Students attending schools with policies regulating the sale of food and beverages consume fewer ultra-processed foods. Analyzing data from more than 81,000 students in Brazilian state capitals, the study shows that regulatory coverage was associated with a lower consumption score for these products.
On the other hand, greater availability of ultra-processed foods in school cafeterias was associated with increased consumption among adolescents.
The study is a pioneering effort in directly assessing the relationship between the regulation of food sales in schools and food consumption in Brazil, and it highlights the need for a national law to reduce regional inequalities and promote healthy eating in schools.
📍Check it out: https://cadernos.ensp.fiocruz.br/ojs/index.php/csp/article/view/9929