Diet is considered one of the key drivers of the world-wide obesity epidemic, and the gut microbiota may play a role in this multifaceted disease due to their mutualistic relationship. This study investigated relationships between habitual dietary intake of New Zealand European and Pacific women and their gut microbiota and body fat content. Pacific (44%) and NZ European (NZE; 56%) women (n = 287) aged 18–45 years were recruited based on body mass index (normal versus obese) and stratified as low (< 35%) or high (≥ 35%) body fat percentage (BF%). Dietary intake was assessed with a 5-day estimated food record and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, which were used to calculate habitual dietary intake using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method. BF% was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fasting blood samples were analysed for markers of insulin sensitivity. The DNA from faecal samples was analysed following shotgun sequencing. There were no significant differences in BF% between Pacific and NZE women (p = 0.498). Significant differences in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were observed between Pacific (3.4 [2.3, 5.9]) and NZE (2.1 [1.5, 3.1], p ≤ 0.001) women, and between; low-BF% (1.9 [1.3, 2.7]) and high-BF% (3.4 [2.5, 5.9], p ≤ 0.001) groups. The highest (27.6g/d [24.9, 30.6]) compared to the lowest tertile (16g/d [13.3, 17.6]) of habitual total dietary fibre (DF) intake was associated with a significantly lower HOMA-IR (2.1 [1.3, 3.1] versus 3.3 [2.1, 5.3] p ≤ 0.001) respectively. Higher DF intake was also associated with significantly lower BF% (β -0.35, p ≤ 0.001), and this relationship became stronger when considering the intake of other macronutrients (β -0.47, p ≤ 0.001). Alpha diversity; observed taxonomic units (OTU's; rs = -0.15, p = 0.011), Pielou's evenness (rs = -0.20, p = 0.001), and Shannon index (rs = -0.22, p ≤ 0.001), were all negatively correlated with BF%. In contrast BF% was positively correlated with the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (rs = 0.26, p ≤ 0.001). HOMA-IR index was significantly higher in Pacific and women in the higher BF% group, indicating an increased metabolic disease risk. Higher habitual DF intake was associated with lower BF% and HOMA-IR, suggesting a potential metabolically protective effect. The positive effects of higher DF intake may be associated with microbiota diversity, as higher BF% was associated with reduced alpha diversity and an increased Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Further analysis will explore which foods contributed to the higher DF intake, and associations with body composition, microbiota and biomarkers of metabolic health.

The timing of energy/nutrient intake has been previously shown to be associated with obesity and diabetes (Almoosawi et al, 2019) and recently derived diurnal patterns of energy/carbohydrate intake suggested the potential interplay of circadian biology and social behaviour contributing to obesity (Palla&Almoosawi, 2019) but didn't describe the relationship between food groups and the time when they are eaten, nor on how such relationships vary by type 2 diabetes status.

To assess such relationships in a representative sample of the British adult population (19–64 ys old), we have cross-classified 60 food groups and 7 time-slots (6–9am, 9–12,12–2pm,2–5pm, 5–8pm, 8–10pm, 10–6am) as recorded in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2014) and analysed the derived frequency by Correspondence Analysis (CA) of food entries, producing biplots separately for the foods included in the food healthiness score tertiles, for all adults combined and separately by diabetes status (self-reported diabetics with HbA1c > 6.5% and glucose < 6.1 mmol/L, prediabetics with HbA1c < 6.5% and glucose comprised between 6.1 and 7, undiagnosed diabetics with HbA1c > 6.5 but not self-reported and non diabetics). Where numbers allowed, the odds ratio estimate was derived of consuming unhealthy food groups later in the day compared to earlier in the day, by logistic regression.

The general CA biplots (representing about 80% or more of the total system inertia) pointed at a very strong association between evening/night and beer, spirits and a strong association between evening/night and ice-cream, sugar confectionary, chocolate, biscuits, crisps. The odds ratio (95% CIs) of consuming the listed foods at night evening rather than earlier were respectively 4.37 (CI:3.75–5.10), 7.78 (CI:6.11–9.91),1.63 (CI:1.34–1.98), 1.59 (1.24–2.03), 2.06 (CI:1.84–2.31), 1.53(CI:1.39–1.68), 1.26 (CI:1.11–1.42). The stratified biplots were mostly consistent with the findings for general CA biplots except for puddings which additionally appeared strongly associated with evening time for prediabetics and undiagnosed diabetics but not for diabetics and non-diabetics. The limited number of diabetics (n = 84,2.3%), undiagnosed diabetics (n = 41,1.1%) and prediabetics (n = 63,1.7%) and high diabetes status missingness (n = 1445,39.5%) prevented from applying regression analyses within subgroups.

Assessing the relationships between less healthy foods and timing of eating is a first step towards identifying specific public health targets for behaviour change, which include alcoholic beverages and foods rich in added sugars and saturated fats. The greater likelihood of eating puddings in the evening might partly explain the undiagnosed/prediabetic state. The survey cross-sectional nature warrants further investigations by longitudinal cohort studies.

‘Food sustainability’ is now acknowledged as integral to the achievement of food security, a healthy community and protection of the environment. Understanding consumers’ knowledge of and attitudes towards food sustainability is poorly understood in Ireland. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability among visitors to an Irish restaurant, known to prepare foods in a sustainable way. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 visitors at the Overends Kitchen, Airfield Estate, Dublin, Ireland using a short questionnaire informed by previously collected data on Irish consumers’ attitudes towards food purchasing and a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK) questionnaire. Information on demographics, food choice motives, food preferences, basic nutritional knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward food sustainability was obtained. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM, v23, Chicago, Ill, USA). Quality (98%) and health (92%) were the most important motives for food choice. Females (P = 0.001) and older (P = 0.029) participants had greater interest in health as a motivating factor for food choice compared to males and those who were younger. Free-range (eggs) and fresh vegetables and fish were most frequently purchased. Poor knowledge of recommendations about saturated fat, and daily fruit and vegetables intakes was demonstrated though this was better in female (P = 0.005) and younger (P = 0.007) participants. Participants demonstrated positive attitudes towards food sustainability and over half (57%) were aware of GLAS principles (Go with the seasons, Local for produce, Avoid food waste, Sustainably produced) although only 37% reported that these principles influence their dietary choices. Misinformation about the environmental sustainability and nutritional value of farmed vs. organic or wild fish and fresh vs. frozen vegetables was apparent. This research provides some understanding of Irish consumers' knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability. The need to enhance understanding of how diets can be made more sustainable is clear.

Meat and meat products are one of the most relevant food groups in the human diet due to high content of protein. Meat from wild animals is considered a delicacy and commands a high price compared to other sorts of meat. Due to the characteristic sensory properties (taste), lower fat and cholesterol contents and higher share of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) a growing interest of this meat is noted(1,2).

The aim of the study was to compare fatty acid profile in wild boars muscles depending on the feeding grounds.

The research material consisted of 37 samples of wild boars (Sus scrofa) muscles from three different regions in Poland: Warmia and Mazury, Podlasie and Silesia. The fat was extracted from the muscle samples by the Folch method. The fatty acid (FA) composition was determined after the acids were trans-methylated according to the Peisker method. Chromatographic separation was performed using an Agilent Technologies 7890A gas chromatograph with a flame-ionization detector (FID).

The average share of sum of saturated fatty acids (ΣSFA) in wild boars fat from Warmia and Mazury, Podlasie and Silesia regions were 41.5%, 39.6% and 38.8%, respectively. In wild boars fat from Silesia the highest share of sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (ΣMUFA) was found (46.9%), while in wild boars fat from Warmia and Mazury, Podlasie it accounted for: 44.4% and 39.9%, respectively. A similar share of ΣPUFA (approx. 14%) was determined in wild boars fat from Warmia and Mazury, and Silesia region, whereas in those from Podlasie region ΣPUFA accounted for approx. 12%.

Meat fat from wild boars is a valuable source of fatty acids with a beneficial impact on human health. However, the fatty acids profile depends of the region, which indicated the predominant influence of the animal's feed on FA composition of meat fat.

Red meat is an important dietary source of protein and many other essential nutrients including omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which provide numerous benefits to human health. It is well known that grass-fed meat contains a more favourable fatty acid profile, compared to other feeding regimes, but the feasibility of grass finishing is in decline for many farmers/producers. Therefore, alternative methods to enhance the fatty acid profile of red meats, such as beef, are needed to meet increasing consumer demands for ‘healthier’ products. This study compared plasma PUFA concentrations across cattle finished on three different feeding regimes. Three farms supplied livestock to the current study, where cattle were fed three different feeding regimes for a minimum of 15-weeks prior to slaughter. Feeding regimes were ad lib concentrate (negative control), n3-enriched ad lib concentrate (treatment) or grass-fed only (positive control). Blood was collected at slaughter into EDTA tubes and plasma aliquots were stored at -80°C until analysis. A validated gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was used to quantify individual PUFA concentrations in mg/ml [linoleic acid (LA); arachidonic acid (AA); alpha-linolenic acid (ALA); eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. Samples from 23, 49 and 40 animals (in control, treatment & grass groups, respectively) were available for the current analysis. One-way ANOVA tests revealed significant differences between groups in all PUFA concentrations quantified (all P < 0.026). Post-hoc (LSD) tests showed mean ± SD n3 PUFA concentrations were significantly different within all three groups (all P < 0.04), increasing from negative control (0.049 ± 0.013 mg/ml), to treatment (0.095 ± 0.034 mg/ml) and grass-fed groups (0.461 ± 0.132 mg/ml). The opposite was observed for mean ± SD n6 PUFA concentrations (1.060 ± 0.297 vs. 0.918 ± 0.267 vs. 0.355 ± 0.085 mg/ml, respectively; all P < 0.02). Cattle finished on either treatment or grass regimes had a more favourable n6:n3 PUFA ratio, compared to negative control (11.98 and 0.79 vs. 22.65, respectively). This study demonstrates that the finishing diet can impact plasma PUFA concentrations of beef cattle. Animals finished on the n3-enriched concentrate had, on average, double the total n3 PUFA concentrations, as well as an improved n6:n3 ratio, compared to control cattle. These results provide preliminary data on an alternative n3-enriched feeding regime for beef cattle to improve PUFA concentrations. Further research, however, is required to confirm if such beneficial changes are also observed in bovine muscle, which would have direct benefits for consumers.

Evidence from observational studies indicates that seaweed consumption may reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes, and obesity. Accumulating evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggest seaweed have antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may in part be attributed to the high content of soluble dietary fibre in seaweeds. The viscosity of seaweed fibres is suggested to mediate antihyperlipdiemic effects via the alteration of lipid/bile acid absorption kinetics to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Thus, there is a need to evaluate the efficacy of seaweed derived dietary fibre in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of a fibre rich extract from Palmaria palmata on the lipid profile as well as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy adults. A total of 60 healthy participants (30 male and 30 female) aged 20 to 58 years, were assigned to consume the Palmaria palmata fibre extract (5g/day), Synergy-1 and the placebo (maltodextrin) for a duration of 4 weeks with a minimum 4 week washout between each treatment in a double blind, randomised crossover study conducted over 5 months. Fasting concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were analysed and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and LDL: HDL ratio was calculated. C-reactive protein (CRP) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) were analysed as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, respectively. Supplementation for 4 weeks with Palmaria palmata resulted in favourable changes to lipid profiles with a reduced LDL:HDL ratio; however intention-to-treat univariate ANCOVA identified no significant difference between the treatment groups over time on any of the lipid profile markers. A non-significant increase in CRP and triglyceride concentration along with lower FRAP was also observed with Palmaria palmata supplementation. Evidence from this study suggests that Palmaria palmata may have effects on lipid metabolism and appears to mobilise triglycerides. More research is needed in individuals with dyslipidaemia to fully elucidate these effects.

The glycaemic index (GI) concept has highlighted the detrimental metabolic impact of consuming foods high in rapidly released carbohydrates. However, diverse food properties such as slow release carbohydrates, viscous fibre, fructose, fat and protein can all result in foods with low GI values, with not all of them considered to be health beneficial.

The study aim was to identify the mechanisms responsible for the GI values for various food groups. Data was collated and evaluated for GI, presented here as mean (range), macronutrient composition and starch digestibility measures with a focus on slowly digestible starch expressed as percent available starch (%SDS).

Wheat breads had high GI values for both white, 73 (59–88) and wholemeal, 70 (52–85). While wheat flour contains > 50% SDS, the moist heat conditions during baking gelatinises starch and most breads had low %SDS 5 (3–10). Rye breads containing kernels had lower GI, 59 (41–78) and higher %SDS, 16 (12–24). Cooked grains had diverse GI 57 (29–75), with a key determinant being kernel integrity, influenced both by grain type and cooking conditions. Typical GI and %SDS values respectively for cooked grains were: white rice 65, 28; bulgur wheat 48, 40; pearl barley 29, 53. Pasta was similar in that matrix integrity determines starch digestibility and hence GI, 49 (40–57). Pasta thickness, ingredients and cooking time all influence %SDS 37 (30–47). The fat and sugar in bakery products sometimes contributed to lower GI, 66 (55–92), while the %SDS was low 5 (1–9). For biscuits, varied moisture content during baking impacts on the extent of starch gelatinisation explaining the range in %SDS 24 (12–42) and GI 51 (47–56). Crackers are baked with high moisture and consequently had low %SDS, 6 (5–7) and high GI, 67 (60–78). Breakfast cereals, produced by extrusion had low %SDS, 3 (2–4), but sugar contents contributed to a wide GI range, 69 (46–87).

This study highlights the prevalence of rapidly digestible starch in many types of cereal based foods, due to processing techniques that result in easily dispersed food matrices and gelatinised starch. High fat and sugar products can have low or medium GI values despite having high contents of rapidly released carbohydrates, and as such GI could be considered an inconsistent measure of carbohydrate quality. Having information on starch digestibility profiles can identify the low GI foods that are rich in slow release carbohydrates, the consumption of which should be promoted.

Triticum heritage varieties and ancient species are gaining interest of consumers due to the perception of a healthier nutrition profile than other modern wheat. Although still limited, several findings highlighted the real potential beneficial role of ancient wheat-based products consumption on several cardiometabolic factors(1). However, a lack of information is still present, especially for their effect on postprandial glycaemia. Evolutionary populations (EPs) are plants within the same species in one field characterized by a high level of genetic diversity(2). EPs are evolving as a function of several environmental variables and in turn characterized by a high level of adaptability and biodiversity. EPs can drive agronomic advantages, especially under organic and low-input agricultural conditions, or in less favourable growing conditions(3). The aim of the present study, which is a part of a more comprehensive project called “BIO2”(4), was to evaluate the impact of breads made with EPs of heritage varieties and a modern variety, all produced under organic farming in mountain areas of Emilia Romagna Region (Italy), on postprandial glycaemic and insulin responses. The study is a randomized controlled trial in which 13 healthy subjects were enrolled for consuming 8 non-commercial breads made either with EPs (EPs named “BIO2” and “GROSSI” – of local heritage varieties, and EP “Solibam”) or with a modern variety (Bologna) produced with a standard recipe, but 2 different leavening techniques (S. Cerevisiae and sourdough). Subjects consumed breads in a portion containing 50 g of available carbohydrates and blood was collected for quantifying glycaemia and insulin during 2 hours. Incremental area under curves (IAUCs) and maximum peaks were compared among treatments. No differences were found in IAUCs and peaks for both the markers, showing that none of the tested EPs was effective in lowering glycaemic and insulin responses compared to the modern variety. Moreover, sourdough did not determine a lower blood glucose and insulin within the same type of flour, which is in contrast with previous studies describing the role of sourdough in lowering glycaemic response. Future studies will better elucidate the possible implication of consuming ancient wheat-based products on the modulation of post-prandial glucose metabolism.

This study has been funded by Measure 16.1.01 of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy).

Free sugars, especially in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages, easily provide excess energy leading to increased risk of obesity and various NCDs. Free sugar intake below 10 E% is a public health nutrition target established in international (WHO) and many national nutrition recommendations across Europe. However, representative population-based data on free sugar intakes from the overall diet (i.e. free sugars from both liquid and solid foods) remain sparse. Besides mean intakes, the usual intake distributions of free sugar intake overall and in sociodemographic groups are infrequently reported. We aimed to study the intake of free sugars in the Finnish adults, and evaluate the proportion of the population reaching the recommendation. We used the data of the nationally representative FinDiet 2017 Survey consisting of two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls obtained from 1655 subjects aged 18–74 years (53% participation rate). Weighing factors were used to correct non-participation bias. Assessment of daily free sugar intake was based on a food disaggregation procedure utilizing the national food composition database Fineli® (including standard recipes and ingredient level values for all different monosaccharides and disaccharides). Usual intake distribution modelling was performed using the SPADE program (RIVM, the Netherlands). We used SAS version 9.3 and R statistical software version 3.4.1 for the analyses. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.The mean intake of free sugars was 9.2 E% in men (n = 780) (P25: 6.4 E%, P50: 8.7 E%, P75: 11.5 E%), and 9.3 E% in women (n = 875) (P25: 6.6 E%, P50: 8.8 E%, P75: 11.4 E%). However, the recommendation (free sugars < 10 E%) was not reached by 37% of the population. Across the age groups (18–24, 25–44, 45–64, 65–74 years, respectively), the proportion of not reaching the recommendation varied between 28%−40% (men) and 44%−32% (women). Regarding educational groups (categories: low, middle, high), mean free sugar intake in men was higher in the lowest educational group (9.9 E%) compared with the highest educational group (8.8 E%) (P-value: 0.01). In women, free sugar intake did not differ between the educational groups. Overall, despite mean free sugar intakes below 10 E%, at least one third of Finnish adults did not reach the recommendation. Population groups with high free sugar intakes and the determinants of intake deserve further studying. Such information is needed in targeting interventions and policy actions to improve and sustain an optimal free sugar intake in all population groups.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that are associated with multiple comorbidities, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), obesity, hypertension and diabetes. These findings brought up a potential link between adiposity and psoriasis/ PsA. Though a healthy diet could improve some aspects related to MetS, as well as painful joints and skin lesions in patients with PsA, the aim of this study is to describe the main particularities related to food intake and nutrient consumption, including the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the healthy eating index (HEI), in patients with PsA. A total of 97 patients with PsA were included in this cross-sectional study. Food intake was evaluated by using a 3-day food-record, HEI and the DII. Energy was adjusted using the residual method in order to control the effects of energy intake when evaluating micronutrient intake. Weight, waist of circumference, Body Mass Index (BMI) and disease activity (PASI, BSA, BASDAI, DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP and MDA) were also evaluated. The inferential analysis included t-student test, Pearson's correlation and Tukey's test. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to define normality. Level of significance was set as p < 0.05. Patients with PsA had hypercaloric diet and inadequate consumption of sodium, vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and copper when compared to Dietary Reference Intake. The HEI had low score (63.2 ± 10.2), suggesting that more than 90% of the patients had inappropriate diet and need nutritional intervention. Moreover, the DII score was high (+ 2.48 ± 0.9), highlighting a pro-inflammatory pattern. It was also observed an increase of BMI (mean 30.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2), waist circumference (103.13 ± 13.26 cm) and a high prevalence of MetS (54.6%). Our data showed patients with PsA had high prevalence of MetS, low quality of food intake, diet inadequacy and a pro-inflammatory pattern, especially regarding antioxidants intake.

Today's high interest for no- or low-meat diets is driven by evidence-based associations between high meat consumption and unhealthy lifestyle factors as well as increased risk of various chronic diseases. This study aims to characterize no-, low- and high-meat consumers and describe their protein intake using data from the Swiss nutrition survey menuCH.This first national survey assessed descriptive factors by a questionnaire and dietary intake by 24-hour dietary recall (24 HDR) across all three linguistic regions, German, French and Italian of Switzerland (N = 2057). Data from the questionnaire (food avoidance) and two 24 HDRs were used to categorize total participants (N) into four subgroups: no meat (4.4%); low (15%), medium (65.6%), or high-meat eaters (15%), based on meat-energy contributions of 0; 0–2.4; 2.4–18.7; 18.7–48.4, respectively. Contributions of overall macronutrients and protein from the different food groups were described for each subgroup to identify quantitative and qualitative differences. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to predict the probability of belonging to one of the four subgroups according to the following sociodemographic and behavioral variables: sex, language region, age, nationality, marital status, education, gross household income, BMI, physical activity, smoking, dietary supplements and overall health status. The subgroups differed in protein intake with 11.5%, 12.8%, 15.4% and 19.1% of total energy intake for no-, low-,medium- and high-meat diets, respectively, weighted for sampling design, non-response, weekdays and season. In general, no- and low-meat consumers included a greater variety of foods contributing to protein intake than meat consumers, including more dairy products and meat-alternatives. None of the subgroups met the Swiss Food-based Dietary Guidelines of three portions of dairy products per day. The regression analysis showed that sex, taking dietary supplements or not and BMI were important determinants of the subgroups: women had a higher predicted probability than men to be no- and low-meat eaters and for these same subgroups, individuals showed higher probabilities for taking dietary supplements. Overweight and obese participants showed higher probabilities to be high-meat eaters.

These findings show considerable differences in protein intake and in variety of protein-food selections, between extremes of meat intake (no- to high meat consumption). Future surveys should include frequency methods to allow conclusions about habitual meat intake or avoidance and health status screening to analyse individuals health data.

In Ireland SI 489/2014 mandates food businesses (FB) to present written allergen information on food and drink at the point of presentation or sale. Despite this requirement being in place since 2014, compliance is low. A 2017 audit published by the Food Safety Authority Ireland reported that corrective action was required by 88% of FB assessed.

Calorie labeling, although not legally required, has strong consumer demand. Furthermore when FB implement calorie labeling, improvements to stock management resulted in reduced costs.

This study aims to establish a baseline of available information to evaluate the progress of the public health initiative “Libro Healthy Towns”: a pilot project aimed at supporting FB to provide food information to consumers.

A catchment area was established to identify FB for inclusion. FB were categorised by business type: Multi-site (MB) or Independent site (IB), and service type: Restaurant/Café (RC), Restaurant/Takeaway (RT), Hotel, Pub/Restaurant and Takeaway. Availability of allergen and calorie information were collected by observing and photographing food information on display. Where information was not observable, it was requested. Employees were asked if consumers requested calorie information. Responses were recorded for input into a spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (ver. 24). Results were assessed using Chi-Square and Likelihood Ratio.

In total 54 FB were assessed (31 = MB, 23 = IB), 63% had allergen information displayed and 31% had it available on request. There was no statistically significant difference between business type and allergen information being available on display or by request. Three businesses (6%) had no allergen information available; 100% of these were IB. MB were significantly more likely to have allergen information available (100%) compared with IB (87%) (p-value = .021). Calorie information was available for 24% (n = 13) of FB, of which significantly more (92%) were MB (p-value = .003). Calorie information was requested in 56% of FB, most frequently requested in RC and RT, 62% and 55% respectively. Significantly more MB reported that consumers requested calorie information compared with IB, 77% and 26% respectively (p-value = < .001).

Only half of businesses displayed allergen information in writing at the point of presentation or sale. Consumer interest in calorie information was strong, supporting previous research showing consumers want to make informed food choices. Access to food information was easier in MB however this study shows that measures to improve the availability of food information are necessary across all business types.

‘Libro Healthy Towns’ is a joint public health initiative developed under the Healthy Ireland Charter. The initiative ultimately aims to improve the food environment and support informed food choices through technology. Food businesses are required by EU regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers, to provide allergen information on foods served. Calorie labelling, while not required, has been established as a strong public desire. This study aims to establish a protocol for implementation of allergen and nutrition declaration in food outlets. A catchment area was used to identify food businesses that were categorised by service sector and organisational type. Two businesses from each service sector were contacted to establish their willingness to participate in the study. A template was developed to collect the food information necessary for nutrition and allergen declaration including: menu items, component recipes and sub-recipes, recipe ingredients and quantities, cooking methods, servings per recipe and recipe weight following cooking. Facilitated weighing was used to establish ingredient weights. Ingredient specific food information: food name, brand, ingredient list, supplier and food form, were observed from packaging. Foods suitable for analysis using generic composition data were identified. Feedback from food businesses was recorded during recruitment and observationally, during onboarding. Of the 54 food outlets included within the catchment area: 57% were classified as ‘restaurant/takeaway’, 28% ‘restaurant/cafe’, 7% ‘pub/restaurant’, 7% ‘takeaway’ and 4% ‘hotel’. 57% of businesses were ‘multisite’, 43% ‘independent’. Of the 10 businesses contacted, 2 businesses volunteered to take part. (Site A & B; a restaurant/cafe and restaurant/takeaway, respectively). In total, 72 ingredients were used for recipe analysis in site A, most (n = 41) were branded. In total, 75 ingredients were used for recipe analysis in site B, most (n = 73) were generic. Reasons for not participating included: fear that declaring nutrition information would negatively impact sales 12.5%, concern regarding digital security of proprietary recipes 12.5%, limited technological skills 12.5%, no reason 25% and unavailability of a decision maker 37.5%. Furthermore, difficulty measuring ingredients, reluctance to waste food and lack of knowledge of brands purchased were identified as barriers to recipe information collection. This study establishes parameters for implementing nutrition and allergen declaration in food outlets. It highlights challenges to providing and collecting food information. Ensuring that provisions are made to address these will be vital to the success of the ‘Libro Healthy Towns’ public health initiative.

Dietary diversity, define as the number of food items or food groups consumed over a given period of time measured at the household or individual level, is widely recognized as a key dimension of diet quality. This analysis investigated dietary diversity in eight Latin-American countries and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters.

Data from the ELANS study conducted in eight Latin-American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) were analyzed. The ELANS study interviewed 9,218 subjects living in the main cities in each country. Food intake were collected using two 24-hour dietary recalls, following the Multiple Pass Method. For calculation of diet diversity score, only the first 24-hour recall was analyzed. Dietary diversity was assessed at individual level. All food items reported to be consumed during the first 24-hour recall were classified into nine food groups: 1. Cereals, 2. White roots and tubers, 3. Vegetables, 4. Fruits, 5. Meat, poultry and offal, 6. Fish and seafood, 7. Eggs, 8. Pulses, legumes and nuts and 9. Milk and milk products. The selection of these groups was based on the Women's Dietary Diversity Score Projectfood groups classification. Consumption of at least 15 g of each food group was assigned 1 point or 0 points if consumption was less than 15 g. Thus, the score ranged from a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 9 points. Higher scores indicated higher diversity as more food groups were eaten. Analysis was performed by age group, gender, and socioeconomic level (SES) as well as anthropometric measurements.Mean diet diversity score (DDS) for the whole sample was 4.48 ± 1.16, ranging from 0 to 9 points. Men showed significant higher DDS. No difference was observed among age groups. Among countries, Ecuador and Peru showed the highest DDS, 4.88 ± 1.22 and 4.82 ± 1.12 points, respectively; while Argentina (4.20 ± 1.13) and Venezuela (4.27 ± 1.04) reported the lowest. We found a statistically significant trend (p < 0.001) to a higher DDS among those subjects in the high socio-economic level. Regarding anthropometric measurements, no differences were found in DDS among different nutritional status or based on waist and neck circumference measures.This study revealed that dietary diversity is limited among Latin American countries regardless of sex, age, socioeconomic level, and nutritional status. Nutritional interventions emphasizing the importance of maximizing dietary diversity should be encouraged to ensure optimum nutritional adequacy within the region