Delphi Study on the Contextualization of Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Eating in Urban Settings of Latin America and the Caribbean

Background. International public health agencies recommend policies to improve diets and promote healthy eating, but implementation often falters due to varying contextual factors across regions. Objectives. This study evaluates the relevance and applicability of these policies in urban areas of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods. Using the Delphi technique, we convened a panel of 21 experts from 13 LAC countries, representing public policy, research, social action, and healthcare. Over two consultation rounds, the panel assessed 21 potential actions that local actors could implement to promote healthy eating by altering the physical and social environments. Data analysis led to a consensus on classifying these actions as high priority, low priority, or debatable. Results. The panel highlighted several contextual factors affecting policy implementation in the LAC region. For example, the informal nature (such as informal street vending) of many food establishments in the LAC region complicates zoning policies, such as restrictions in areas near schools, making them difficult to enforce and likely to face resistance. Conclusions. The panel identified eight actions as high priority, eight as low priority, and five as debatable for implementation at local level in the LAC region.