Availability and Price of Food Products with and without Trans Fatty Acids in Food Stores around Elementary Schools in Low- and Medium-Income Neighborhoods

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between the price and availability of food products with and without trans fatty acids in food stores near elementary schools located in low- and medium-income neighborhoods of a Brazilian city. The supply of products containing trans fatty acids was higher in both regions, and these products were also cheaper. It is noteworthy that this availability may influence food choices and, consequently, the health status of children and adolescents, since this population is more likely to buy less-healthy foods when these are more available, accessible, and financially attractive.

Keywords:

• access to foods
• child and adolescent
• cost of foods
• nutrition labeling
• processed foods
• trans fatty acids