Avian influenza on people's minds
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.
Food Policy
Articles tagged with Food Policy
Rutgers survey examines public responses to the recent spinach recall
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.
Study finds three-quarters of women are households' chief cook and food shopper
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.
Do low-fat foods make us fat?
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.
Surveys find outright hunger among Latino immigrants in North Carolina
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.
2006 World Food Prize recipients to be recognized at soils congress
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 ...
Some people would give life or limb not to be fat
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.
Strong governmental leadership needed to tackle obesity epidemic
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.
Survey: Optimism and misperception a recipe for national confusion about food safety
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.
Creative public-health approaches needed to improve folic acid intake in women
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.
Less antibiotic use in food animals leads to less drug resistance in people, study shows
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.
Mega-brands have mega influence on dietary behavior
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.
Setting the agenda for food security in Europe
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.
Food experts say public has inadequate understanding of food risk issues
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.
World's pledge to halve hunger by 2015 looks like empty promise
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.
Sound nutrition for children is an unmet human right
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.
Teens' healthy food choices foiled by early lunch, soft drink machine income and parents who cater
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.
Highlights from the February 2006 Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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.
SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateFeb 1, 2006
Principals' and foodservice directors' perceptions differ on food policy
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 ...
Food insecurity and food stamps: How is the US doing?
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.
Food practices and using food incentives in middle schools associated with overweight students
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.
Partial smokefree policies will leave more than 500 pubs exempt in the North West of England
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.
Highlights of August 2005 Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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.
SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 1, 2005
Failing to aid Africa will lead to more terrorism
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.
Feeding the world requires more than a spoonful of safety
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.
Rehabilitation can restore some vision after stroke
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.
People on food stamps can't afford heart-healthy meals
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.
Center refutes finding that added sugars displace vitamins and minerals
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.
Diabetics face fewer healthy food choices in some urban areas
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.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 27, 2004
Soft drinks not linked to decreased calcium intake
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.
GM nation? Public debate: a valuable experiment
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.
Mad cow has confidence stirred, but not shaken
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.
Awareness of GM foods increasing, while overall support slipping
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.
Megaportions: What's a body to do?
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.
Into the mouths of babes
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.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 17, 2003
Tariffs and farm subsidies deny health and affluence
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.
Nation's leading hospitals serving up fast food
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.
Virginia Tech study documents hypertension association with obesity and heavy alcohol consumption
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.
Access to healthy foods limited in poor neighborhoods
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.
China Study II: Western diet might bring Western disease
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.
Rural poor face rough road moving from welfare to work
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.
American Heart Association Comment: The Effect Of Folic Acid Fortification On Plasma Folate And Total Homocysteine Concentrations
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.
The Selling Of Olestra
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.
Alcohol Is Prime-Time TV's Favorite Beverage
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.