Articles tagged with Food Policy
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.
A study of middle schools found that students' BMI increased by 10% for every additional food practice permitted. Schools with more restrictive food policies had lower average BMIs and fewer overweight students.
A study of 1150 pubs in North West England found that 44% do not serve food and would be exempt from smokefree legislation. The proportion of non-food serving pubs increases with deprivation levels, contradicting the government's goal to reduce health inequalities due to smoking.
According to a survey of 228 Pennsylvania high schools, bottled water and fruit juice are widely available in vending machines, while the top-selling a la carte items include hamburgers, pizza, and sandwiches. The survey also found that nearly 60% of schools sell carbonated beverages through vending machines.
According to Pinstrup-Andersen, failing to address Africa's devastating poverty will exacerbate global instability and push millions towards terrorism. The consequences of malnutrition and environmental degradation in Africa will have far-reaching effects on worldwide security.
Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem worldwide, causing millions of deaths and illnesses. Experts recommend new approaches to food control, including centralized policies and increased surveillance, to ensure safe food production and trade.
Vision restoration therapy (VRT) is a new technique that can help patients with visual field defects recover their sight after a stroke. Through repeated use of damaged areas, VRT strengthens nerve activity related to vision, leading to significant improvements in sample stimulus detection and reduction in undetected stimuli.
Low-income families in Roxbury, Mass. face limited access to heart-healthy foods due to high costs. Researchers developed cost-effective menus with input from community members, but found monthly food costs exceed maximum food stamp benefits. Interventions are planned to educate and engage communities to promote dietary change.
The Center for Food and Nutrition Policy challenges the 'nutrient displacement hypothesis' suggesting added sugars replace essential vitamins and minerals. The study's findings indicate energy from other sources has a stronger association with micronutrient intake.
A study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that East Harlem grocery stores were less likely to stock diabetes-friendly foods compared to Upper East Side stores. The research highlights the need for healthier food options in underserved communities.
A study found that adolescent girls and boys drink fewer soft drinks than perceived, with an average of one can per day. Despite this, younger children and African-American children have lower calcium intakes. The study suggests increasing milk consumption and calcium supplements to improve dietary habits.
A UK public debate on GM food was evaluated as providing valuable lessons for future debates, but failed to engage the uncommitted public. The survey revealed that 36% opposed GM food, while 85% believed more research is needed on its health effects.
A recent survey found that most Americans remain confident in the safety of their beef supply following a confirmed case of mad cow disease in Washington State. The study suggests that consumer confidence has been boosted by government actions and trust in food regulators, but some have expressed concerns about the risk of transmission.
Despite 80% of processed American food containing genetically modified ingredients, only 26% of Americans believe they have ever eaten GM foods. A new study found that self-reported and objective knowledge of biotechnology remains low in the US, but opinions on GM foods are open to change.
Experts recommend developing strategies to persuade consumers to eat in moderation, including marketing and labeling changes. Modified foods with reduced fat and added water-rich vegetables can also help reduce calorie intake while maintaining palatability.
A survey of low-income single mothers in Atlantic Canada found that 78% experienced food insecurity and reported poorer nutrition than their children. The study highlights the need for policy reforms to address income inequality and ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
Agricultural surpluses and tariffs imposed by wealthy nations deny developing countries the opportunity to produce more food and lift people out of poverty. The solution lies in investing in rural infrastructure, technology, and market structure to increase productivity and reduce hunger.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine found that nearly 38% of top-ranked US hospitals have fast-food franchises on their premises. The authors express concern that this serves a contradictory message to health promotion and may contribute to rising obesity rates in the US.
A Virginia Tech study found that obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and age are strongly associated with hypertension in both men and women over 40. Losing weight can reduce the risk of hypertension, particularly for African-American women, who are at a greater risk due to their body mass index and lifestyle factors.
A new study reveals that wealthier neighborhoods have more supermarkets, while poor neighborhoods rely on mom'n'pop stores and specialty food stores. This disparity limits the availability of healthy foods, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and congestive heart failure.
The study found associations between increased consumption of animal-based foods and higher risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and liver cancer. Plant-based diets were inversely associated with these health problems.
Research highlights the difficulties faced by rural low-income families in transitioning from welfare to work due to limited job opportunities and lower wages. Despite recent economic growth, many rural areas lack essential workplace supports and infrastructure, hindering employment prospects.
Researchers found that folic acid fortification in grains increased plasma folate levels and reduced total homocysteine concentrations. This study provides important information on the impact of consuming specific amounts of folate on blood homocysteine levels, which may have implications for reducing heart disease risk.
Marion Nestle reviews the history of olestra's approval, highlighting the FDA's decision to approve the fat substitute while requiring warning labels. She calls for changes in the regulatory system to move towards alliances with industries, increasing FDA research authority and funding.
A new study found that prime-time TV programs show alcohol more frequently than any other drink or food, and adolescent characters are almost twice as likely to drink it compared to older characters.