health emergencies, including 31% fewer hospitalizations and 20% fewer emergency department visits. The program also resulted in lower per-person healthcare costs of $3,433, offsetting 98% of the program's cost.
A new study identifies five central lock-ins that slow down the transformation of Europe's food system, including fragmented policy, hard-to-change dietary habits, market structures, environmental costs, and crises. The researchers offer recommendations in the form of principles to address these interconnected problems.
Research by Göttingen University found that colourful Nutri-Score labels on the shelf and price tag are more noticeable and influencing consumer choices. The study suggests that companies should display multi-coloured labels to support consumers in making health-conscious choices.
A study found that universal free school meals can decrease out-of-school suspensions by 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools. This impact was more pronounced in schools with fewer eligible students before implementing the policies.
A recent study found that 98% of environmental claims made by the world's largest meat and dairy companies can be classified as greenwashing. The analysis of over 1,200 claims from 33 major companies revealed a lack of evidence supporting many promises.
A new study finds that large-scale food fortification programs currently prevent around 7 billion cases of micronutrient inadequacies worldwide each year, costing just 18 cents per person. Improving and expanding these programs could triple their impact to prevent 25 billion cases annually.
A cross-sectional study documents persistent racial disparities in food insecurity over 23 years, with smaller disparities among SNAP-participating households. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address food insecurity and its intersectional effects.
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
A study suggests that implementing a full value-added tax on meat could reduce the environmental impacts from diets by 3 to 6 percent, depending on category. The research team analyzed consumption patterns and used an input-output model to estimate the associated impact on climate and ecosystems.
A study of European farmers' protests reveals a wide range of concerns including environmental regulations, which differ between countries. Farmers in Germany criticized bureaucracy, while French farmers focused on financial pressures, Belgian farmers expressed a broad mix of concerns, and Dutch farmers voiced dissatisfaction with policy.
A cross-sectional study found that state-level SNAP policies associated with higher program enrollment also lowered county-level food insecurity rates. The study suggests that these policies may help address rising food insecurity rates.
Research from Florida Atlantic University strengthens evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Higher intake and specific groups, such as African Americans and those with obesity or diabetes, are found to be more vulnerable to the risks.
A new Lancet Series exposes the tactics used by UPF companies and outlines a roadmap for change. The series calls for government regulation, community mobilisation, and accessible healthier diets to address the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Researchers used grocery store purchase data to identify areas with nutritionally deficient diets, focusing on low-income and minority communities. The study found that neighborhoods in London's east and northwest had high-sugar and high-carbohydrate purchases, suggesting residents were not accessing a nutritious diet.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that while Israel can technically sustain itself through local vegetative food production, the economic price would be staggering. The researchers argue that a balanced approach, combining agricultural innovation, diversified import sources, and strategic food storage, offers ...
A new study from the University of Oxford estimates that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce global agricultural labor needs by 5-28% by 2030, which is equivalent to 18-106 million full-time jobs. This shift could also cut global labor costs by $290-995 billion per year.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
Christina Economos, dean of the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine for her pioneering research on childhood obesity prevention and her commitment to evidence-based innovations in pursuit of better health outcomes.
A new study found that 2/3 people with chronic pain reach for comfort foods to cope, offering pleasure, distraction, and relief from negative emotions. However, this can lead to weight gain, which worsens pain and increases health risks.
Researchers reveal how hybrid foods combining proteins from different sources could be part of the solution to reduce industrial animal use. By using combinations of different proteins, they found that hybrids can overcome many limitations of individual protein sources and create products that are more than the sum of their parts.
Vietnam's food environments are transforming, with modern retail and processed foods becoming increasingly prevalent. The country's policy response has not kept pace with these changes, leading to rising rates of childhood overweightedness and obesity. Experts recommend aligning incentives and capacity to make healthy diets the easier ...
A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
A new study published in PLOS One identifies unexpected 'danger zones' when the risk of going hungry is highest among Utah refugees, highlighting the need for timely interventions and improved information to reduce food insecurity. Researchers propose increasing access to gardens and empowering refugees with resources to thrive.
The Fresh Bucks program helps Seattle residents access healthy food by providing financial support for buying fruits and vegetables. Households participating in the program experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume more fruits and vegetables than those on a waitlist.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior defines key skills needed to advance community-level nutrition and public health efforts. The framework addresses the unique demands of systems-level public health work, covering areas such as community capacity building, strategic planning, and partnership development.
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
Through the Archer Fellowship Program, UTA students spend time in Washington, D.C., completing internships and taking courses taught by UT System faculty and policy experts. The program offers unique opportunities for students to network with professionals, learn from peers, and gain insight into federal policy-making.
A new study reveals that combining AI technology with international partnerships is key to addressing growing food contamination challenges. The researchers identify six key drivers of current and future food safety risks, including demographic changes, economic factors, and environmental conditions.
A new study found that PFAS exposure remains a concern for California adults, with drinking water, seafood, eggs, and brown rice identified as contributors. While dietary associations are lower than previous studies, the findings highlight the need to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
A global study analyzing data from eight countries found a significant link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and preventable premature deaths. The study estimates that up to 14% of all-cause premature deaths are attributable to UPF consumption, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers created an Experimental Beverage Marketplace to analyze the impact of taxes on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. The study found that participants purchased significantly less of these drinks when a tax was applied, replicating standard economic principles.
At NUTRITION 2025, experts will share the latest research on how genetics impact nutrition, the importance of early childhood feeding, and innovative strategies for managing obesity and promoting healthy aging. Researchers will also explore the role of diet in cancer prevention and control.
A new study from the University of Illinois examines how food manufacturers navigate different state regulations, revealing four response options: updating products, maintaining separate versions, removing from stricter markets, or ignoring regulations. The researchers found that firms choose their responses based on factors like cost ...
A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.
A new analysis suggests that fees for food companies could generate much-needed resources for the FDA to strengthen its oversight of foods and keep unsafe ingredients out of the market. The FDA's current lack of resources hampers its ability to ensure the safety of the country's food supply, with growing concerns about the agency's ina...
A simulation model predicts that medically tailored meals designed for patients with diet-sensitive conditions can improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs nationwide. The program is estimated to avert over 3.5 million hospitalizations annually and could transform care for vulnerable patients across the US.
Researchers identified key constructs shaping diet and health outcomes, including access to healthy foods, social dynamics, and coping mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers such as affordability, accessibility, and chronic stress to promote nutrition security and health outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
A pooled cross-sectional study found a positive correlation between state minimum wage hikes and improved food security rates among at-risk households. Policymakers can use these findings to set wages that reduce food insecurity burden on U.S. children and families.
Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and emerging adulthood is a key time to address these risks. Interventions such as health practices, lifestyle changes, and improved access to healthcare can help reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease.
Research reveals housing instability, parental mental health, and social isolation are major drivers of child food insecurity. Long-term health consequences also arise from vulnerable households.
The American Society for Nutrition will host NUTRITION 2025, bringing together experts to explore topics such as diet, sleep, cardiovascular health, adolescence, and chronic pain. The event features original research studies, scientific symposia, and networking events, offering a platform for the latest nutrition science findings.
Incorporating neglected and underutilized species into school meal programs in Nairobi's informal settlements significantly improves nutrition for children while reducing costs. The study found that these climate-resilient crops, such as African nightshade and hyacinth bean, meet up to 30% of daily nutritional needs.
A national survey found that nearly 90% of Americans believe eating healthy foods is crucial for preventing conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes. More than half would participate in produce prescriptions or medically tailored meal programs if offered through their healthcare providers.
Pacific children are not meeting daily recommended intakes for key micronutrients, leading to associations with childhood obesity and acanthosis nigricans. The study highlights excessive sodium intake across the region, posing cardiovascular health risks.
A third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese within the next 25 years, according to a new study. The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million.
A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that European life expectancy has slowed down since 2011 due to factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The research suggests that prioritizing healthier lifestyles in younger years is crucial for extending old age.
A new study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found that food deliveries to Gaza between January and July 2024 exceeded international caloric and nutritional standards, except for dietary iron. Despite meeting energy and protein needs, distribution challenges prevented equitable access to food.
The average grocery price stress level rating is 5.1, with low- and middle-income households reporting higher stress levels. Most consumers believe the government has moderate influence over food prices, with 80% familiar with the tariffs concept.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
Research shows that front-of-package food labels professing 'healthy' contents can decrease consumers' willingness to pay unless supported by FDA backing and explanation. The study found a 18% discount for yogurt labeled as 'healthy', while both 'healthy' and 'great taste' labels led to a 25% discount.
McDonald's has won planning appeals against local authorities in deprived areas, citing healthier lifestyle benefits. The firm's tactics include deploying a GP to argue that obesity is caused by multiple factors, and threatening councils with bills for appeal costs.