Analysis of the presence of nutrient claims on labels of ultra-processed foods directed at children and of the perception of kids on such claims

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the presence of nutrient claims on the front-of-pack labels of ultra-processed foods directed at children and gain insight on children' views about the presence of marketing strategies and nutrient claims on labels of ultra-processed foods. Methods: Analysis of images (front panel, nutrition facts table, and ingredients list) of labels from 535 packaged foods with marketing strategies directed at children obtained in an audit-type survey conducted at a Brazilian large supermarket store. Food products with ultra-processed characteristics were identified, and the nutrient claims were quantified and described. Focus groups were conducted with children aged 8-10 years. Results: A total of 472 (88.0%) of the 535 packaged foods directed at children were classified as ultra-processed. Of these, 220 (46.6%) had one or more nutrient claims on their front-of-pack label (n=321), most (n=236, 73.5%) claiming the presence/increased quantities of vitamins and minerals. The most common 'free/reduced' content claim regarded trans fat content (n=48). The focus groups allowed the identification of a noticeable influence of nutrition claims on children, who considered the emphasis important but were confused by the meaning and focus of such claims. Conclusion: Highlighted nutrient claims on the packages of ultra-processed foods were common and seemed to influence the children's perception of the products' quality as a whole. The results indicate the need of thoroughly reviewing the legislation on nutrient claims on the packages of ultra-processed foods.

Scoping review of studies on food marketing in Latin America: Summary of existing evidence and research gaps

“…Twenty-five studies inquired several topics related with television advertisement. Fourteen of them found that food and nonalcoholic beverage advertisements represented between 5.6% and 36.4% of all television ads 24,[27][28][29]34,36,37,40,43,49,52,53,56,59 .…”

“…Several studies also found that more food advertisements appear during children' s programming compared with general audience programming and that child-oriented advertisements had less nutritional quality compared with general audience advertisements 24,28,40,43,52,56,57 .…”

“…The main findings of this review can be described as follows: a) most foods and beverages advertised in television are ultra-processed foods and have low nutritional value 24,27,29,31,34,[36][37][38]40,43,49,52,53,56,57,59 ; b) children's television programming contains several food advertisements and many studies found advertisements for this demographic group had a lower nutritional value compared with general audience programming 24,28,40,43,52,56,57 ; c) food packages can be deceiving especially to children who have a literal interpretation of what is printed on the packaging 35,50,58 ; d) proximity to unhealthy foods may increase the consumption of these foods 25,26,30,32,34,38,42,44,46,54 . These findings enhance the necessity of implementing statutory policies covering all marketing channels and robust nutritional standards as the case of the Chilean regulations approved in 2012 60 .…”

“…Television is one of the main channels used to advertise food products 63 and more than half of the 37 studies included in this review focused on television advertising. The frequency of food advertisements was between 5.6% and 36.4% with a median of 21.35% 24,[27][28][29]34,36,37,40,43,49,52,53,56 . These results agree with those found by other studies worldwide.…”

“…The most frequently advertised foods on television were ultra-processed foods and sweetened beverages, with few advertisements for healthier options such as fruits and vegetables 24,27,29,31,34,[36][37][38]40,43,49,52,53,56,57,59 . Researchers in developed countries have been repeatedly making this observation 65,68 .…”