Food Policy

A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Fernanda M. de Albuquerque, PhD
Gimena B. Souza, MSc
Vivian C. R. Cunha, PhD
Cíntia C. Curioni, PhD
Daniel H. Bandoni, PhD
Daniela S. Canella, PhD

Objective:

In this scoping review, we mapped general characteristics of public policies, programs, and local actions related to nutrition for formal sector workers worldwide.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus databases, Google Scholar, Governmental websites, NOURISHING framework (World Cancer Research Fund International), Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (World Health Organization) in February, 2025, with no restriction on publication date or language. We included documents related to public policies, programs and actions that relate to recommendations and restrictions on the provision of meals, food and drink to workers, in the context of the organizational food environment.

Results:

We examined 27 publications and identified seven guidelines, six toolkits, eleven policies/laws/programs, directives, and one food and nutrition education action. The United States was the country with the most initiatives. Eleven actions were identified as determining standards for purchasing/offering meals, food and drink in the workplace.

Conclusions:

Although we identified many different experiences, strengthening control and accountability mechanisms is necessary to overcome barriers to addressing malnutrition among workers. The evidence presented could help develop policies that can contribute to better workers’ living conditions and health.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.3