Articles tagged with Food Policy
A study of 5,115 young adults found that increased prices for unhealthy foods like soda and pizza led to decreased calorie consumption and weight loss. The researchers estimate that an 18% tax on these foods could result in a decline of roughly 56 calories per person per day.
A San Francisco State University study found that eliminating sugary beverages and junk foods from schools significantly reduced the rate of overweight children among fifth-grade boys and seventh-grade students. The study showed that governmental policies can shape food behaviors and influence obesity trends in entire student populations.
A four-year project funded by the National Cancer Institute investigates the effect of food advertising on children's weight outcomes, separating it from TV watching time. The study found that 98% of child ads were for high-fat, sugar, or sodium foods.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that independently owned ethnic restaurants had significantly more food safety violations, including time and temperature control, hand washing, and proper use of utensils. The research aims to help restaurant owners improve their food handling and safety records.
A fragmented system with inadequate data leads to ineffective foodborne illness surveillance in Canada. The lack of a national program results in reliance on surveys, making it difficult to execute meaningful interventions.
A systematic review found no evidence of risks or benefits associated with eating and drinking during low-risk labor. Researchers conclude that women should be able to make their own decisions about food and fluids during labor.
Researchers at Tufts University analyzed the calorie content of restaurant dishes and packaged foods, finding that publically available data is often 18% less accurate than their own analysis. This discrepancy could lead to significant weight gain and undermine health initiatives.
Researchers found significant changes in eating behavior on weekends and holidays, with higher caloric intake and lower nutritional value. The study's findings suggest that the US Department of Agriculture incorporate recommendations for holiday and weekend eating into its food pyramid guidelines.
A new food rating system assesses both nutrition and cost value to create a nutrition-value-per-dollar score. Campbell's Healthy Request condensed vegetable soups ranked among the top affordable, nutritious options.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.
Research indicates that family mealtimes can have numerous benefits for teens and children, including reduced substance abuse, improved vocabulary growth, and healthier eating habits. Fiese urges cities to support zoning laws, low-interest loan programs, and food labeling initiatives to make healthy food choices accessible to all.
Researchers found that large real increases for some food items were balanced by big falls for others, but variations existed between stores and locations. Some healthy items like fruit and vegetables became increasingly expensive, while others like apples and bananas got cheaper.
A Pew poll shows that 90% of Iowa voters believe the government should have stronger food protections. The survey also found that half of respondents had lost confidence in the safety of US food due to high-profile outbreaks, and more than half of seniors shared this sentiment.
A study found that news coverage of trans fat can reduce short-term purchases of high-fat products, but this effect does not last. The study suggests that broader changes in food policy and public education are needed to sustain long-term reductions in trans-fat consumption.
A Rutgers study found that only 60% of Americans check their homes for recalled food products, and even fewer take action after finding a recall. The study suggests that personalizing communications about food recalls can increase consumer engagement.
The American Dietetic Association supports the consumption of fortified foods as part of a balanced diet to reduce disease risk and promote optimal health. The organization encourages further research into the health benefits and risks of individual functional foods, advocating for evidence-based health claims on food labels.
Research suggests that pricing interventions, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy options, can lead to lower body weights and reduced obesity rates. These policies are most effective in reducing weight disparities among vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and low-income individuals.
Research by the University of Exeter found that delivering organic vegetable boxes can result in lower carbon emissions than visiting a local farm shop, especially for customers making long-distance trips. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to understand the environmental impact of food production and distribution
The study found that many schools have improved the nutritional quality of their meals, but there is still much work to be done. Schools need to reduce the availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and make school meals more nutritious.
According to ASN President James O. Hill, PhD, small changes in diet and physical activity can prevent weight gain and reduce the magnitude of the obesity problem. Examples of such small changes include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking extra 2,000 steps a day, and reducing food portion size by 5%.
A study published in Preventive Medicine found that rural Americans who regularly eat at buffets and engage in low physical activity are more likely to be obese. The research also highlights the importance of community-friendly transportation and access to healthy foods in reducing obesity rates.
The University of Illinois Chicago's ImpacTeen project will study policy and environmental factors influencing youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Researchers will assess state policies, school wellness programs, and community environments to inform effective policy and decision-making.
A global recession could lead to increased malnutrition in developing countries, with prices of basic staples rising by 13-27 percent by 2020. IFPRI projects 16 million more undernourished children if economic growth and agricultural investment decline.
A new study found that limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4% decrease in overall consumption. However, available soft drinks remain a significant contributor to daily consumption among children, particularly low-income and rural students.
Limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4 percent decrease in overall consumption. Low-income and black non-Hispanic children consume more soft drinks, emphasizing the need for policy changes beyond food availability at school.
Despite having food allergies, many college students are not taking necessary precautions, such as carrying emergency medication and having a plan in place. Researchers found that only 50% of students with food allergies always avoid their allergenic foods, and 43% do not have an EpiPen on hand.
Recent research suggests that almonds contain prebiotics that can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, with this effect being attributed to the presence of almond lipids.
A study by Bart Minten found that global supermarket chains charge significantly higher prices for food in poor countries, making affordable options inaccessible to the majority. In Madagascar, shoppers preferred locally sourced foods at lower margins over imported goods from multinational chains.
An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.
Researchers found that fruit tuck shops significantly increased fruit consumption among children when paired with a 'no food' or 'fruit only' policy. Children who attended schools with these policies reported higher fruit intake, even if they didn't use the fruit tuck shop.
Carnegie Mellon researchers argue that dietary choice, not food miles, determines a household's climate impact. Shifting to a local diet or reducing meat and dairy consumption can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Eating more plant-based meals can reduce emissions by up to 8,000 miles driven per year.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics found that supermarkets are building in newer suburbs, leaving smaller shops and food deserts in their wake. Residents living in food deserts face poor access to supermarkets, leading to higher prices for basic supplies and devastating health effects.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.
The USDA is partnering with companies to promote healthier eating through MyPyramid, providing science-based nutrition plans. Companies can support families by distributing nutrition information or developing new products that encourage physical activity.
A new Cornell study found that French people rely on internal cues to stop eating, while Americans use external cues. This finding may explain why the French tend to be leaner than the US population, despite similar diets.
A preventive nutrition intervention program targeting all children at risk is more effective than a traditional 'recuperative' model in reducing undernutrition. The study found significant differences between the two models, with stunting and wasting lower in preventive communities by 4-6 percentage points.
Families in the US can eat healthily without breaking the bank, with USDA estimates suggesting they could spend less than $189/week on food. The Low-Cost Food Plan provides guidance on affordable meal options rich in fruits, vegetables and milk products.
A recent Cornell University study suggests that eating at healthy restaurants like Subway can lead to consuming more calories than similar meals from fast-food chains like McDonald's. Consumers tend to overestimate the calorie counts of healthier options and order more side dishes, resulting in a higher overall caloric intake.
A new study finds that the arrival of disability checks coincides with a sharp rise in drug-induced sickness and death. The research suggests spreading out aid payments could relieve stress on hospitals and healthcare workers.
A study at Tufts University found that cravings don't go away during dieting and are linked to types of foods craved. Participants who lost more body weight were less likely to give in to their cravings, suggesting that allowing oneself to have crave foods can be key to successful weight control.
A nationwide survey reveals that most Americans are aware of avian influenza but lack knowledge to inform their food choices. Only a small percentage believe cooking chicken properly kills the virus.
The study found that 87% of Americans heard the FDA's main message, but many were confused about details such as types of affected spinach. Most consumers stopped eating spinach due to the recall, with 44% already consuming it again within months.
A new study of nearly 200 British men and women found that three-quarters of women assume the traditional role of chief cook and food shopper in their households. Women tend to take on more practical approaches to cooking and shopping, often citing time constraints or skills as reasons for their responsibilities.
Recent studies found that people eat up to 28-45% more calories when consuming low-fat snacks, as they mistakenly perceive them as lower-calorie alternatives. This misperception can lead to overindulgence and a poor diet.
Research finds that Latino immigrant families in North Carolina face extreme hunger rates, with some areas experiencing hunger more severe than Appalachia. The study found that 35.6% to 41.8% of respondents experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average.
Two Brazilian soil scientists, Edson Lobato and A. Colin McClung, along with Alysson Paolinelli, the former Minister of Agriculture, will be recognized for their contributions to transforming Brazil's Cerrado region into an agricultural powerhouse through innovative soil fertility research and policy implementation. The $250,000 World ...
A Yale University study found that 15-30% of respondents would give up major life sacrifices to avoid being obese. Thinner individuals held stronger implicit and explicit negative attitudes towards fat people, while obese individuals only exhibited an implicit anti-fat bias.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for strong governmental leadership to address the obesity epidemic, with a focus on production of cheap healthy foods, urban planning, education, and a global code to promote only healthy food and drink. Effective policy changes are crucial to reduce obesity and curb the epidemic.
The survey highlights a lack of awareness about food-borne illnesses, with only 10% of Americans reporting food poisoning in the past year despite statistics indicating a quarter of Americans suffer from food-borne illnesses annually. Americans tend to attribute their illnesses to other causes rather than food-borne illness.
Despite global recommendations, many women are not following daily folic acid guidelines to reduce neural tube defects. Countries should intensify national campaigns to increase knowledge and use of supplements among women.
Research highlights how mega-brands, such as processed foods with high sugar and salt content, maintain market share despite health concerns. Supermarkets favor these brands due to their high sales velocity and profit margins, perpetuating unhealthy eating habits.
A study examining Campylobacter jejuni isolates from 585 Australian patients found only 2% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone. This low level of resistance likely reflects Australia's policy of prohibiting fluoroquinolones for animal use.
This study aims to create a self-evolving scientific agenda to tackle future challenges in European food systems. The changes driven by technological advancements, environmental regulations, and consumer pressure will profoundly alter the landscape.
Researchers found that the public underestimates certain bacteriological hazards while overestimating those with low prevalence, like mad cow disease. Experts believe early school intervention and media training can improve public understanding of food risk messages.
Cornell professor Per Pinstrup-Andersen warns that the world is failing to address poverty and hunger, with 1.2 billion people living on $1 a day or less. He advocates for policies promoting economic growth in rural areas to alleviate hunger and poverty.
The world's largest nutrition crises are in West Africa, Niger, Ethiopia, and Malawi, with undernutrition linked to half of premature child deaths. To address malnutrition, intervention programs must target processes, promote breastfeeding, and address micronutrient deficiencies.
Researchers found that early lunch periods lead to higher a la carte sales, which often feature lower-nutritional-value foods. Soft drink machines also contribute to vending machine proliferation, decreasing hot lunch participation. Parents' involvement in prohibiting fast food in cafeterias increases school meal program participation.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that more principals than school foodservice directors reported enforced policies, but many expressed misconceptions about nutritional standards. The researchers found few school nutrition policies related to competitive foods, particularly in areas such ...
A two-part study found that reducing available choices led to increased selection of low-fat entrées in elementary schoolchildren. Surveying foodservice directors and principals revealed few schools have nutrition policies for competitive foods, with those that do being more likely enforced.
The percentage of US households classified as food insecure rose from 11.2 percent in 2003 to 11.9 percent in 2004, surpassing the official goal of six percent by 2010. Household food insecurity is influenced by unobserved hardships such as medical emergencies, which can divert income normally used for food.