Knowledge of the NOVA food classification in a sample of Brazilian adults
ABSTRACT The NOVA classification categorizes foods according to the extent of industrial processing. NOVA has been used in dietary guidelines of some countries including Brazil and Uruguay. This article aimed to investigate knowledge and perceptions of a sample of Brazilian adults regarding NOVA. A qualitative study was conducted in Dourados city, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. First, participants (N= 24) were asked to classify a series of 24 pictures of foods and beverages using NOVA, which define the four major food groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; and ultra-processed foods. Next, participants were asked to explain their classification through semi-structured interviews. Data from the classification activity were analyzed using non-metric multidimensional scaling and interviews using exploratory content analysis and summative content analysis. Participants seemed to understand NOVA in terms of food processing, food production, and additives used. They easily identified unprocessed or minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods; processed culinary ingredients and processed foods were harder to identify. Professionals, researchers and government organisations in Brazil or abroad could consider the results of this study in order to optimize this tool's potential for research and policy in nutrition and public health.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Sociedad Chilena de Nutrición, Bromatología y Toxicología
2020
|
| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-75182020000600950 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|