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Tetraplex PCR assay involving double gene-sites discriminates beef and buffalo in Malaysian meat curry and burger products

Hossain MA, Ali ME, Hamid SB, Hossain SM, Asing, Nizar NN, et al.

Food Chem, 2017 Jun 01;224:97-104.
PMID: 28159299 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.12.062

Replacement of beef by buffalo and vice versa is frequent in global markets, but their authentication is challenging in processed foods due to the fragmentation of most biomarkers including DNA. The shortening of target sequences through use of two target sites might ameliorate assay reliability because it is highly unlikely that both targets will be lost during food processing. For the first time, we report a tetraplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting two different DNA regions in beef (106 and 120-bp) and buffalo (90 and 138-bp) mitochondrial genes to discriminate beef and buffalo in processed foods. All targets were stable under boiling, autoclaving and microwave cooking conditions. A survey in Malaysian markets revealed 71% beef curries contained buffalo but there was no buffalo in beef burgers. The assay detected down to 0.01ng DNA and 1% meat in admixed and burger products.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/methods; Food Labeling/standards
Fulltext Sugars and sweeteners: science, innovations, and consumer guidance for Asia

Drewnowski A, Tappy L, Forde CG, McCrickerd K, Tee ES, Chan P, et al.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2019;28(3):645-663.
PMID: 31464412 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.201909_28(3).0025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rising obesity in Southeast Asia, one consequence of economic growth, has been linked to a rising consumption of energy from added sugars. This symposium, organized by ILSI Southeast Asia, explored regional issues related to dietary sugars and health and identified ways in which these issues could be addressed by regional regulatory agencies, food producers, and the consumer.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Papers on the following topics were presented: 1) current scientific evidence on the effects of sugars and non-caloric sweeteners on body weight, health, and eating behaviors; 2) innovations by food producers to reduce sugar consumption in the region; 3) regional dietary surveillance of sugar consumption and suggestions for consumer guidance. A panel discussion explored effective approaches to promote healthy eating in the region.
RESULTS: Excessive consumption of energy in the form of added sugars can have adverse consequences on diet quality, lipid profiles, and health. There is a need for better surveillance of total and added sugars intakes in selected Southeast Asian countries. Among feasible alternatives to corn sweeteners (high fructose corn syrup) and cane sugar are indigenous sweeteners with low glycemic index (e.g., coconut sap sugar). Their health benefits should be examined and regional sugar consumption tracked in detail. Product reformulation to develop palatable lower calorie alternatives that are accepted by consumers continues to be a challenge for industry and regulatory agencies.
CONCLUSIONS: Public-private collaborations to develop healthy products and effective communication strategies can facilitate consumer acceptance and adoption of healthier foods.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling*
Fulltext A Survey on Salt Content Labeling of the Processed Food Available in Malaysia

Haron H, Hiew I, Shahar S, Michael V, Ambak R

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 04 04;17(7).
PMID: 32260382 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072469

Salt content in processed foods is high, and it is usually used as preservatives, stabilizers, and color enhancers in the products. Increased consumption of processed foods in the modern world has contributed to a high salt intake and thus increased the prevalence of hypertension among Malaysian populations. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and compare salt content in processed food products available in supermarkets and determine the percentage of processed food products exceeding the reference value stated in International Product Criteria (2016). The percentage of processed food products without salt and sodium labeling was determined in this study, in which 76.5% of unlabeled processed food products were made in Malaysia, while 23.5% were imported products. The food group with the highest average salt content was gravy and sauce (3.97 g/100 g), followed by soup (2.95 g/100 g), cheese (2.14 g/100 g), meat (1.37 g/100 g), fish (1.25 g/100 g), chicken (1.20 g/100 g), vegetables (1.18 g/100 g), butter and margarine (1.13 g/100 g), breakfast cereal (0.94 g/100 g), savory snacks (0.90 g/100 g), flatbread (0.86 g/100 g), sweet snacks (0.30 g/100 g), and potato (0.29 g/100 g). In addition, 79.5% of butter and margarine products had an average salt content above the reference value stated in the International Product Criteria, followed by gravy and sauce (79.3%), vegetables (72%), soup (50%), fish (49.2%), breakfast cereal (41%), cheese (36.6%), potato (36%), savory and sweet snacks (29.1), meat (12.5%) and chicken products (2.3%). Most processed food products available in local supermarkets were high in salt content.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling*
Are plant-based alternatives healthier? A two-dimensional evaluation from nutritional and processing standpoints

de Las Heras-Delgado S, Shyam S, Cunillera È, Dragusan N, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N

Food Res Int, 2023 Jul;169:112857.
PMID: 37254431 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112857

BACKGROUND: Plant-Based Alternative Products (PBAPs) to meat and dairy are increasingly available. Their relative nutritional quality in comparison to animal-based homologs is poorly documented.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize and evaluate the plant-based alternatives available on the market in Spain in comparison to animal products in terms of their nutritional composition and profile, and degree of processing.
METHODS: Nutritional information for PBAPs and homologs were obtained from the Spanish 'Veggie base', branded food composition database. Five PBAPs categories (cheese, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish, n = 922) were compared to animal-based processed (n = 922) and unprocessed (n = 381) homologs, using the modified version of the Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS score) and NOVA classification criteria.
RESULTS: Compared to processed or unprocessed animal food, PBAPs contain significantly higher sugar, salt, and fiber. PBAPs for fish, seafood, and meat were lower in protein and saturated fatty acids. Overall, 68% of PBAPs, 43% of processed and 75% of unprocessed animal-homologs had Nutri-Score ratings of A or B (most healthy). About 17% of PBAPs, 35% of processed and 13% of unprocessed animal-based food were in Nutri-Score categories D or E (least healthy). Dairy, fish, and meat alternatives had lower FSAm-NPS scores (most healthy), while cheese alternatives scored higher (least healthy) than animal-based homologs. Unprocessed fish and meat were healthier than similar PBAPs based on FSAm-NPS criteria. Approximately 37% of PBAPs and 72% of processed animal-based products were ultra-processed food (NOVA group 4). Within the ultra-processed food group, Nutri-Score varied widely.
CONCLUSIONS: Most PBAPs had better nutrient profile than animal-based homologs. However, cheese, fish and meats PBAPs had poorer nutrient profile and were more processed. Given the high degree of processing and variable nutritional profile, PBAPs require a multi-dimensional evaluation of their health impact.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
How do consumer attitudes influence acceptance of a novel wild blueberry-soy product?

Teh T, Dougherty MP, Camire ME

J Food Sci, 2007 Sep;72(7):S516-21.
PMID: 17995666

Acceptance of healthful foods by consumers is not yet well understood. In this study, 3 formulations of frozen dessert bars were prepared containing both soy and wild blueberries. Soy content was controlled to provide an amount of soy protein that qualified for the health claim for soy and reduced risks for cardiovascular disease. Consumers were asked to complete the Health and Taste Attitude Scales (HTAS) and then evaluate the acceptability of the 3 frozen bar types using a 9-point hedonic scale. One week after the 1st session, the participants returned. Approximately half were given information to read regarding the health benefits of soy protein, the other participants were given no information. The samples were then presented a 2nd time and labeled with their soy protein content. Changes in hedonic scores between sessions were compared and correlated with HTAS ratings. Nutrition information generally did not affect acceptability scores.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Fulltext Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) using molecular techniques in food and feed samples from Malaysia and Vietnam

Tung Nguyen, C.T., Son, R., Raha, A.R., Lai, O.M., Clemente Michael Wong, V.L.

International Food Research Journal, 2008;15(2):155-166.
MyJurnal

Food labeling in accordance with Novel Food Regulation has been enforced in the European Community since 1997 with a series of updated legislations namely, EC/258/97, EC/1139/98, EC/49/2000, EC/50/2000 and EC/1829/2003. Guidelines and labeling regulations for the use of GMOs materials in food and feed products has also been introduced in Malaysia and Vietnam. Therefore, the demand for the establishment and development of a robust and rapid operation procedure for GMO detection has increased recently in both countries. The procedure of GMO detection emphasizes not only on detection tests but also on confirmation assays. This study employed PCR technology for detection and direct DNA sequencing for confirmation procedures respectively. The results demonstrated for the first time the presence of GM plants with glyphosate-resistant trait led by the control of P35S promoter and NOS terminator in either Malaysian or Vietnamese feed with high frequency (20 positive samples out of 24 analyzed samples). The P35S promoter, EPSPS gene and NOS terminator sequences obtained showed some mutations on single-stranded and double-stranded targeted sequences caused by single nucleotide insertion or single nucleotide changes. These results reinforce the need for development of detection procedures to comply with food/feed labeling system.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
US and biologists wary of strict biotech rules

Cyranoski D

Nature, 2004 Mar 4;428(6978):6.
PMID: 14999250
Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/legislation & jurisprudence
The 2nd International Conference on East-West Perspectives on Functional Foods: Science, Innovations and Claims

Florentino RF

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17(3):540-3.
PMID: 18818176

The 2nd International Conference on East-West Perspective on Functional Foods held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November, 2007, discussed the current work on some traditional Asian foods and new technologies that offer both challenges and opportunities for functional foods. The highlight of the conference was on the current regulatory status of nutrition and health claims related to functional foods and the experiences in some countries on the substantiation of claims. Attention was also given to strategies for effective communication of functional foods to consumers. The conference concluded with recommendations to strengthen R and D efforts and harmonization of protocols and methodologies on functional foods within the region.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/legislation & jurisprudence*
Microbiological assessment and evaluation of rehydration instructions on powdered infant formulas, follow-up formulas, and infant foods in Malaysia

Abdullah Sani N, Hartantyo SH, Forsythe SJ

J Dairy Sci, 2013 Jan;96(1):1-8.
PMID: 23141821 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-5409

A total of 90 samples comprising powdered infant formulas (n=51), follow-up formulas (n=21), and infant foods (n=18) from 15 domestic and imported brands were purchased from various retailers in Klang Valley, Malaysia and evaluated in terms of microbiological quality and the similarity of rehydration instructions on the product label to guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Microbiological analysis included the determination of aerobic plate count (APC) and the presence of Enterobacteriaceae and Cronobacter spp. Isolates of interest were identified using ID 32E (bioMérieux France, Craponne, France). In this study, 87% of powdered infant formulas, follow-up formulas, and infant foods analyzed had an APC below the permitted level of <10(4) cfu/g. These acceptable APC ranged between <10(2) to 7.2×10(3) cfu/g. The most frequently isolated Enterobacteriaceae was Enterobacter cloacae, which was present in 3 infant formulas and 1 infant food tested. Other Enterobacteriaceae detected from powdered infant and follow-up formulas were Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., and other Enterobacter spp. No Cronobacter species were found in any samples. Rehydration instructions from the product labels were collated and it was observed that none directed the use of water with a temperature >70°C for formula preparation, as specified by the 2008 revised World Health Organization guidelines. Six brands instructed the use of water at 40 to 55°C, a temperature range that would support the survival and even growth of Enterobacteriaceae.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/standards*
Extent of implementation of food environment policies by the Malaysian Government: gaps and priority recommendations

Ng S, Swinburn B, Kelly B, Vandevijvere S, Yeatman H, Ismail MN, et al.

Public Health Nutr, 2018 Dec;21(18):3395-3406.
PMID: 30277185 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018002379

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of food environment policies that have been implemented and supported by the Malaysian Government, in comparison to international best practice, and to establish prioritised recommendations for the government based on the identified implementation gaps.
DESIGN: The Healthy Food-Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) comprises forty-seven indicators of government policy practice. Local evidence of each indicator was compiled from government institutions and verified by related government stakeholders. The extent of implementation of the policies was rated by experts against international best practices. Rating results were used to identify and propose policy actions which were subsequently prioritised by the experts based on 'importance' and 'achievability' criteria. The policy actions with relatively higher 'achievability' and 'importance' were set as priority recommendations for government action.
SETTING: Malaysia.
SUBJECTS: Twenty-six local experts.
RESULTS: Majority (62 %) of indicators was rated 'low' implementation with no indicator rated as either 'high' or 'very little, if any' in terms of implementation. The top five recommendations were (i) restrict unhealthy food marketing in children's settings and (ii) on broadcast media; (iii) mandatory nutrition labelling for added sugars; (iv) designation of priority research areas related to obesity prevention and diet-related non-communicable diseases; and (v) introduce energy labelling on menu boards for fast-food outlets.
CONCLUSIONS: This first policy study conducted in Malaysia identified a number of gaps in implementation of key policies to promote healthy food environments, compared with international best practices. Study findings could strengthen civil society advocacies for government accountability to create a healthier food environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Fulltext Tracking Progress from Policy Development to Implementation: A Case Study on Adoption of Mandatory Regulation for Nutrition Labelling in Malaysia

Ng S, Kelly B, Yeatman H, Swinburn B, Karupaiah T

Nutrients, 2021 Jan 29;13(2).
PMID: 33573100 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020457

Mandatory nutrition labelling, introduced in Malaysia in 2003, received a "medium implementation" rating from public health experts when previously benchmarked against international best practices by our group. The rating prompted this qualitative case study to explore barriers and facilitators during the policy process. Methods incorporated semi-structured interviews supplemented with cited documents and historical mapping of local and international directions up to 2017. Case participants held senior positions in the Federal government (n = 6), food industry (n = 3) and civil society representations (n = 3). Historical mapping revealed that international directions stimulated policy processes in Malaysia but policy inertia caused implementation gaps. Barriers hindering policy processes included lack of resources, governance complexity, lack of monitoring, technical challenges, policy characteristics linked to costing, lack of sustained efforts in policy advocacy, implementer characteristics and/or industry resistance, including corporate political activities (e.g., lobbying, policy substitution). Facilitators to the policy processes were resource maximization, leadership, stakeholder partnerships or support, policy windows and industry engagement or support. Progressing policy implementation required stronger leadership, resources, inter-ministerial coordination, advocacy partnerships and an accountability monitoring system. This study provides insights for national and global policy entrepreneurs when formulating strategies towards fostering healthy food environments.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/legislation & jurisprudence*
Fulltext Current status of nutrition labelling and claims in the South-East Asian region: are we in harmony?

Tee ES, Tamin S, Ilyas R, Ramos A, Tan WL, Lai DK, et al.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11(2):S80-6.
PMID: 12074192

This review includes the situation of nutrition labelling and claims in six countries in South-East Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. With the exception of Malaysia, there is no mandatory nutrition labelling requirements for foods in these countries except for special categories of foods and when nutritional claims are made for fortified or enriched foods. Nevertheless, several food manufacturers, especially multinationals, do voluntarily label the nutritional content of a number of food products. There is, therefore, increasing interest among authorities in countries in the region to start formulating regulations for nutrition labelling for a wider variety of foods. Malaysia has proposed new regulations to make it mandatory to label a number of foodstuffs with the four core nutrients, protein, carbohydrate, fat and energy. Other countries have preferred to start with voluntary labelling by the manufacturers, but have spelt out the requirements for this voluntary labelling. The format and requirements for nutrition labelling differ widely for countries in the region. Some countries, such as Malaysia, closely follow the Codex guidelines on nutrition labelling in terms of format, components to be included and mode of expression. Other countries, such as the Philippines and Thailand, have drafted nutrition labelling regulations very similar to those of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of the United States. Nutrition and health claims are also not specifically permitted under food regulations that were enacted before 1998. However, various food products on the market have been carrying a variety of nutrition and health claims. There is concern that without proper regulations, the food industry may not be certain as to what claims can be made. Excessive and misleading claims made by irresponsible manufacturers would only serve to confuse and mislead the consumer. In recent years, there has been efforts in countries in the region to enact regulations on nutrition claims. Recently enacted regulations or amendments to existing regulations of almost all the countries reviewed have included provisions for nutrition claims. Malaysia is in the process of gazetting regulations to clearly stipulate the permitted nutrition claims and the conditions required to make these claims along the guidelines of Codex Alimentarius Commission. Only two countries in the region permit health claims to be made - Indonesia and Philippines. Other countries in the region are following developments in Codex and examining the need for allowing these claims. There are more differences than similarities in the regulations on nutrition labelling and claims among countries in the South-East Asian region as no previous efforts have been made to address these. Hopefully, through this first regional meeting, countries can initiate closer interaction, with a view to working towards greater harmonization of nutrition labelling and health claims in the region.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/legislation & jurisprudence*
Fulltext Challenges and importance of traceability of halal raw materials in processed meat products: a review

Babji, A.S., Ghassem, M., Hong, P.K., Maizatul, S.M.S.

ASM Science Journal, 2012;6(2):144-147.
MyJurnal

Research and development trends will continue to design innovative composite foods in which muscle proteins are combined with non-conventional animal products, non-meat proteins and functional food additives, many of which have lost their original inherent properties and characteristics. Composite food are products with meat, non-meat proteins, fats, carbohydrates and functional ingredients such as pre-emulsion, probiotics, enzymes, bioactives, peptides, hormones, emulsifiers, gelatin, animal fats/oils, alcohol and visceral tissues. Traceability of halal meat raw materials should start at the point of animal breeding, production to the stage of halal slaughter, processing operations and final point of consumption. Traceability of food additives used in the food industry remains a major hurdle for the Muslim community seeking halal food. The processes and technological advancements made in raw material processing, ingredient extractions, modifications, purification and resynthesized into many food ingredients make the question of traceability and solving of the materials and processes that are halal a monumental task. Food is only halal if the entire food chain from farm to table, is processed, handled and stored in accordance with the syariah and/or halal standards or guidelines, such as in the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM): General guidelines, Malaysia Standards MS 1500:2009 and Codex Alimentarius (Food Labeling). Here lies the challenge and importance of traceability to verify the ‘wholesomeness’ of the sources of halal raw materials and final meat-based food products.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Fulltext Use and understanding of nutrition labeling among elderly men and women in Malaysia

Cheong, S.M., Jasvindar Kaur, Lim, K.H., Ho, B.K., Mohmad, S.

Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(3):353-362.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Consumers are advised to read the nutrition labeling when purchasing packaged food. To what extent consumers read nutrition labeling and understand what they read is not well established among Malaysian older persons. Methods: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III) undertaken in 2006 was analysed to determine the use and understanding of nutrition labeling and its associated factors among free living elderly men and women aged ~60 years. Descriptive analysis and binary Logistic Regression were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 4,898 respondents provided self-reported information on their use and understanding of nutrition labeling when they bought or received food. Use of nutrition labeling was higher among elderly men [61.9% (95% CI: 59.6-64.1)] than for women [36.6% (95% CI: 34.5-38.8)]. Nutrition labeling use was significantly associated with age, formal education, higher household income levels and marital status among both elderly men and women. Understanding of nutrition labeling among elderly men and women was 91.8% (95% CI: 90.1-93.2) and 89.7% (95% CI: 87.4-91.7) respectively and was significantly associated with formal education for both elderly men and women. Conclusion: Overall, the reading of nutrition labeling among Malaysian elderly is moderate. Elderly men and women with formal education were more likely to understand nutrition labeling. The importance of reading nutrition labels should be inculcated in consumers including older persons so that they choose foods that are nutritious and safe.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Quantitative gas chromatographic method for the analysis of cis and trans fatty acid in margarines

Jumat Salimon, Talal Ajmed, Nadia Salih

Sains Malaysiana, 2014;43:1937-1942.

Fats and oils in human diets are the main sources of essential fatty acids for the body. However, there is a mounting concern about the intake of foods containing trans fatty acids (TFAs) due to their deleterious effects on human. Thus, the accurate detection of fatty acids (FAs) and TFAs is needed to control and correct nutrition labeling in dietary fat samples. Accordingly, a method for the identification and quantification of FAs and TFAs in food fats by gas chromatography (GC) based on the extraction of lipids and derivatization using base catalyzed followed by trimethylsilyl-diazomethane (TMS-DM) was developed. The proposed method was evaluated to standard mixture of oleic acid (OA) (C18:1cis 9) and Elaidic acid (EA) (C18:1 trans 9) and its application to three samples of commercial margarines was demonstrated. Based on the results obtained, recovery values (R) from all the samples were close to 100%. Repeatability (RSD) values ranged between 0.78 and 2.47%, while Reproducibility (RSD) values ranged between 1.14 and 3.65%. Consequently, the proposed method is sensitive, accurate and suitable for FAs and TFAs analysis of food fats and oils and can be applied to nutritional, medicine and food studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Fulltext Associations of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Food Label on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) Risk amongst University Students in Selangor, Malaysia

Evelyn H, Aziz AF, Sariman S

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2020;66(Supplement):S275-S282.
PMID: 33612610 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.S275

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) deaths were on the rise in developing countries. In Malaysia, the accelerating economic transition has been accompanied by high prevalence of CVD risk factors which accounts for 35% of total deaths in 2016. This increasing trend involving not only the elderly but also the young adults. Food label reading is reported to be the key to help individual adopt healthy food choice and dietary habits. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the associations of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of food label on CVD risk amongst university students. A cross sectional study was conducted on 389 university students aged 19 to 35 y old in Selangor. Information on socio-demographic profile, nutrition knowledge, attitude, and practice of food label were collected using self-administrated questionnaires. Anthropometric data of participants were measured using standardize methodology and blood pressure was measured using Omron blood pressure monitor. The data were tested using Chi-Square test. Average age of the respondents were 23 y. Majority of the respondents had no CVD risk (41%) while (59%) had increased CVD risks. There was a significant association between CVD risk factors (BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with knowledge and attitude of using food label (p<0.05). The practice of food label usage showed no significant association (p>0.05) with all CVD risk factors. Considering the importance of understanding and usage of food label in the management of chronic diseases, these findings provide useful information to incorporate nutrition education on food labelling in preventing CVD risks.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling
Halal authenticity issues in meat and meat products

Nakyinsige K, Man YB, Sazili AQ

Meat Sci, 2012 Jul;91(3):207-14.
PMID: 22405913 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.02.015

In the recent years, Muslims have become increasingly concerned about the meat they eat. Proper product description is very crucial for consumers to make informed choices and to ensure fair trade, particularly in the ever growing halal food market. Globally, Muslim consumers are concerned about a number of issues concerning meat and meat products such as pork substitution, undeclared blood plasma, use of prohibited ingredients, pork intestine casings and non-halal methods of slaughter. Analytical techniques which are appropriate and specific have been developed to deal with particular issues. The most suitable technique for any particular sample is often determined by the nature of the sample itself. This paper sets out to identify what makes meat halal, highlight the halal authenticity issues that occur in meat and meat products and provide an overview of the possible analytical methods for halal authentication of meat and meat products.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling*
Fulltext Harmonisation of food labelling regulations in Southeast Asia: benefits, challenges and implications

Kasapila W, Shaarani SM

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2011;20(1):1-8.
PMID: 21393103

In the globalised world of the 21st century, issues of food and nutrition labelling are of pre-eminent importance. Several international bodies, including the World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation, are encouraging countries to harmonise their food and nutrition regulations with international standards, guidelines and recommendations such as those for Codex Alimentarius. Through harmonisation, these organisations envisage fewer barriers to trade and freer movement of food products between countries, which would open doors to new markets and opportunities for the food industry. In turn, increased food trade would enhance economic development and allow consumers a greater choice of products. Inevitably, however, embracing harmonisation brings along cost implications and challenges that have to be overcome. Moreover, the harmonisation process is complex and sporadic in light of the tasks that countries have to undertake; for example, updating legislation, strengthening administrative capabilities and establishing analytical laboratories. This review discusses the legislation and regulations that govern food and nutrition labelling in Southeast Asia, and highlights the discrepancies that exist in this regard, their origin and consequences. It also gives an account of the current status of harmonising labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs in the region and explains the subsequent benefits, challenges and implications for governments, the food industry and consumers.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling/economics; Food Labeling/legislation & jurisprudence*; Food Labeling/standards*
Fulltext The Relationship of Health and Nutrition Claims towards Purchasing Choices among Consumers in Shah Alam, Selangor

Shammakh M, Ali RT, Shaari T

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2020;66(Supplement):S222-S225.
PMID: 33612599 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.S222

Consumers nowadays have more awareness for healthy foods and demanded healthier food choices to avoid health-related problems; therefore, industries had included health and nutrition claims on their products. Health and nutrition claims usually influence consumers' food choice decision. Products with health claim resulted in higher perception of healthiness and nutritional value of the product, even if the product was not considered as a healthy choice. The aim of this study was to assess whether the health and nutrition claims had led to a healthier perception or better evaluation of the product among consumers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire on 385 respondents collected through convenience sampling. The survey consisted of four parts: socio-demographic background, health awareness, understanding and usage of health and nutrition claims, and purchase intention measured through the use of a mock packaging. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
RESULTS: Most of the respondents aged 18-30 (81.0%) and almost half of them were Malay (45.7%) with bachelor/master or PhD qualification (60.0%). The distribution of household income for all categories was almost similar (18.2-20.8%). There was a significant statistical relationship between health awareness and purchase intention among respondents (r=0.391, p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Health and nutrition claims influenced consumer's perceptions and purchase intention, especially for those who were more concerned about their health, thus, more focus on policy regarding claims is needed.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling*
Fulltext The development of nutrition pictograph design on food labeling using Delphi Technique

Aida Md Saad, Siti Zuraida Maaruf

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2020;16(1):15-26.
MyJurnal

Recently consumers are facing the issue of health problems such as Non - Communicable Disease (NCD) occurring in the society due to unhealthy lifestyle and behaviours. Consumers have claimed that they have knowledge about nutrition information but with low awareness level to read the
nutrition information and difficulties to interpret the nutrition information on the food label. The nutrition contained in the food has been presented in numerical data and unattractive design. Plus, the rush when shopping will make the consumers neglect to read the food label. This research attempted to focus on the development of a suitable and usable nutrition pictograph design as a tool to educate the consumers in choosing a healthier selection of packed food. The researchers used the Delphi Technique as a medium in choosing the appropriate nutrition pictograph design, which should be incorporated into the selected food label. Findings from this study revealed positive feedback and reached a consensus, and all expert panels have agreed on the development of the nutrition pictogram design. Therefore, the implication of this study is targeted towards the consumers, Ministry of Health and food manufacturers. It can also contribute to the growth of the Visual Communication field. This nutrition pictograph design is intended to educate and inculcate the consumers and enhance health awareness in selecting the healthier choice of food.

Matched MeSH terms: Food Labeling

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