SIGNS: SIGnposting Nutrition Study
Research Project
posted by admin on 16 July 2009
Description
Also known as Feasibility of front of pack nutrition labels to signpost food choices in supermarkets.
This is a feasibility study that aims to assess the use of front-of-pack traffic light labels to signpost food choices in supermarkets. The study aims to: 1. evaluate consumer preferences and understanding of front-of-pack labelling systems and effective ways to promote them; 2. develop a classification system for categorising foods; 3. engage with stakeholders regarding label formats and implementation; 4. assess differences in cost and availability of healthier foods as classified with the new systems; and 5. run a pilot to assess practicalities related to implementation of the intervention. There are three phases to the project: Phase 1: Key stakeholder consultations: Consultation with key stakeholders such as government organisations and the food industry. Focus groups will be run with consumers regarding preferred label formats, understanding and interpretation of those labels, and methods of promoting them in the pilot trial. Phase 2: Developing the intervention: A nutritional profiling system to classify food products will be developed based on existing profiling systems. Electronic supermarket sales will then be used to assess differences in the cost and availability of supermarket foods classified as healthy or less healthy. Phase 3: Pilot trial: A one-day pilot trial will be carried out in a supermarket, where the preferred label is placed on the top 1000 selling items. Aggregate sales data will be collected and compared to a control day one week earlier. The study is currently in set-up phase. CTRU Investigators: Cliona Ni Mhurchu, Principal Investigator; Yannan Jiang; Anthony Rodgers; Stephen Vander Hoorn; Project Manager: Delvina Gorton.
Collaborators: Louise Signal, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Jennifer Utter, The University of Auckland; Craig Heta, Te Hotu Manawa Māori; Losa Moata'ane.
Dissemination
The National Institute for Health Innovation (formerly Clinical Trials Research Unit), http://nihi.auckland.ac.nz/page/completed-research/signs-signposting-nutrition-study
Health Promotion and Public Health Policy Research Unit (HePPRU), University of Otago, http://www.uow.otago.ac.nz/academic/dph/research/heppru/research/frontpack.html
Funders
Health Research Council of New Zealand
Ministry of Health
New Zealand Food Safety Authority