Articles tagged with Food Policy
A University of Toronto study found that Canadian preschoolers who consumed more ultra-processed foods were more likely to develop obesity at age five. The researchers also discovered sex-driven differences in the effects of ultra-processed food on obesity risk, with stronger effects seen in males.
A new study from King's College London suggests that calorie labels on menus can trigger eating disorder thoughts and behaviors in individuals with a lived experience of the condition. The review of existing research found that people with eating disorders feel stigmatized when nutritional labels are made mandatory, leading to increase...
The study found that transitioning to healthy diets can minimize trade-offs and improve nutrition, health, the environment, and livelihoods in China. By adopting a holistic approach to food system transformation, policymakers can address social and environmental challenges while steering towards SDG targets.
A new Cochrane review found that calorie labelling in supermarkets, restaurants, and other food outlets leads to a small reduction in the calories people select and purchase. The average reduction was 1.8%, equating to around two almonds per 600-calorie meal.
Research featured in Nature reveals that small-scale fisheries are crucial for meeting Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, poverty, and climate change. The study found that these operations provide essential nutrients to 2.3 billion people and support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million individuals.
Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
The Consumer Food Insights Report finds a 9.5% out-of-stock rate for foods in 2024, down from 12.3% in 2023 and 19.3% in 2022. Consumers are motivated to improve their health through diet changes, with two-thirds of those making resolutions doing so for health reasons.
A climate fee on food could effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture by up to 22.5% annually, according to a new study. The social cost of carbon would be reflected in food prices, with more sustainable products like vegetables becoming cheaper and meat and dairy more expensive.
A new study reveals that US state policies are falling short of reducing food waste, with only California, Vermont, and Arizona projected to achieve the goal. Current policies focus on recycling methods, but experts suggest a shift towards prevention and rescue strategies is needed to address food insecurity.
A new study examines legislation and conservation efforts in the Mediterranean region to protect over 80 shark and ray species. The research reveals substantial differences in countries' efforts, with European Union countries leading implementation of measures.
The study found that climate policies would lead to a smaller increase in consumer food prices in wealthier countries, with prices rising by 1.25 times, compared to 2.45 times in lower-income countries. This means consumers in wealthier countries are shielded from fluctuations in farm prices.
A new long-term soil health survey in Uganda aims to understand the role of tenure security and plot decision-makers in soil health outcomes. The survey identifies differences in soil health between plots managed by women farmers and men farmers.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that most US states with food-waste laws have failed to reduce landfill disposal, except for Massachusetts, which saw a 7.3% decrease in waste. The researchers attribute Massachusetts' success to strong infrastructure and enforcement.
A recent study has found that climate change is closely linked to global conflict crises, particularly in understudied regions such as South America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. The research highlights the need for integrated peacebuilding and climate adaptation efforts to address these compounding issues.
A recent survey by Purdue University's Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability found that most consumers have noticed shrinkflation, with many unaware of the true price increases due to reduced product sizes. The study also revealed that households with children are more likely to experience food insecurity.
A University of Groningen scientist argues that it's possible to live sustainably on Earth without destroying it, but requires policies based on scientific evidence. A study reveals that shifting consumer habits could reduce environmental impact by 25-53%.
A preliminary study found that neighborhoods previously subjected to redlining had higher rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors due to reduced access to healthy foods. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 U.S. Census tracts across 38 states, controlling for population size.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.
A study analyzing social media posts found fast food restaurants and sugar sweetened beverages are the most common, with millions of mentions reaching billions of users. The research argues that normalizing unhealthy eating in the digital environment contributes to obesity challenges worldwide.
A new study found that 90% of countries with biodiversity conservation policies fail to specify individual and group behavioural changes, despite the critical role they play in making a real difference. Researchers suggest that clear policy specification on behaviour change is essential to boost effectiveness.
Research from Lancaster University found that restricting new fast-food outlets led to fewer overweight and obese children in Gateshead, England. The policy resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in childhood obesity prevalence in deprived areas.
A new study by MIT researchers shows that climate change will significantly impact outdoor activities in the US, with Florida and other Southeastern states experiencing major drops in
A new report highlights the need for clearer policies to address unpaid meal charges, which can lead to practices like lunch shaming. The study found significant disparities and gaps in communication across US school districts, with notable similarities in North Carolina's policies.
A new study reveals that online grocery retailers often don't provide essential nutrition information, such as calories and allergens, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. The lack of accessible food labeling poses a significant risk to public health, with marketing claims dominating the online shopping experience.
Providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduces alcohol consumption in individuals with moderate to severe drinking problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores ≤7, 8-11, 12-14, and ≥15. However, this approach is not sufficient for those with more severe cases, highlighting the need for a combination of strategies.
A study published in BMC Nutrition analyzed dietary records from the Japanese population, finding that fortified foods and dietary supplements contribute significantly to total nutrient intakes. The researchers aimed to provide insights for health policy formulation to improve nutrient intake in Japan.
A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that UK toddlers obtain nearly half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, with this ratio increasing to 59% by the age of seven. The most common ultra-processed foods consumed were flavoured yoghurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals.
A new study found that sexual and gender minority adults in the US experience multiple social risk factors, including life dissatisfaction, social isolation, and stress. This highlights the need for policies advancing health and socioeconomic well-being of these groups.
A new synthesis of regional climate data highlights the need for climate adaptation policy based on the latest regional climate science. Emerging signals of climate change are expected to significantly alter monsoon intensity, leading to substantial societal impacts in tropical and subtropical regions.
A new study shows that belonging to age-based groups affects finances and health, with kin-based societies experiencing significant improvements in child nutrition. Researchers analyzed cash transfer programs in East Africa, finding that pension payments to seniors reduced malnourishment by 5.5% in kin-based households.
Childhood obesity has surged globally, with nearly half of all overweight children under 5 years old found in Asia. The authors highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address this epidemic, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
The study reveals that farmers' decisions to adopt smart livestock technologies are driven by their understanding of the technology's benefits, ease of use, and financial resources. A generational divide is also identified, with younger farmers being more open to adopting new technologies.
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
A new study from the University of California Rady School of Management finds that most US states with food waste bans have seen little to no reduction in landfill waste, except for Massachusetts. Researchers highlight three key features of Massachusetts' law as effective in reducing waste.
Two studies highlight elevated blood pressure prevalence among 8-19 year-olds in the US, with social determinants impacting health outcomes. Addressing these factors through targeted public health strategies is essential to improve outcomes and prevent long-term heart disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...
Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.
A study found that despite a decline in TV ads during kids' shows, children under 12 still see over 1,000 food-related ads annually, mostly for unhealthy products. The exposure primarily comes from watching shows with lower child-audience shares.
Researchers found that adopting plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food supply chains by 17%, saving 32.4% of global dietary emissions. This would balance the increase in emissions from under-consumed populations moving towards healthier diets.
A new study reveals that the FDA lacks oversight over thousands of added ingredients in US foods, including ultra-processed foods. The lack of regulation allows companies to independently evaluate the safety of these substances, often without notifying the government or public.
A study by UC Davis found that 83% of products in Berkeley stores were compliant with the healthy checkout policy one year after its implementation, a 63% improvement. Healthy foods and beverages at checkout more than doubled from 29% to 62%.
A new global analysis found that children and adolescents aged 3-19 consumed nearly 23% more sugary drinks in 2018 compared to 1990. Intakes were higher among teens, urban residents, and those with lower education levels.
Research reveals that social determinants such as access to healthy food, health insurance, and physical activity spaces are key drivers of obesity disparities. Successful interventions like community-based programs can reduce disparities, but more work is needed to expand these initiatives at local, state, and national levels.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
Researchers warn of rapid global changes and geo-political instability due to climate change. International cooperation is needed to rethink mobility and cultural integration to ensure a benign transition.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has issued a position paper emphasizing the importance of emergency-related food and nutrition education before, during, and after disasters. The paper highlights challenges in accessing safe, nutritious foods and beverages in post-disaster situations, particularly among historica...
A recent analysis found that nearly half of US counties lack a cardiologist, exacerbating rural-urban health disparities. Counties without cardiologists tend to be more rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and experience higher cardiovascular mortality rates.
A recent study published in the American Society for Nutrition reveals that focusing on minimally processed foods does not guarantee a nutritious diet. The research found that even with lower processing levels, diets can be high in unhealthy components and low in nutritional value.
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
Researchers found a negative association between highly processed food consumption and healthy eating among Japanese children and adolescents, with confectioneries positively correlated. The study suggests that reducing processed food intake could be beneficial for public health.
A new study found that Americans are eating better, but disparities in diet quality persist among marginalized communities. The proportion of adults with poor dietary quality decreased from 48.8% to 36.7% between 1999 and 2020, while those with intermediate diet quality increased.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over 1 in 10 FQHC patients experience major social risk factors such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial strain. These challenges are significantly higher among FQHCs serving historically disenfranchised groups.
A new study emphasizes the need to balance water conservation with food security, finding that ending groundwater depletion would lead to significant declines in food production, particularly for rice and wheat. The study warns that such efforts could push up international prices, making food less affordable for the poor.
Research shows people with obesity are more sensitive to price when buying unhealthy foods, while those with normal weight are not. A 10% price hike on these categories can lead to a significant reduction in consumption, such as decreased frozen pizza purchases.
A Virginia Tech researcher is helping implement the Food is Medicine concept across the US. Her studies found that electronic medical record functionality, provider support, and leadership alignment are key factors for successful implementation of these programs. The research team developed an implementation checklist to support health...
The Healthy Start scheme in England is a vital support for pregnant women and low-income families, but uptake remains suboptimal. A new study recommends reframing the scheme as a child's right to good food and healthy development, improving coordination and resources.
Research suggests mainstreaming biodiversity targets into policies and plans across sectors has been ineffective due to non-binding commitments and insufficient resources. The study highlights the need for top-down regulation and incentives to encourage greater commitment to nature recovery.