Articles tagged with Food Policy
A new study confirms that global diets have grown more similar over the last five decades, leading to a decline in diverse local crops. This trend has major consequences for human nutrition and global food security, increasing the risk of food crises due to climate change.
The Northeast region of the US is vulnerable to changes in food production due to climate change, with population growth and dietary choices expected to impact regional self-reliance. The region can satisfy its residents' food needs through a diverse range of crops and livestock production.
New research found that older children are more likely to be overweight when living in close proximity to a high density of unhealthy eating outlets. The study, which analyzed data from over 1 million children, suggests that planning policies can help tackle childhood obesity by reducing the availability of unhealthy food options.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization suggests that governments can slow and reverse the growing obesity epidemic by regulating fast food consumption. The study found that countries with stricter market regulations had lower increases in fast food transactions per capita, indicating a potential link between...
A survey of over 800 US adults found that individuals are primarily blamed for obesity, while farmers and grocery stores are relatively blameless. The study challenges the assumption that policy solutions will work if people believe obesity is a personal problem.
A study of over 2,600 menu items found that full-service restaurants in Philadelphia exceed daily recommended values for calories, fat, and sodium. Nutrition education can help consumers make informed choices, but policy changes are necessary to promote healthier options.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that 'traffic light' food labels and strategic placement of healthy items led to lasting changes in customer choices. After two years, purchases of healthier options increased by 12%, while sugar-sweetened beverage sales dropped by 39%.
Researchers at the University of Southampton argue that empowering women with food choices is crucial for improving future generations' health. The study suggests that environmental changes, such as increased access to healthy foods and local media campaigns, can make a significant impact.
A meta-analysis found that healthier diet patterns cost significantly more than unhealthy ones, with an average daily difference of $1.50, representing a real burden for some families. The study suggests creating policies to offset these costs and reduce the economic benefits of healthy diets.
A new mathematical model can help business owners and policymakers determine the optimal locations for wholesale distributors to minimize transportation costs and maximize producers' and retailers' benefits. The model considers factors like distributor size, road conditions, and gas prices to identify ideal hubs in various supply chains.
A recent study highlights the association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those consuming high amounts of sugar in junk foods. Experts recommend reducing fizzy drink intake and improving oral hygiene to prevent heart problems later in life.
A majority of young California children eat fast food regularly, with 60% consuming it at least once a week. Parents in lower-income households have less influence over their children's eating habits, emphasizing the need for targeted health education and support.
Research led by Michigan State University found that schools offering healthful snack options can significantly improve students' diets. By implementing Smart Snacks nutrition standards, schools can boost daily consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, leading to improved overall nutrition.
A new study found that US consumers are in favor of labeling food products with nanotechnology, and some are willing to pay up to 25% more for labeled products. The research suggests that people want access to reliable information about the risks associated with labeled products.
Schools with district or state policies discouraging sugary foods and beverages were more likely to restrict those items at parties, with a 2.5 times higher rate than schools without such policies. Approximately half the schools had no restrictions or left decisions to teachers.
A comprehensive review of food waste in China reveals that approximately 19% of grain produced goes to waste, with related losses of water and farmland productivity. This translates to an estimated 177 billion cubic yards of wasted water and 64 million acres of unused cropland.
Michigan State University will lead a new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy to improve food policy in developing countries. The lab, partnering with universities and private sector stakeholders, aims to increase agricultural productivity, dietary diversity, and resilience to climate change.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concludes that US farm subsidy policies contribute to the worsening obesity epidemic by making unhealthy foods affordable for consumers. The study recommends investing in sustainable agriculture and prioritizing public health in agricultural policy.
Biotechnology and sustainable bioenergy crops are crucial to overcome challenges such as global atmospheric change, yield stagnation, and societal acceptance. The US has a unique opportunity to increase crop production and modify crops for rising CO2 levels.
A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity highlights the critical role of parenting style and home environment in shaping children's physical activity levels and dietary habits. The researchers found that a healthy home environment and parental role modeling are essential for promoting healthy behaviors in kids, ...
Researchers found states with stricter tobacco restrictions on teens had lower adult smoking rates, particularly among women. Effective policies included vending machine restrictions and ID requirements, which reduced heavy smoking by 29%.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that laws and district policies limiting sugar content in foods reduced sweets sales to 32.3% of schools. The availability of sugar-sweetened beverages decreased significantly, with only 3.6% of schools with a ban compared to 13.1% without one.
Researchers found that sweets were 11.2% less available when both district and state limited sugar content, while regular-fat baked goods were less available with state law limiting fat content. The study concluded that governmental policies can be an effective tool in reducing empty calories in children's diets.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that potatoes provide a high nutritional value per penny, making them an affordable source of essential nutrients. Potatoes were ranked among the lowest-cost sources of potassium and fiber, highlighting their potential as a nutritious staple in a balanced diet.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommend menu labeling regulations for smaller chain restaurants, including listing lowest calorie food items first. This approach has been shown to reduce calorie consumption and lead to healthier choices.
A recent study by University of Missouri anthropologist Mary Shenk found that economic changes, such as higher education and employment, are the primary drivers of declining fertility rates. This shift is attributed to improved living standards and increased access to contraception, resulting in reduced family size and slowing populati...
The report outlines key challenges facing UK food imports, such as declining self-sufficiency, food fraud, and reducing food waste. Scientists and experts emphasized the need for a better functioning supply chain, social science perspective, and understanding global diets to address these issues.
Research suggests that combining numeric calorie labels with symbolic labels, such as traffic lights, is a more effective way to influence patrons to select healthier options. The study found that the combination label reduced total calories ordered by about 69 calories on average, while numeric labels alone had less impact.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a new method to identify 'food deserts' by analyzing commuting patterns. They found that residents in certain zones had better access to supermarkets due to their daily commutes. This study aims to provide new insights for public and transportation policy makers
A study by the University of Melbourne found that multinational food and drink industries employ similar tactics to the tobacco industry to shape public health policies. The authors recommend government regulation to address this issue, citing a lack of evidence on the effectiveness or safety of industry self-regulation.
A new study from the University of Warwick found that people from low socio-economic positions in Britain consume more salt than their wealthier counterparts, regardless of where they live. This association is significant and suggests a need for targeted interventions to address social inequalities in salt intake.
A recent study suggests that taxes on soft drinks and high-fat foods could lead to significant reductions in energy intake from saturated fats and consumption of these products. In contrast, subsidies for fruits and vegetables may increase consumption, but with potential compensatory purchasing effects.
A new poll from Harvard School of Public Health shows the US public supports continued investment in Federal Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Americans support policies to improve nutritional impact by incentivizing healthy food purchases and restricting sugary drinks. The survey garnered responses from 3,024 adults, with a majorit...
A nationwide survey of food policy councils reveals that many are focusing on procurement and access, but face barriers such as lack of time and funding. The study, funded by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, highlights key findings on the role of food policy councils in improving local food systems.
A study by Michigan State University scholars reveals that poor urban residents travel long distances for healthy food due to inadequate access to amenities. The research highlights the disproportionate impact of urban planning on low-income communities, leading to higher rates of obesity and related health problems.
International experts warn of SA's unhealthy eating habits linked to big food corporations, urging gov action to make healthy foods more accessible and restrict high-calorie products. The authors suggest policy responses including public education and regulation of the industry.
Raj Patel argues that understanding hunger and malnutrition requires examining systems and institutions holding power over food. Food sovereignty is advocated as a means to achieve food security and eradicate undernourishment, prioritizing women's rights and community control.
The Lancet Commission on Healthy Cities highlights the need for active planning to address urban health issues, with examples from Mumbai, London, and Bogota. The report recommends five key recommendations to improve urban health, including building political alliances and experimenting with diverse urban health projects.
Researchers from the University of Almería have developed a system to analyse substances quickly and precisely, detecting five veterinary drugs in milk powder and ten in meat products. The 'multi-residue' method allows several drugs to be detected at a time, using chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry.
Research reveals a heightened sensitivity to cheap, high-calorie foods in individuals prone to obesity. Brain imaging studies show that obese individuals exhibit greater brain activation in response to sweet or fatty food cues.
The Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change proposes seven policy responses to address the global challenge of feeding a world confronted by climate change. The report highlights opportunities under the Rio+20 Earth Summit, UNFCCC, and G20 mandates, and calls for changes in policy, finance, agriculture, development aid...
A study found that participants who met six or more cardiovascular health metrics had a significantly lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and ischemic heart disease mortality. Meeting a greater number of these metrics was associated with a graded lower risk of total and CVD mortality.
A study at the Clark Park Farmers' Market in Philadelphia found that vendors can increase SNAP sales by 38% when using wireless point-of-sale terminals, but the costs may be out of reach for farmers. The study highlights the need for an equitable approach to subsidizing EBT fees at farmers' markets.
A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.
A survey of US elementary school students found that about half have access to competitive food venues like vending machines and snack bars, where sugary foods are commonly sold. However, healthier options like salads and fruits were less accessible, with many schools prioritizing lower-fat products over whole grains and low-fat dairy.
A study of 26 wealthy nations found that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita had much higher obesity rates compared to those with lower densities. Obesity rates in the US and Canada were significantly higher than in Japan and Norway, suggesting free market policies may have unintended side effects.
A study found that consumers associate larger food sizes with higher status, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, when given smaller options at prestigious events, powerless individuals chose smaller items with fewer calories.
A new study at the American Dietetic Association Conference shows that moving fruit into a colorful bowl increases fruit sales by 104% in schools. The Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs is working with the White House and food industry leaders to promote healthier school lunches.
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
The global obesity epidemic has grown over four decades, with high-income countries experiencing a rise in the 1970s and 80s. Low-income and middle-income countries are now also affected, particularly women from wealthy urban environments. The authors argue that policy-led solutions, such as government regulations and healthy public se...
A new study by Tufts University researchers found that 19% of restaurant food samples contained at least 100 calories more than listed. Lower-calorie foods purchased in sit-down restaurants also tended to have more calories than stated.
Research recommends considering dried fruits equivalent to fresh fruits in dietary guidelines, highlighting their comparable fiber and potassium content. Dried fruits also contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.
Access to fresh and healthy foods is crucial for long-term food security, according to Michelle Kaiser. Increasing local food production can reduce economic and environmental impacts of transporting food, enabling people to avoid processed, unhealthy foods.
Canada's food safety system lacks adequate regulation, allowing preventable contamination to harm many people and potentially lead to deaths. The current system needs improved standards and incentives for industry to prioritize food safety.
A new study identifies 44 high-risk counties with high food insecurity and prices, requiring an estimated $56 monthly boost per person to meet food needs. The study highlights disproportionate impacts of hunger on Latino and American Indian populations.
A new study found that calorie labeling had a minimal impact on the purchasing behavior of teenagers and their parents at fast-food restaurants. While teens noticed calorie information at the same rate as adults, they responded at a lower rate, with only 9% reporting it influenced their choices.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University reveals that misleading food labels can lead to excessive trans fat consumption and increased risk of deadly diseases. The FDA's current labeling protocol allows for 'zero grams' of trans fat, masking significant amounts that exceed recommended limits.
A new study found that parents have a limited impact on their children's eating habits, with complex factors like schools and peer influence playing a significant role. Researchers analyzed worldwide studies to conclude that correlations between parent-child dietary intakes have become weaker over time.
African leaders are set to adopt a new strategy for transforming the continent's agriculture and economy. The plan calls for increased investment in modern technologies, infrastructure expansion, and improved education, with a focus on women's empowerment and rural prosperity.