A nutrição possui papel de fundamental importância na promoção da saúde. Os alimentos in natura podem ser encontrados na forma de frutas e vegetais minimamente processados (fresh-cut) embalados. Uma alternativa para a administração de alguns alimentos in natura aos indivíduos imunocomprometidos e neutropênicos, ou até mesmo para a população em geral, é a aplicação de radiação gama, em doses sub-esterilizantes, com o intuito de oferecer alimentos de qualidade e seguros do ponto de vista microbiológico. A descrição na literatura sobre tentativas de oferecer alimentos seguros e saudáveis aos indivíduos portadores de patologias do sistema imune é escassa. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de radiação gama na composição química, no teor de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de abacaxi, salada de frutas, mini cenouras e salada de folhas minimamente processados destinados a dietas especiais. As amostras foram submetidas à radiação gama, com doses de 0.5, 1, 2 e 3 kGy e analisadas juntamente com as amostras controle (não irradiadas). Foram analisados a composição centesimal, compostos fenólicos, flavonóides, proantocianidinas, atividade antioxidante por ORAC e DPPH•, vitamina C e carotenóides. Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos compostos avaliados antes e após a irradiação, com exceção dos carotenóides que demonstraram um aumento significativo dos teores após a aplicação de radiação gama. Assim, pode-se concluir que a irradiação, aplicada em baixas doses e em alimentos minimamente processados, promove a manutenção do valor nutricional do alimento, trazendo benefícios aos indivíduos que necessitam de alimentos seguros e de suficiente aporte nutricional que garanta a promoção e recuperação da saúde, tais como os imunocomprometidos. / Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting health. The fresh food can be found in form of minimally processed fruits and vegetables (fresh-cut). An alternative of fresh food administration to immunocompromised and neutropenic individuals, or even to the general population, is the application of gamma radiation in sub-sterilizing doses, in order to provide quality and safe food in microbiological point of view. The description in the literature on attempts to provide safe and healthy food to individuals with immune system disorders is scarce. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of gamma radiation in the chemical composition, the bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity of minimally processed pineapple, fruit salad, mini carrots and leaves salad for special diets. Samples were subjected to gamma radiation doses of 0.5, 1, 2 to 3 kGy and analyzed at the same time with control samples (not irradiated). There were analyzed the chemical composition, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, antioxidant activity by ORAC and DPPH•, vitamin C and carotenoids. No significant changes were observed in compounds contents before and after irradiation, except carotenoids that have demonstrated a significant increase in levels after application of gamma radiation. Thus, it can be concluded that irradiation applied in low doses and in minimally processed foods promotes the maintenance of food nutritional value, bringing benefits to the individuals who need safe food and adequate nutritional supply to ensure the promotion and recovery health, such as immunocompromised.

Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar a coerência entre o design das embalagens de alimentos orgânicos industrializados, seu conteúdo e a filosofia dos produtores, conforme critérios técnicos, ambientais e percepção dos consumidores. Foram selecionados produtos nos principais pontos de venda paulistanos, presentes no mercado entre 2011 e 2013. Foram feitas entrevistas com os consumidores para verificar a percepção das informações sobre o produto e fabricantes, em relação às especificidades dos produtos orgânicos. Os resultados foram comparados com a avaliação técnica das embalagens, indicando possíveis deficiências de projeto e pontos positivos, de modo a subsidiar futuros projetos de embalagens com melhor identificação das características ambientais associadas a essa categoria. / The present study aims to verify the consistency between the packaging design of processed organic food, its content and the producers\' philosophy, according to technical and environmental criteria, and consumer perception. Products were selected on the main points of sale in São Paulo, commercially available between 2011 and 2013. Interviews with consumers were made to verify the perception of the product and manufacturers informations, in relation to the organic products specificities. The results were compared with the packaging technical evaluation, indicating possible design deficiencies and strengths in order to support future packaging designs with a better identify of environmental characteristics associated with that category.

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Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar a coerência entre o design das embalagens de alimentos orgânicos industrializados, seu conteúdo e a filosofia dos produtores, conforme critérios técnicos, ambientais e percepção dos consumidores. Foram selecionados produtos nos principais pontos de venda paulistanos, presentes no mercado entre 2011 e 2013. Foram feitas entrevistas com os consumidores para verificar a percepção das informações sobre o produto e fabricantes, em relação às especificidades dos produtos orgânicos. Os resultados foram comparados com a avaliação técnica das embalagens, indicando possíveis deficiências de projeto e pontos positivos, de modo a subsidiar futuros projetos de embalagens com melhor identificação das características ambientais associadas a essa categoria. / The present study aims to verify the consistency between the packaging design of processed organic food, its content and the producers\' philosophy, according to technical and environmental criteria, and consumer perception. Products were selected on the main points of sale in São Paulo, commercially available between 2011 and 2013. Interviews with consumers were made to verify the perception of the product and manufacturers informations, in relation to the organic products specificities. The results were compared with the packaging technical evaluation, indicating possible design deficiencies and strengths in order to support future packaging designs with a better identify of environmental characteristics associated with that category.

The thesis has been focused on testing of micromethod of DNA isolation from leaves, fruits and fruit products. Jams were selected for the analysis of plant DNA in technologically processed foods. Plant leaves, fruits, and jams were homogenized using plastic copist in a lysis buffer containing 2% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with 2.5M sodium chloride (NaCl). Microisolation of plant DNA was performed using poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate-co-glycidylmethacrylate) – P(HEMA-co-GMA)microparticles. Isolated the DNA concentration and purity were assessed by UV light aborbance using a spectrophotometer. After that, amplification of the DNA was tested in PCR. Primers specific for plant ribosomal DNA: 18S_for a 5,8S_rev (PCR product - 700bp), 26S_for a 26S_rev (PCR product - 220 bp), 18S_for a 18¬S_rev (PCR product - 263 bp) were used. The PCR conditions were optimized and the effect of the amplicon length on its detection was followed. PCR products were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. It was shown that DNA isolated from almost all of leaves using magnetic particles was in PCR-ready quality in contrary to the fruits. DNA amplified in PCR with primers giving short PCR products was isolated from almost all tested jams. The method must be optimalised, yet.

There is a great deal of diet-specific processed foods on the market today. With so many options it can become difficult for consumers to decide what products to purchase. This situation is further intensified by the plethora of contradictory messages found in food advertising, especially in weight loss and dieting food advertising, but also seen in government nutrition campaigns and all over the internet on platforms like social media, blogs, and so forth. These messages can be confusing and frustrating for consumers as they try to decipher which foods they should eat to reach their health or weight loss goals. The purpose of this study was to determine if these contradictory messages extend to the advertising claims found on diet-specific food product packaging. A content analysis was performed on 400 keto and vegan products to uncover the most commonly used advertising claims and verify their accuracy based on the information provided on the nutrition label and ingredients list. An analysis of the health impacts of nutrient content and food additives based on FDA guidelines was also conducted. Results indicated that contradictory messages do extend to the advertising claims on keto and vegan food product packaging and the lack of healthy food options among these products should be a concern for consumers. This study highlights the importance of shoppers approaching food product advertising claims with skepticism until they can be verified.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Xianghong Li / Hikaru H. Peterson / The organic food market in the United States expanded rapidly at annual rates between 12% and 21% from 1997 to 2008, yet the adoption rate of organic farming remained stagnant. Industry sources suggest that the degree of outsourcing organic inputs has been increasing during the most recent years. Organic foods are available at traditional supermarkets and mass merchandisers. Many retailers now offer organic food products in their private labels. This study focuses on organic soymilk, which illustrates these recent trends. China, a major low income country which supplies organic agricultural ingredients to the U.S. , has raised food safety concerns fueled by recent incidents. Organic foods have been marketed in China as eco-products in an effort to promote safer foods to meet domestic needs. While organic soybean is one of China’s primary organic exports, China has been the leading importer of conventional soybeans with U.S. as its largest source, but most U.S. production is transgenic. China has a labeling policy on GM (genetically modified) products, which has been more tightly enforced in recent years. This thesis examines U.S. and Chinese consumers’ valuations of attributes of processed organic products, with an emphasis on eliciting their preferences of organic ingredients from different origins, in the case of soymilk. A survey was designed for each country. The U.S. survey was administered online nationwide. An enumerated survey was administered at three types of food retail channels in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China. Respectively, 316 and 300 responses were collected from the U.S. and China. Choice experiment was used to elicit consumer values for various attributes of soymilk in both markets. The results show that consumers in both countries are willing to pay premiums for processed foods such as soymilk with organic and non-GMO ingredients. The premium for organic soybeans is significantly higher than that for non-GMO beans. The results also indicate that U.S. consumers hold strong preferences for organic soymilk produced with domestically produced soybeans. In terms of brand preferences, U.S. respondents are willing to pay more for national brands relative to store brands, with taste as a major differentiating factor. In contrast, Chinese consumers’ valuations depend greatly on nationalities of certifying agencies. U.S. certified organic product was perceived higher than EU or Chinese certified organic products, but Chinese-certified non-GMO products were preferred over those certified by U.S. agencies. Chinese consumers’ values varied by cities and retail types where respondents were surveyed.

越南食品加工業的策略管理,以Masan Consumer公司為例 / The processed food industry in Vietnam is at its growth stage with more companies having joined the market in the past twenties years, attempting to stronger position their brand name or trying to build a loyal customer base. The Masan Consumer Corporation, which belongs to the Masan Group - one of the Vietnam’s biggest private sector companies, has been operating quite well in the market with encouraging business performance. The Masan Consumer Corporation has an efficient logistics management, famous brand names, and a huge investment from a private equity fund, a good production facility and a capable management team with both local and international professionals. The Vietnam’s macroeconomic environment offers the company with many opportunities, such as: Consumers have more interest in branded products and are ready to pay higher price for special offering; High level of disposable income and expenditure on food both in city centers and rural areas; travel industry is developing and looser family structure; The domestic market remains big and faster pace of life in the city centers and online delivery is an untapped channel of distribution. At the same time, there are some threats facing the company, which are the higher expectation from customers; Famous Western products with strong investment of promotion and marketing programs or more companies from the Asian Economy Committee are investing in Vietnam; Hard to predict the inflation rate or too high interest rate; Competition from imported brands from other countries; An increase in energy cost in cost structure of the company. Based on the analysis of looking outside and inside the company, strategic recommendations for business and functional levels and strategic business units are proposed.

Essa tese teve como objetivo avaliar a associação do consumo de padrões alimentares e produtos alimentícios ultraprocessados (UP) sobre indicadores antropométricos e sua variação entre adolescentes. Para tal, foram analisados os dados de 1.031 estudantes de quatro escolas privadas e duas escolas públicas da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro que foram acompanhados por três anos consecutivos (2010 a 2012) no Estudo Longitudinal de Avaliação Nutricional de adolescentes (ELANA). Os resultados estão apresentados em três manuscritos que compõem a tese. O primeiro manuscrito identificou três padrões alimentares: Ocidental, composto por massas, embutidos e bacon, carnes, doces, bebidas açucaradas, salgados e fast food, biscoito, pães e cereais, leite e derivados e ovos, o Saudável, caracterizado por peixes, hortaliças, verduras, raízes e feculentos, frutas e sucos e o Arroz/Feijão, composto pelo consumo de arroz, feijão e café. Na análise dos dados na linha de base o padrão Ocidental associou-se a um menor índice de massa corporal (IMC) e não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa em relação ao percentual de gordura corpórea (%GC) e o padrão em questão. Adicionalmente, foi verificada uma associação negativa entre o padrão Arroz/Feijão e ambos os indicadores antropométricos sugerindo que esse padrão de consumo tradicional possa ser protetor para a obesidade. No segundo manuscrito avaliou-se a relação entre o consumo de UP e indicadores de qualidade da dieta. O consumo de UP foi avaliado em gramas por dia e em gramas/total de calorias. Observou-se um aumento das variáveis marcadoras de alimentação não saudável e saudável com o aumento do consumo de UP. No entanto, quando relacionados ao aumento de consumo de UP/energia observou-se um aumento de marcadores de alimentação não saudável e, com exceção da vitamina C, uma redução de marcadores de alimentação saudável. Assim, a densidade do consumo de UP mostrou-se um bom indicador de qualidade da dieta entre adolescentes. No terceiro manuscrito avaliou-se a associação entre o consumo de UP e a evolução temporal do IMC e %GC. A análise longitudinal por modelos lineares mistos, que levam em conta todas as observações ao longo do tempo, indicou que nas análises não ajustados havia uma associação negativa entre consumo de UP e o IMC e %GC, porém nas análises de UP/energia e nas análises ajustadas por atividade física e uma variável de controle para a qualidade do relato não mais foram observadas associações com o consumo de UP e as medidas antropométricas de adiposidade. Pode-se concluir que não evidenciamos associação do consumo de UP com medidas antropométricas de obesidade uma vez que o consumo elevado de UP associado ao crescimento do %GC nas análises transversais, não se manteve nas análises longitudinais. A discrepância entre os achados dos estudos seccionais e os longitudinais pode decorrer de confundimento residual nos estudos seccionais. Conclui-se, que para redução do ganho excessivo de peso, orientações relativas exclusivamente a um padrão de alimentação saudável que incorpora a ideia de UP, devem ser acompanhadas de redução da quantidade de alimentos consumidos. / This thesis had as an objective to evaluate the association of the consumption of dietary patterns and ultra-processed food products (UP) on anthropometrics indicators and its variation among adolescents. Thus, the data of 1,031 students of four private schools and two public schools of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro were analyzed during three consecutive years (2010 through 2012) at the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study (ELANA). The results are presented in three manuscripts that compose the thesis. The first manuscript identified three dietary patterns: Western, compounding pasta, processed meat and bacon, meat, sweets, sugar sweetened beverages, savoury snacks and fast-food, cookies, bread and cereals, milk and dairy products and eggs, the Healthy, characterized by fish, vegetables, greens, roots and starchy, fruits and juices and the Rice/ Beans, compounded by the consumption of rice, beans and coffee. In the data analyses of baseline the Western pattern was associated to a lower body mass index (BMI) and a statistically significant association regarding the percentage of body fat (%BF) and the related pattern was not noticed. Additionally, a negative association between the Rice and Beans pattern and both anthropometric indicators could be verified suggesting that this traditional dietary pattern could be protective for obesity. On the second manuscript, the relationship between the UP consumption and the diet quality markers was estimated. The UP consumption was reported in grams per day and in grams per total calories. An increase of not only of non-healthy diet quality markers but also healthy markers ones were observed with UP consumption increases. However, when related to the growth of UP/energy consumption, an increase on the non-healthy diet quality markers and, with the exception of vitamin C, a reduction of healthy markers could be observed. The UP consumption density proved to be a good marker of diet quality among adolescents. On the third manuscript, were evaluated the association between UP consumption and temporal evolution of BMI and %BF. The longitudinal analyses by linear mixed models, which take into account all the observations during the time, indicated that on crude analyses there was a negative association between the UP consumption, BMI and %BF, however in the UP/energy analyses and adjusted analyses for physical activity and a control variable for the reporting quality no more associations were observed with the UP consumption and anthropometric adiposity measures. It is possible to conclude that there was no association of UP consumption and anthropometric adiposity measures since the high UP associated with the increase of %BF in the cross sectional analyses no remained in the longitudinal analyses. The discrepancy between the findings of cross-sectional studies and longitudinal may be due to residual confounding in cross-sectional studies. It could be concluded that, for reduction of excessive weight gain, guidelines exclusively related to the healthy eating pattern that incorporates an idea of UP, must be accompanied by reduction of consumed foods quantity.