Nutrition Choice And Health Related Claims

This book presents different articles focused on the role of nutritional properties and/or health-related claims on choice preferences, choice behavior, healthy eating/healthy diet, and the willingness to pay for certain foods.

This book presents different articles focused on the role of nutritional properties and/or health-related claims on choice preferences, choice behavior, healthy eating/healthy diet, and the willingness to pay for certain foods.

During the past decade, tremendous growth has occurred in the use of nutrition symbols and rating systems designed to summarize key nutritional aspects and characteristics of food products. These symbols and the systems that underlie them have become known as front-of-package (FOP) nutrition rating systems and symbols, even though the symbols themselves can be found anywhere on the front of a food package or on a retail shelf tag. Though not regulated and inconsistent in format, content, and criteria, FOP systems and symbols have the potential to provide useful guidance to consumers as well as maximize effectiveness. As a result, Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake a study with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine and provide recommendations regarding FOP nutrition rating systems and symbols. The study was completed in two phases. Phase I focused primarily on the nutrition criteria underlying FOP systems. Phase II builds on the results of Phase I while focusing on aspects related to consumer understanding and behavior related to the development of a standardized FOP system. Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols focuses on Phase II of the study. The report addresses the potential benefits of a single, standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, assesses which icons are most effective with consumer audiences, and considers the systems/icons that best promote health and how to maximize their use.

This Brief provides a snapshot of the continuing debate in the food industry on how to bridge the gap between consumer knowledge of nutrition principles and the nutrition information system currently in place for labelling. Aware Food Choices: Bridging the Gap Between Consumer Knowledge About Nutrition and Nutritional Information examines the available literature on consumer understanding of nutritional information and comments on the current poor knowledge shown by consumers about nutrition principles. Another focus of this Brief is on the evolution of nutritional information in food labelling andcurrent regulations on nutritional claims and product facts. In reviewing attempts to improve the nutrition information system, this work points out that consumers must first understand the data provided in order to utilize the system to make healthy food choices. Therefore, any campaigns aimed at improving the information system must concentrate on consumer data understanding of nutrition principles and components as opposed to a sole focus on labelling upgrades.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

Providing an introduction to the use of nutrition and health claims, this book explores these claims around the world and the impact of the different legislations on consumers as well as likely developments in the future. As nations tackle the food and health issues of the 21st century, this book will provide a single source drawing together all of these topics. In recent years, nutrition and health claims displayed on food packaging have become more regulated with the dual aims of protecting consumers from false claims and promoting consumption of foods with proven health benefits. Edited by Siân Astley, with contributions from renowned experts, chapters describe the legislation underpinning nutrition and health claims globally, explain the permitted use of claims globally in theory and practice and explore differences between the various legislative frameworks. This book will be of interest to those involved in food health and dietary impact research, as well as food manufacturers, legal and healthcare students with an interest in food, nutrition, bioactive compounds and human health.