Multidimensional qualitative evaluation of the Sanitary Regulation of Processed Foods of Ecuador on the coast, Sierra, Amazonia and Galapagos, Ecuador 2019-2020

Background: Among the environmental factors with high influence on the overweight and obesity epidemic is dense food marketing, low in essential, durable and transportable nutrients long distances and low prices which has an economic and social impact, due to the cost of treatment and control of such diseases with high mortality load. Objective: Integral analyze the implementation of the Sanitary Regulation of Processed Food Labeling of Ecuador after five years of its application. Methods: Mixed qualitative and quantitative study with an experimental component in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. It will be carried out: i) Focal groups with adolescents and adults to analyze the perception and understanding of consumers about the labeling, ii) structured interviews to producers and food vendors, and observations directed in stores, markets and supermarkets to determine how the industry makes the application of the traffic light, iii) evaluation of changes in the composition of food reported on the label of nutritional information before labeling before labeling Experimental of the effects of several labeling systems compared to the current labeling in the selection of purchase food. Expected results: It will be known about the practices, attitudes and knowledge of the population and industry in relation to the health regulations of the nutritional traffic light issued five years ago. In addition, a historical database will be available from the composition of processed and ultraprocess foods.

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