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. 2020 Aug 28;30(9):1423-1426.
doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.05.027. Epub 2020 May 30.

Changes in food choice following restrictive measures due to Covid-19

Renata Bracale  1 , Concetta M Vaccaro  2
Affiliations

Changes in food choice following restrictive measures due to Covid-19

Renata Bracale et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. .

Abstract

Background and aims: Following the Covid-19 proliferation beyond the borders of China at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay at home. The aim of this study is twofold. First, we will provide an analysis of food consumption in Italy during the emergency from a social stance. Secondly, we will consider the risks in relation to health of these food product choices.

Methods and result: This analysis is based on IRi's data on consumption trends (percentage increase in sales in value) during the first period of the spread of coronavirus, from 23rd of February through the 29th of March, 2020. The sample includes 10 769 stores. There was an increase in the consumption of pasta, flour, eggs, long-life milk and frozen foods, in comparison to a reduction of fresh food goods. The sales of snacks have dropped in relation to the production of homemade bread, pizza and cakes.

Conclusion: The increase in the consumption of some types of food is linked with their symbolic value and its tendency to carry on at home some external socialization habits. But be careful: these habits are not always healthy.

Keywords: Covid-19; Food choice; Impact health; Social aspect.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sales trend in value in the 6 weeks (percentage change in purchases compared to a year ago, total store sales).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Food categories at higher growth during the 6 weeks (% change in Sales in value vs Year Ago- FMCG).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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