Ultra-Processed Food Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-Analyses

Background Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) has been implemented in several countries in the Americas, with Chile being the first to introduce a mandatory ‘high in’ warning FOPL in 2016. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) food classification criteria, considered a best practice for FOPL regulations, has been adopted by Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Canada’s FOPL regulations were recently approved and will take effect in January 2026, but it is unknown how these regulations compare to FOPL regulations that have already been implemented in other parts of the region. Objectives To compare the Canadian criteria for FOPL regulations with other FOPL criteria implemented in the Americas, and to determine their ability to identify ultra-processed products (UPPs). Methods Packaged foods and beverages (n=17,094) from the University of Toronto’s Food Label Information and Price (FLIP) 2017 database were analyzed using three FOPL criteria (Canadian, Chilean and PAHO criteria) and the NOVA classification system. The proportions of products that would be subject to displaying a ‘high in/excess’ FOPL and UPPs that would not be subject to FOPL regulations were examined under each system’s criteria. Agreement patterns were modeled using a nested sequence of hierarchical Poisson log-linear models. The Wald statistics for homogeneity were used to test whether proportional distributions differ significantly. Results Under the Canadian, Chilean and PAHO criteria, 54.4%, 68.4%, and 81.3% of packaged products would be required to display a ‘high in/excess’ FOPL, respectively. Disagreements between the Chilean and the Canadian criteria with PAHO’s were significant, but the greatest disagreement was between the Canadian and PAHO criteria. According to the Canadian, Chilean, and PAHO criteria, 33.4%, 18.4%, 2.3% of UPPs would not be subject to FOPL regulations, respectively. Conclusions A significant proportion of products that should be subject to FOPL regulations according to the PAHO criteria would not be regulated under Chilean and Canadian criteria, resulting in high proportion of UPPs that would not be subject to FOPL regulations. The Canadian FOPL criteria are the most lenient, with the highest proportion of UPPs that would not display a FOPL. Results can inform improvements for FOPL regulations in Canada, Chile and other countries.

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Mesenteric Panniculitis: A comprehensive review of imaging, clinical associations, and treatment approaches

C. Semelka MD,

Ramalho MD

2024

GHOA

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Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is an uncommon inflammatory condition centered on the root of the mesentery. Modern MRI is the optimal imaging technique for MP, and the sequence that most consistently demonstrates it is 3-D out-of-phase T1 gradient echo imaging. MP is invariably seen in the setting of inflammation of the upper digestive tract, most notably the jejunum. At least 10% of individuals with the (Splanchnic) Metabolic Syndrome possess MP, and it is also observed with less advanced inflammatory conditions of the upper digestive tract, including irritable bowel syndrome. In this report, we describe the state of the knowledge on mesenteric panniculitis, including imaging findings on MRI. We also report the clinical picture, focused on patient aspects. MP is much more common than previously thought, reflecting the higher imaging resolution available on modern MRI.

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Ultra-Processed Food Exposure and Adverse Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Epidemiological Meta-Analyses

Cited by 4 publications

References 96 publications

Logistics of Local Produced Food for Increased Health

Logistics of Local Produced Food for Increased Health

Comparing the Canadian front-of-pack labeling regulations with other mandatory approaches in the Americas and their ability to identify ultra-processed products

Mesenteric Panniculitis: A comprehensive review of imaging, clinical associations, and treatment approaches

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