Nutritional data on selected food products consumed in Oman: an update of the food composition table and use for future food consumption surveys
Publication date: 2024
This study addresses the lack of reliable food composition data in the EMR by providing nutrient data on 221 food products consumed in Oman. The study analyzed fat, fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, sugars, and sodium content and compared laboratory values with nutrition labeling. The study emphasizes the need for recommendations targeting consumers and the food industry to improve product nutritional quality and enhance consumer awareness in Oman. This research supports more accurate food consumption surveys and helps to improve public health nutrition strategies.
Factors Contributing to the Comprehensive Use of Food Labels in Jordan
Publication date: 2023
Food labels are low-cost, informational tools that can help curb the spread of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study described consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food labels in Jordan and explored the relationship between knowledge and attitude with comprehensive use of food labels. Jordanian consumers seem to have good practices and attitudes related to food label use but suboptimal knowledge regarding content. Future interventions should focus more on enhancing knowledge and awareness related to food labels.
Estimated 24-Hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion in adults in the Northwest Region of Morocco, 2017
Publication date: 2023
Excessive sodium (Na) and insufficient potassium (K) intake contribute to a high risk of cardiovascular events. Morocco lacks data on actual Na and K intake in adults. We estimated mean Na and K intake in a Moroccan population of adults residing in the Northwest region using 24 h urinary excretion and examined their association with blood pressure (BP). To conclude, Na intake was higher and K intake was lower than WHO recommendations in the study population. There was no association between estimated Na and K intake levels with BP in this population.
Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Lebanese shoppers towards food labeling: The first steps in the nutri-score roadmap
Publication date: 2022
Food labeling is a fundamental educational tool for advocating for public awareness. It emphasizes knowledge of the nutrient content of food and thus directs the choice towards the healthiest food products. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutrition label use in Lebanon through a valid questionnaire. The low awareness of food labels leads Lebanese people to choose unhealthy food options. A planned educational program is recommended to ease the interpretation of these labels.
Comparison of appropriateness of Nutri-Score and other front-of-pack nutrition labels across a group of Moroccan consumers: awareness, understanding and food choices
Publication date: 2021
This study aims to assess Moroccan consumers’ perception and objective understanding of Nutri-Score and 4 other nutritional information labels (health star rating, health warning, reference intakes and multiple traffic lights) and their impact on purchase intentions. The study concludes that the Nutri-Score appears to be the most effective nutritional information system to inform consumers about the nutritional quality of foods in Morocco, where it could constitute a useful tool to help consumers in their food choices in situations of purchase.
Improving nutrition information in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling
Publication date: 2020
This review summarizes current implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling policies in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the Region remains limited, but three types of schemes were identified as having been implemented or at an advanced stage of development by governments in six countries. Through a review of reviews of existing research and evidence from country implementation, the authors suggest some pointers for implementation for other countries in the Region deciding to implement front-of-pack nutrition labelling policies.