Choices process evaluation published in peer-reviewed journal

July 19th, 2012

Findings from a new study on the Choices Programme were published in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Health Communication. According to the researchers, consumer exposure to the Choices stamp in The Netherlands has significantly increased and certain groups, such as elderly and obese survey respondents, reported greater need for the front-of-pack logo. And while women perceived the stamp to be more attractive and credible than did men, the researchers concluded that greater credibility could be achieved if it received more support from scientific and governmental authorities. Further research would be needed to determine the effectiveness of the Choices stamp.

Overview of results scientific research Choices Programme available

July 19th, 2012

In parallel to the Choices Programme’s development of the past years independent scientific research on the effects and effectiveness of the Choices Programme on food reformulation and nutrient intake has been carried out. The results of these studies have now been combined, showing that the Choices Stamp is well recognised and easy to use and that it stimulates innovation and reformulation: Overview of results scientific research Choices Programme. 

Choices Programme represented in IoM Study

July 19th, 2012

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IoM) published a report entitled Examination of Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols. As the first phase of a larger study, the report focuses on the elements of the nutrition rating criteria and the science behind the front-of-pack systems. The Choices Programme is presented as a Summary indicator system based on nutrient thresholds. The report concludes that this type of system, together with nutrient-specific systems that provide information on targeted nutrients, are the best means to encourage informed decisions with respect to consumers, and reformulation with respect to manufacturers. Indeed, these type of systems enable consumers to clearly identify the portion size and its allotted calories, as well as to compare and evaluate the amounts of targeted nutrients present in different products – both within and across food categories

The second phase focusing on consumer understanding and use of front-of-pack systems and symbols has just begun. This second phase of research is required to assess the overall viability of the two preferred systems. A report on this second phase will be released in the fall of 2011.