Consumption of packaged foods by the Portuguese population: type of materials and its associated factors. Issue 2 (30th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costa, Sofia Almeida; Vilela, Sofia; Correia, Daniela; Severo, Milton; Lopes, Carla; Torres, Duarte
• Is Part Of: British food journal. Volume 123:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 833
• Page End: 846
• Publication Date: 2020-10-30
• Subjects: Food packaging materials -- Exposure assessment -- Dietary survey; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Food adulteration and inspection -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; 381.456413
• DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-07-2020-0584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-070X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This study aims to evaluate in the Portuguese population the consumption of packaged food (PF) vs non-packaged food, the associated factors and to estimate the contribution of specific food groups to the use of packaging materials. Design/methodology/approach: A representative sample of the population was evaluated within the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015–2016 ( n = 5, 811, 3 months-84y). Dietary data were collected by two non-consecutive food diaries (children) or 24-h recalls, using a software program which integrates FoodEx2—Food classification system. Food packaging materials were measured according to the amount of PF by linear regression. The results were analyzed considering the distribution of the Portuguese population. Findings: The reported amount of PF was 1, 530 g/person/day (57%), in which PF in plastic was the most reported (69%), mainly associated with "Non-alcoholic beverages" (38%). "Fruit and vegetables" food group is most frequently reported without a package (35%). Men consumed significantly more quantity of PF for all materials, excepted for "paperboard/paper", but also significantly more quantity of food without a package ( β = 135.3 [95%IC: 63.7; 207.0]). Children and adolescents consumed more quantity of PF in multilayer materials ( β = 177.8 [95%IC: 154.8; 200.9]) and significantly less quantity of food without a package ( β = −343.8 [95%IC: −408.9; −278.6]). Also, more educated people consume more food without a package ( β = 106.9 [95%IC: 33.2; 180.7]). Originality/value: The Portuguese population presents a large consumption of PF. Male population and adults were identified as groups with higher consumption of PF.