Abstract
Background
The food environment can influence food and beverage choice by the population and their nutritional status.
Objective
To characterize the food environment of campuses at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Method
A cross-sectional study of food and beverage establishments within the university was carried out. The assessment of the food environment was performed with the application of an instrument to collect information: type, food or preparations, mode, characteristics, menu and nutritional information, promotions, advertisements, availability of food or drinks, variety, and price. The observed foods and preparations, the presence of an approach such as nutritional information, advertisements, and promotions were classified as facilitators/barriers for healthy eating, according to the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population.
Results
Of the 5 establishments that participated, 4 were commercial and 1 was a university restaurant (RU). All establishments accepted cash and cards, and most had a menu and price. None had nutritional information. The supply of fruits and vegetables was found in 4 establishments. The availability of artificial sweetener was found in all locations. A wide variety of candies (8 ± 7.1), soft drinks (9 ± 3.7), chocolate (8 ± 7.1), salted biscuits (8 ± 12.3), and sweets (7 ± 9.1) were observed. Fruits had a higher average price, R$3.83, when compared to savory foods, R$ 2.85, and biscuits, R$ 1.50.
Conclusion
The university food environment presented a greater offer of unhealthy foods, presenting barriers to the promotion of more appropriate eating practices.
Keywords:
food; environment; food consumption; nutritional surveillance