Nutrition Research is Foundation of 2006 Canned Food Alliance Program

Nutrition research has always played a key role in the Canned Food Alliance's (CFA) efforts to educate consumers and food influencers on the nutritional benefits of canned foods. Over the years, research results from the University of Illinois and University of Massachusetts have provided the foundation for the CFA's messages to consumers via the media.

In 2006, nutrition research will play a greater role. Last year, the CFA began working with the University of California-Davis to conduct a Secondary Literature Review. This is the first time that bodies of research regarding canned food have been collected in one place.

A draft of the findings has been received, which include:

• By the time food is consumed, fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are likely to be nutritionally similar.
• The sodium content of canned vegetables is similar to cooked fresh and frozen when salt is added before eating.
• Storage and cooking of fresh food can lead to overall nutrient losses of more than 60 percent before consumption. In contrast, canned food locks in the nutrients.

After the U.C.-Davis research is peer-reviewed and published, the CFA will communicate its results to key influencers and consumers via magazines, newspapers, television, radio and the Internet.

The CFA is also working with Rutgers University to develop research that explores major nutritional factors (stresses) influencing health. These factors include:

• Food choices, nutritional needs and concerns (including both traditional nutrients and phytonutrients)
• Taste preferences
• Lifestyle choices that affect nutrient intake, and
• Food shopping and preparation resources (time, skills, and cost).

The findings from this research will be shared with nutrition professionals, who will provide recommendations on how families with small children can cope with stresses influencing meal preparation.

A behavioral study will then be conducted to assess key nutrition stresses and pantry contents for individual families. This data will provide a set of stress profiles and coping methods (which will include restocked pantries) for families to manage stress and eat healthier.

This approach represents a change in the way the CFA has been represented over the years. In the past, the CFA used celebrity chefs such as Tyler Florence and Jacques Pepin to reach the media with canned food messages. This year, the CFA will utilize respected researchers and dieticians to work with the media on the CFA's behalf.

Along with its increased involvement with key government organizations, the Canned Food Alliance is refocusing its outreach to consumers and food professionals. For more information, contact Rich Tavoletti.