The FSA is responsible for some nutrition policy in Northern Ireland along with the Department of Health. To help develop and inform nutrition policy, the FSA commission research to understand what consumers are eating, what food they are buying and their thoughts and knowledge on healthy eating and nutrition. This research is shared widely with the food industry and consumers.
The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors consumer understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. This report presents the findings from the seventh survey conducted between August and October 2021.
In Northern Ireland, the FSA has a remit for dietary health surveillance. We commissioned Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods Purchase Panels (Kantar) to provide data on take-home food and drink purchasing. This report explores purchasing in 2016, 2019 and 2020 in Northern Ireland.
Safefood and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSA) carried out research to estimate the cost of a food basket that is nutritionally adequate, realistic and acceptable for four low income household types in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2020.
The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information, and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. This report presents the findings from the sixth survey conducted between June and August 2020.
The Food Standards Agency with Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods (Kantar FMCG) carried out research in Northern Ireland (NI) to monitor take home food and drink purchasing. This data has been collated into a report examining key trends and identifying food and drink categories that are of concern to dietary health.
The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in NI to improve consumer’s understanding of healthy eating recommendations.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) commissioned independent research to explore the views of food and drink manufacturers in Northern Ireland (NI) on front of pack nutritional labelling (FOPNL) including the impact of this labelling on manufacturers reformulation efforts.
The FSA and the 11 district councils in Northern Ireland carried out a nutritional analysis survey of cheesecake served in restaurants and hotels in Northern Ireland. The results showed that portion sizes are often very large with bigger cheesecakes containing more energy, sugar, saturated fat and salt.
Safefood and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSA) carried out research to estimate the cost of a food basket that is nutritionally adequate, realistic and acceptable for four low income household types in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2018.
The tracking survey monitors understanding and knowledge of daily recommended calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards calorie information when eating out and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in NI to improve consumer’s understanding of healthy eating recommendations.
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) estimates food consumption, nutrient intake and nutritional status of the general population aged 18 months upwards living in the UK. Boosted samples were gathered 2008 – 2012 to achieve representative data specific for Northern Ireland (NI).
Key findings from research on sampled scones produced in Northern Ireland (NI) shows wide variations in portion size (g) and nutritional information (energy, sugar, fat, saturated fat, fibre and salt). The results will inform targeted interventions within the bakery sector, supported by technical expertise from academic institutions, to increase the availability of healthier products in local coffee shops, cafes and bakeries.
Independent research exploring Northern Ireland (NI) consumers’ perceptions of product reformulation (to reduce levels of sugar, saturated fat, salt) and reduction in portion size by the NI food industry.
We commissioned TNS BMRB to conduct research with members of the public in Northern Ireland (NI) about their understanding of retail food labelling information, how this influences their behaviour and their concerns and priorities around labelling information.
National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS RP): Results for Years 5 to 9 (2012/13 - 2016/17) (combined) and time trend and income analysis Years 1 to 9 (2008/09 - 2016/17)
Approach and insights from wave three of the biennial Food and You consumer survey.
Information about the first Food and You survey in 2010, background, key findings and research reports.
The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) developed Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) and Minimum Income Standards (MIS) for a range of household types. Extending this initiative to Northern Ireland will provide data on food costs and socially acceptable food baskets which meet healthy eating guidelines and nutritional needs to provide valuable data relevant to food poverty.
Key findings from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), measuring salt intake from research conducted in 2015.
Relationships between food safety and nutrition practices are largely unexplored. The aim of this project is to conduct secondary analysis of the Food and You waves 1 and 2 data to consider whether relationships exist between food safety and nutrition practices, and what the nature of these relationships is.
To improve FSA in NI’s understanding of health inequalities, the overall aim of the research was to provide an updated and critical body of evidence on what constitutes 'food poverty'.