Labelling Impact Session at Global Nutrition Conference (15-20 October 2017, Buenos Aires)
June 15th, 2017
Now that so many governments and companies are considering the use of front-of-pack labelling, the need for data on impact becomes stronger and stronger. Around the world, the four major interpretive labelling schemes are positive logos, color-coded GDA, star ratings and warning labels. At the International Congress on Nutrition (15-20 October, Buenos Aires) these four labelling schemes will be discussed based on new findings of impact studies on reformulation, consumer attitudes and market data. Some promising results can be expected! The session program can be found using this link.
Read moreDutch Choices logo gets one year extra
June 15th, 2017
As has been notified in October 2016, the Dutch Health Minister decided to terminate the use of the Dutch Choices logo “Het Vinkje” by October 2017. Upon request by dozens of companies that use this logo on 7000 products, the Minister has given an extra year to phase out the use of the logo, in order to avoid the need to waste products and packaging materials. In her letter to the Dutch Parliament on this subject, she also announced an initiative to bring more coherence in the reformulation initiatives in The Netherlands, including the use of the Choices criteria and the input of the Dutch Choices Scientific Committee. In addition, a scientific publication will be prepared by the Dutch Choices Foundation about the impact of the criteria revisions, that took place every four years and made the criteria stricter in a stepwise approach, on the composition of logo-bearing products.
Read moreChoices Compliant diet helps Portuguese consumers
June 15th, 2017
It appears that eating according to the Choices criteria will lead to a substantial improvement in nutrient intake in Portugal. This can be concluded from the study by Roxana de Sousa, nutrition student at the University of Porto. The aim of this study was to indicate the impact of a Choices compliant diet on the Portuguese nutrient intake. The study calculated the changes in nutrient intake when typical daily menus of the Porto region (North Portugal) were substituted by comparable Choices compliant products. A substantial reduction in intakes of energy (-14%), SAFA (-32%), trans fatty acids (-56%), added sugar (-22%) and sodium (-30%) and an increase in fiber intake (15%) have been demonstrated. After an energy adjustment, the results were smaller but still showed a substantial shift on nutrient intakes towards a more favorable direction. The findings of this study support previous studies that evaluated the potential impact of Choices criteria on nutrient intakes in 9 other countries. The study will be submitted for publication in a scientific journal.
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