Brazil

 INFORMAS in Brazil is coordinated by Dr Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins (Idec –Brazilian Institute for Consumers Defense). We are conducting six modules: Food Composition, Food Labelling, Food Promotion, Food Prices, Private Sector and Public sector (Food-EPI). The first module is being conducted by Ana Clara Duran, researcher from Nupens/USP (Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition/University of São Paulo). Food Labelling and Food Promotion modules are included in a research project coordinated by Idec in collaboration with Nupens/USP (Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition/University of São Paulo) and ACT Health Promotion. Food Prices module is being conducted by Rafael Claro, researcher from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). The Private Sector module is part of a research project conducted by a PhD student Aline Mariath at the School of Public Health at USP. And the Food-EPI module is being conducted by Elisabetta Recine, from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), and Ana Carolina Feldenheimer da Silva from the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).

Food composition and food labelling data collection and data entry were conducted together in supermarkets of São Paulo and Salvador and are completed. We finished the process of organizing the database through a consistency analysis and started the data analysis and the development of the scientific articles regarding nutrient profile model, trans fat, health and nutrition claims, food promotion in labels together with Nupens/USP team. We also had the work about nutrient profile model presented at SLAN 2018 as a poster.

The food promotion data collection ended in April 2018, based on the recording during 8 days of the 3 most popular channels of the Brazilian open TV (432 hours of recording). We finished the data entry with the help of researchers from the UFMG and started the data analysis and the development of scientific articles regarding the description of the all the food ads, food ads targeted at children, nutrient profile of the foods and beverages advertised on Brazilian TV. We also had the first two themes presented at SLAN 2018 as posters.

The food prices data collection and data entry are finished. We have the scientific article “The rising cost of a healthy diet in Brazil: 1995 – 2030” finished to be submitted to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine by December 2018. We are also finishing the data analysis and the development of two other scientific articles.

The private sector module has started on February 2017. We ended the process of adapting and translating the instruments for the pilot, as well as the data collection on restaurants and supermarkets. Restaurants and supermarkets have been contacted. Only two companies have responded, but they have not engaged in the process. Next steps include data collection and analysis on soft drink companies (on going), which are expected to be concluded this year. Data collection and analysis on packaged food manufacturers’ are expected to be held in 2019.

The food EPI module was being conducted by a researcher of the UK, who finished the first draft about food and nutrition security policies. This year, the conduction of this module changed, and now the Brazilian researchers from UnB, UFG and UERJ are in charge. The Brazilian team is currently planning the new phase of the project. The project was submitted for funding at CNPq. Depending on the decision (expected by the end of this year), the 2019 work plan will be defined.