Articles tagged with Food Policy
A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.
NUTRITION 2024 will convene in Chicago to explore the latest nutrition research and share findings on diet and disease, artificial intelligence, and precision nutrition. The event promises to be a knowledge-packed experience with scientific symposia, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
Researchers found that etripamil nasal spray restored normal heart rhythms within 30 minutes in 54% of patients, making it a potential new option for self-treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The study showed the medication to be safe and well-tolerated.
The new HEI-Toddlers-2020 index measures diet quality in toddlers aged 12 through 23 months, with a total score of 63.4 for young children. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) tool is designed to measure alignment with the evidence-based Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
New research from The George Institute for Global Health suggests applying Google's nutrition advertising policy in the US market could reduce products eligible for online marketing to children, leading to significant health gains. Only 18% of products would be allowed under this policy.
New research shows that food is the primary driver of the EU-27's outsized Ecological Footprint, exceeding regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. The study highlights the need for holistic policies across the food supply chain to advance towards the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
The study found that fruits pollinated by animals are 23% higher in quality, with benefits independent of geographical regions and pollinator species. This suggests that crop quality depends significantly on the presence of pollinating animals.
A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
A Stanford study reveals how the meat and dairy industry lobbies governments to resist competition from alternative animal products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. The research found that governments consistently devote more funding to traditional livestock systems than sustainable alternatives.
A coalition of experts warns that Israel's amendment restricts judicial scrutiny of ministerial decisions, posing a threat to public health and the Health in All Policies principle. The authors argue that this erosion could have far-reaching global implications.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A study by Tufts University researchers suggests that fully synchronizing school meals with updated US nutrition standards would have significant health benefits for children. The changes, including limiting added sugars and sodium, could prevent over 10,600 deaths per year and save billions in healthcare costs.
A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests that dynamic pricing could be a more effective way for grocery chains to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change. By analyzing data from Pick 'n Save, the study found that dynamic pricing can reduce waste by 21% while increasing profit margins among retailers.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that when children age out of WIC after their fifth birthday, nutritional quality of their diet takes a significant hit, resulting in a 20% reduction. This can have long-term effects on healthy eating habits and nutritional knowledge.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
A new study finds that only a small number of US policies consider ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and certain cancers. The US lacks national dietary guidelines for these foods, despite international countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Israel having incorporated them.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that Black adults living in areas historically affected by discriminatory housing practices had a higher heart failure risk. The analysis included over 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 and mapped historical redlining maps onto modern day maps of US zip codes.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that converting food waste into energy and bioproducts can be profitable in Illinois. The study analyzes supply chain logistics and technological and economic factors to determine the feasibility of this solution.
A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Researchers found that up to half of consumers decide to throw away milk based solely on the date label, without considering the phrasing in front of it. The study suggests that policymakers and industry leaders should work towards settling on a universal two-phrase system for quality and safety concerns.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
The expanded Child Tax Credit led to significant improvements in adult health and nutrition, with eligible adults reporting better health outcomes and food security compared to ineligible adults. The study estimates that this policy may have benefited approximately 1.08 million adults and 684,000 households.
The article discusses the growing challenge of food security in Africa, particularly with regards to rice production and consumption. The research reveals that socioeconomic developments have a more substantial influence on rice availability than gradual climate change, but climatic anomalies pose a significant threat to stability. Div...
A Cambridge expert argues that politicians' neglect of evidence hampers plans to tackle health and climate change in the UK. The expert suggests two changes could mitigate this issue: engaging citizens more in policy-making and increasing politician accountability through legally binding systems.
Chile's multi-phased regulations, starting in 2016, have led to a 73% drop in children's exposure to TV ads for regulated foods and drinks. The number of unhealthy food ads on TV dropped by 64%, with 77% fewer during children's programming.
A new study by the University of Essex reveals that even if UK consumers shifted towards locally sourced fish, domestic production would still struggle to meet demand. The UK's seafood imports have increased rapidly since the 1970s, driven by policy changes and stock declines.
A new analysis of secret industry documents reveals that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to disclose this information to the public and regulators. The study examines how the industry used tactics to delay public awareness and regulations, with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
A Japanese-led team used mapping techniques to quantify the impact of agriculture on high-priority conservation areas. The study found that commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans are often produced in high-conservation priority areas, while others like barley and wheat are sourced from low-priority areas.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
The statement highlights enormous inequities in stroke care, leading to significant gaps in functional outcomes for historically disenfranchised groups. Upstream interventions, such as policy changes and place-based initiatives, are crucial to address these disparities.
A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.
The study reveals COVID-19 worsened existing inequities in food security and rental struggles based on race and ethnicity and maternal origins. Equity-focused policy changes are necessary to ensure all US children and families can afford basic needs for optimal health.
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
A study from Tufts University researchers estimates that menu calorie labels can prevent at least 28,000 obesity-associated cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths over a lifetime, saving $2.8 billion in healthcare costs. The policy is expected to have the greatest impact on young adults and Hispanic/Black individuals.
Research explores how social norms and culture influence food preferences, physical activity behaviors and future hopes for community development. Key themes include the importance of creating interventions aligned with cultural norms to create effective and sustainable programs.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.
A new series in The Lancet calls for governments to legislate higher standards for marketing harmful products and businesses to commit to ending lobbying against pro-health policies. The authors also congratulate commercial actors adopting alternative financing models that create social value and promote positive health outcomes.
A study found that increased availability of fruit and vegetables results in lower levels of raised blood pressure nationwide. Many countries, particularly low-income nations, face limited access to fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure.
A new assessment tool helps food banks evaluate their initiatives to provide healthy and nutritious food to those in need. The tool aims to identify areas of success and potential strategies for improvement.
A new study finds that 60% of purchased American foods contain additives, increasing by 10% since 2001. The study also reveals a significant rise in ultra-processed foods with additives, particularly among baby food purchases.
A digital food voucher system in Indonesia has significantly increased the frequency with which poor households receive their full allocation of food, from 24% to 81%. The program's success was achieved by replacing traditional rice-bag delivery with digital card vouchers, allowing recipients to purchase food themselves.
A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.
A new study finds that a California policy restricting antibiotic use in animals raised for food is associated with a reduction in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection in people. The study suggests that regulations limiting antibiotics in livestock can significantly impact human health.
The Blue Food Assessment paper highlights the potential of aquatic foods to address nutrient deficiencies and cardiovascular disease. Policymakers can explore online tools and blue food policies to improve national food systems' performance and sustainability.
A new study reveals that rising energy prices triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict could push up to 141 million more people around the globe into extreme poverty. Households' energy costs are likely to rise by 62.6% - 112.9%, contributing to a 2.7% - 4.8% hike in household expenditure and cost-of-living pressures.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.
Researchers analyzed 400 videos from top child-influencers on YouTube, finding branded food and beverages appeared 38% of the time. Candy brands were most frequent, while healthy options made up only 9% of appearances.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
The UK comic Beano promotes unhealthy food brands through quizzes and games on its website, raising concerns among health experts. The company collects data on children's consumption preferences, which is sold to companies, contributing to the problem.
Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.
A new study from Tufts University finds that dollar stores have doubled their share in rural areas, with households headed by people of color and lower-income households relying heavily on them. The growth of dollar stores raises concerns about the nutritional value of their food offerings and potential displacement of local grocers.
Pakistan's health challenges have been compounded by natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people. The country is experiencing a slowdown in reducing maternal and child mortality, high fertility rates, and persistent gender disparities.