Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
US Kids Get More Calories Than Ever From Ultra-Processed Food, Candy
NPR: U.S. Kids Get Majority Of Their Calories From Ultra-Processed Junk Foods
Kids and teens in the U.S. get the majority of their calories from ultra-processed foods like frozen pizza, microwavable meals, chips and cookies, a new study has found. Two-thirds — or 67% — of calories consumed by children and adolescents in 2018 came from ultra-processed foods, a jump from 61% in 1999, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the medical journal JAMA. The research, which analyzed the diets of 33,795 youths age 2 to 19 across the U.S., noted the "overall poorer nutrient profile" of the ultra-processed foods. (Nuñez, 8/11)
Science Alert: US Kids Are Eating More Ultra-Processed Food Than Ever Before, Startling Data Reveals
The biggest jump – from 2.2 percent to 11.2 percent of calories – came from ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat dishes including frozen pizza, burgers, and takeouts. The second biggest rise in calories was from sweets and snacks: 10.6 percent to 12.9 percent. ... Of course, not all processed foods are equally problematic when it comes to negative health impacts. "Some whole grain breads and dairy foods are ultra-processed, and they're healthier than other ultra-processed foods," says cancer epidemiologist Fang Fang Zhang, from Tufts University. "Processing can keep food fresher longer, allows for food fortification and enrichment, and enhances consumer convenience. (Nield, 8/12)
In other public health news —
AP: Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found In Louisville
Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in four Louisville zip codes, health officials said. Fogging operations are planned Thursday in specific neighborhoods if the weather permits, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said in a statement. (8/12)
CIDRAP: Eleven More Sick In Breaded Chicken Salmonella Outbreak
In an investigation update on a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to frozen and breaded stuffed chicken products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reported 11 more illnesses and 2 more affected states. The newly reported infections raise the total to 28 cases from 8 states. Patient ages range from 3 to 84. Among 24 people with available information, 11 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. The latest illness onset was Jun 28. (8/11)
The Washington Post: Airlines See Drop In Travel Demand As Covid Cases Rise
A surge in coronavirus caseloads across the nation is starting to dampen the enthusiasm of leisure travelers, with one major airline warning Wednesday that the more contagious delta variant could darken the outlook through fall. Southwest Airlines, the nation’s fourth-largest domestic carrier, said it is seeing weaker bookings this month amid a jump in coronavirus infections. The airline said if caseloads remain elevated, that downward demand trend is likely to extend into September. (Lazo, 8/11)
