Articles tagged with Food Policy
A new study finds that many major US cities lack clear guidelines for safe lead levels in urban soils, where food is grown. This can lead to exposure risks for consumers, particularly children. Researchers call for federal standards and better access to information to support safer urban agriculture practices.
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
Food security experts propose 32 threats and 50 research questions to bolster food security in extreme events. Better maps, farm-level interventions and system transformation are identified as key areas for improvement.
The AFFI Food Safety Forum brought together global experts to explore detection methods for foodborne non-cultivable pathogens, their limitations, and policy implications. The event provided an overview of current PCR-based detection methodologies and guidance for prevention and control strategies among growers and food processors.
A new study found that farming professionals experience loneliness and isolation due to a lack of understanding from the general public about their work. The researchers highlight the need for strengthening connections between farming and non-farming communities to improve mental health.
Numerous gaps between dietary intake and recommended guidelines are found, particularly among vulnerable families, with race and ethnicity disparities persisting. A unified plan can improve nutritional outcomes by strengthening federal policies and programs.
A Brazilian study analyzed risk factors for heart attacks and found that high blood sugar had the most significant impact on mortality. Reducing smoking prevented most deaths from cardiovascular disease, while lowering diabetes incidence could have saved up to 5,000 lives over a decade.
A study of global dietary patterns found that diets globally are not much healthier today than they were thirty years ago. Despite modest gains, there is a significant variation in dietary quality among countries, with some nations like Vietnam and Iran showing improved healthy eating habits.
A study suggests that adopting the DASH diet may have the greatest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease among people with stage 1 hypertension. The research estimates that this lifestyle change could prevent 15,000 heart disease events among men and 11,000 among women.
A new study led by NYU researchers found that women with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to rate their diet as poor and experience food insecurity. Women with disabilities were also less likely to be the main person in their households responsible for meal planning, preparing, and food shopping.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that soda taxes in Philadelphia had little effect on reducing sugar intake, as consumers replaced sugary drinks with other sweets. Additionally, shopping for sodas outside the tax area offset most of the decrease in sugar consumption
Two large studies found a link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, bowel cancer, and death. The findings support policies limiting ultra-processed foods and promote eating unprocessed or minimally-processed foods for improved public health.
During the pandemic, UChicago Medicine's Feed1st pantry program doubled its distribution rates, providing over 42,000 pounds of food to patients and staff. This open-access model maximizes dignity and facilitates use, increasing the likelihood that individuals in need will access food resources.
A new study suggests that low-income parents in England prioritize unhealthy food over unaffordable family activities to support social wellbeing. The study recommends removing unhealthy food promotions and replacing them with healthier options to retain opportunities for social activity.
Researchers analyzed the impact of continental free trade and agricultural development on Africa's food security. They found that combining both approaches can improve trade balances, reduce hunger, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study estimates the environmental impact of 57,000 food products in the UK and Ireland, providing a first step towards enabling informed decision-making. The research finds that many meat alternatives have significantly lower environmental impacts than their meat-based equivalents.
New research suggests that plant-based beef alternatives could reduce US carbon footprint by 2.5-13.5%, mostly by decreasing cow numbers. However, this shift could disrupt the agricultural workforce, threatening up to 1.5 million industry jobs and exacerbating issues like fair wages and health equity.
Researchers found that adjusting sowing dates for wheat in eastern India can increase production by 69% while maintaining rice productivity. The study provides new recommendations for rice sowing dates and cultivar types to accommodate earlier wheat planting.
New research finds junk food advertising restrictions have prevented 94,867 fewer obesity cases, 2,857 fewer diabetes cases, and 1,915 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. The policy is estimated to save the NHS £218 million over its lifetime.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
A study analyzing Twitter data from May 2020 to January 2021 found that the share of tweets about healthy foods increased by 20%, while fast-food and alcohol tweets decreased by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that people may have made healthier dietary changes during the pandemic, depending on their neighborhood environment.
A study of over 32,000 West African children found that extreme heat exposure increases the prevalence of stunted growth from chronic malnutrition by 12% and of low weight from acute malnutrition by 29%. The researchers estimate that rising temperatures could nearly double the effect of heat exposure on stunting.
Researchers assessed 539 videos from 16 leading food and beverage brands on TikTok, finding that unhealthy food marketing is prevalent among children. The study highlights the need for policies to protect kids from the harmful impact of food marketing on social media platforms.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
A nationwide study found that states with more generous SNAP policies had fewer children involved in Child Protective Services and sent to foster care. The study showed a 5% increase in SNAP beneficiaries reduced CPS and foster care caseloads between 7.6% and 14.3%.
A new study from the University of Washington found that sweetened beverage taxes redistribute dollars from higher- to lower-income households, providing a net economic benefit of $5.3 to $16.4 million per year to lower-income communities. The taxes also fund health programs and reduce consumption of unhealthy drinks.
A study of over 800,000 people found that young, non-Hispanic Black males and middle-aged Black females were at the highest risk of food insecurity. Households with more children and those with lower education and income also experienced increased food insecurity.
Researchers found that indigenous smallholder gardens and farms in Huánuco, Peru, play a crucial role in diet and biodiversity. The study identified a positive correlation between the use of indigenous Quechua language, degree of commercialization, and agrobiodiversity.
Despite over 30 years of research evidence, only 60 countries have made folic acid fortification mandatory. Experts call for immediate action to pass a resolution to accelerate prevention globally and reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on child mortality and health equity.
China has increased animal protein production 800% over the past 40 years, but nitrous oxide emissions have risen only 286%, thanks to policy and farm management interventions. Anaerobic digestion and composting on farms are key strategies for future reduction in greenhouse gases.
A panel of 15 experts reached consensus on 69 statements related to using diet as a primary intervention to achieve diabetes remission. The expert consensus statement emphasizes the effectiveness of whole, plant-based foods in achieving remission without medications or procedures.
Research finds that individuals anticipate more negative judgement from outside social groups and self-categorize their food choices accordingly. Healthy food options are chosen to counteract this anticipated judgment.
The American Heart Association published a new statement outlining policy solutions to promote equity in access to nutritious foods throughout the lifespan. The statement encourages policies that ensure nutrition security for all people across their lifespan.
A new study found that access to modernized supermarkets with fresh foods in NYC's poorest neighborhoods led to a 1% decline in obesity rates and reductions of 4-10% in BMI-z scores. The results suggest that supermarket subsidies could play an effective role in addressing childhood obesity, especially among Hispanic and Black children.
A Washington State University study found that young adults at risk of food insecurity had a higher incidence of diabetes 10 years later. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,000 people and found that those who experienced food insecurity risk were more likely to develop diabetes in middle adulthood.
A UK study found that 70% of adolescents are not consuming the recommended amount of fruit and over 90% are not eating enough vegetables. The researchers analyzed data from 16 schools in the West Midlands region, finding that pupils were exceeding daily intake limits for free sugar, potatoes, red meat, and chicken.
Research suggests that changing product availability in shops and restaurants can lead to healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. Studies have shown consistent effects of such interventions on consumer selection, with no evidence of adverse effects.
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese, having abdominal and visceral obesity. The study used data from 3,587 US adolescents aged 12-19, dividing them into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed foods in their diets.
A new study by NYU researchers found that SNAP-eligible families are less likely to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat when buying groceries online. Participants cited concerns over the quality of products selected by hired shoppers as a major factor.
Lockdowns during COVID-19 led to significant increases in depression, anxiety, and exhaustion among women in India, particularly those with vulnerable social positions. The study suggests that policymakers should consider supportive measures to limit economic devastation and target aid to vulnerable households and women.
A new study finds that fixed costs in the supply chain distort the price of fruit and vegetables, leading to underconsumption and health issues. A subsidy could increase consumption by up to 15% and make diets healthier, according to economists at the University of Warwick.
Experts warn that a global diet rich in ultra-processed foods is damaging human health directly and causing environmental degradation. The dominance of these foods is leading to declining agrobiodiversity, with fewer than 200 crop species accounting for over 66% of global food production.
A University of Illinois review examines how food deserts, poor diet, and racial disparities affect bile acids, gut microbes, and cancer incidence. The study suggests that Western diets contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly among Black Americans.
Researchers found that increasing availability of healthier options, such as low-fat chips and lower-calorie biscuits, led to significant changes in purchasing behaviors. Removing seasonal chocolates from prominent locations also attenuated the usual increase in confectionery sales.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on smallholder farmers in the developing world, with up to 80% reporting reduced food purchases and 50% suffering income loss. The study highlights the need for policymakers to balance disease containment measures with the food security needs of rural populations.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that Hispanic/Latino youths experiencing food insecurity have poorer HDL-C levels, greater fasting glucose and triglycerides, and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies to address food insecurity among this population.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
Research reveals that sugar-sweetened fruit-flavored drinks and toddler milks are misleadingly marketed as healthy options for young children. Experts confirm that these products contain high amounts of added sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners, and little to no juice.
A new study found that Transport for London's policy restricting junk food advertising led to a 1,000 calorie decrease in energy from unhealthy products. This corresponds to a reduction of 317.9 kcal per week in chocolate and confectionary purchases.
Researchers found that streptomycin, a widely used antibiotic in U.S. agriculture, impairs bumblebee behavior, including reduced foraging efficiency and slowed cognition. The study aims to understand the potential impacts on pollinators of antibiotic use in agriculture.
A new report identifies 10 key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs and marginalized groups' rights in developing effective solutions.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
A qualitative study found that industry arguments against alcohol health warning labels were cited by World Trade Organization representatives, despite not being explicitly stated as industry demands. This highlights the need for greater transparency and curbing the alcohol industry's influence on global policy implementation.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pictorial health warnings on sugary drinks reduced parental purchases of these beverages for their children by 17%. The warnings also led to a decrease in calories purchased from sugary drinks and increased parents' feelings of control over healthy eating decisions.
Britain's urban areas have sufficient green space to support a large-scale 'grow your own' movement, meeting dietary needs and reducing reliance on imports. The study estimates that converted urban spaces could produce up to eight times the current UK fruit and vegetable output.
A study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health and Tufts University found that only a third of online grocery items display required nutrition information. This omission poses significant health risks for consumers, particularly those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The authors advocate for federal regulation to e...
A new study reveals that GMO labeling significantly affects consumer behavior, reducing demand for GM foods and influencing willingness to pay. The research finds that mandatory presence-focused labeling has a stronger impact than voluntary absence labeling, making consumers more sensitive to the GMO attribute and price information.