Alergias alimentarias: revisión de la legislación correspondiente a la gestión y al etiquetado de alérgenos

Introduction: Existing regulations requiring food establishments to label on the presence of mandatory declaration allergen fail to prevent accidental adverse reactions from occurring in susceptible consumers. Therefore, this paper reviews the existing European legislation on allergens and analyses the reasons why health alerts for undeclared allergens continue to occur, proposing possible solutions to solve this problem. Method: Documentary research was carried out in five stages. For this purpose, literature published up to November 2022 was collected. Results: Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers sets out the labelling rules applicable to allergens contained in products. In its article 36, one of the voluntary food information to be included is the possible unintended presence in the food of substances or products causing allergies or intolerances, also known as precautionary allergen labelling (PAL). Confusion surrounding the use of PAL, the complex structure of the food chain and, in some cases, poorly trained staff all can increase the risk of placing unsafe products on the market within the reach of susceptible people. Conclusions: It is considered appropriate to intensify the training of workers in all food establishments the PAL.Introducción: La normativa existente que obliga a los establecimientos alimentarios a reflejar en el etiquetado la información sobre la presencia de alérgenos de declaración obligatoria no consigue evitar que puedan producirse reacciones adversas accidentales en los consumidores susceptibles. Por ello, en este trabajo se revisa la normativa europea existente en materia de alérgenos y se analizan las causas por las que sigue habiendo alertas sanitarias de alérgenos no declarados, proponiéndose posibles soluciones para solventar este problema. Método: Se ha llevado a cabo una investigación documental desarrollada en cinco etapas. Para ello, se recopiló literatura publicada hasta noviembre de 2022. Resultados: El Reglamento 1169/2011 sobre la información alimentaria facilitada al consumidor establece las normas de etiquetado aplicables a los alérgenos contenidos en los productos. En su artículo 36, una de las informaciones alimentarias voluntarias a incluir es la posible presencia no intencionada en el alimento de sustancias o productos que causen alergias o intolerancias, también conocido como etiquetado precautorio de alérgenos (EPA). Tanto la confusión que existe alrededor del uso del EPA, como la compleja estructura de la cadena alimentaria y, en algunos casos, la formación deficiente del personal, pueden aumentar el riesgo poner en el mercado productos inseguros al alcance de personas susceptibles. Conclusiones: Se considera conveniente intensificar la formación de los trabajadores de cualquier establecimiento alimentario y realizar actos de ejecución que regulen el EPA

Food allergies: review of legislation on allergen management and labelling

Introducción: La normativa existente que obliga a los establecimientos alimentarios a reflejar en el etiquetado la información sobre la presencia de alérgenos de declaración obligatoria no consigue evitar que puedan producirse reacciones adversas accidentales en los consumidores susceptibles. Por ello, en este trabajo se revisa la normativa europea existente en materia de alérgenos y se analizan las causas por las que sigue habiendo alertas sanitarias de alérgenos no declarados, proponiéndose posibles soluciones para solventar este problema. Método: Se ha llevado a cabo una investigación documental desarrollada en cinco etapas. Para ello, se recopiló literatura publicada hasta noviembre de 2022. Resultados: El Reglamento 1169/2011 sobre la información alimentaria facilitada al consumidor establece las nor mas de etiquetado aplicables a los alérgenos contenidos en los productos. En su artículo 36, una de las informa ciones alimentarias voluntarias a incluir es la posible presencia no intencionada en el alimento de sustancias o productos que causen alergias o intolerancias, también conocido como etiquetado precautorio de alérgenos (EPA). Tanto la confusión que existe alrededor del uso del EPA, como la compleja estructura de la cadena alimentaria y, en algunos casos, la formación deficiente del personal, pueden aumentar el riesgo poner en el mercado productos inseguros al alcance de personas susceptibles. Conclusiones: Se considera conveniente intensificar la formación de los trabajadores de cualquier establecimiento alimentario y realizar actos de ejecución que regulen el EPA.Introduction: Existing regulations requiring food establishments to label on the presence of mandatory declaration allergen fail to prevent accidental adverse reactions from occurring in susceptible consumers. Therefore, this paper reviews the existing European legislation on allergens and analyses the reasons why health alerts for undeclared allergens continue to occur, proposing possible solutions to solve this problem. Method: Documentary research was carried out in five stages. For this purpose, literature published up to Novem ber 2022 was collected. Results: Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers sets out the labelling rules appli cable to allergens contained in products. In its article 36, one of the voluntary food information to be included is the possible unintended presence in the food of substances or products causing allergies or intolerances, also known as precautionary allergen labelling (PAL). Confusion surrounding the use of PAL, the complex structure of the food chain and, in some cases, poorly trained staff all can increase the risk of placing unsafe products on the market within the reach of susceptible people. Conclusions: It is considered appropriate to intensify the training of workers in all food establishments the PAL

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain—UniHcos Project

Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.This research was funded by the National Drug Plan from the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Grant numbers: 2010|145, 2013|034 and 2020|030) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Grant number: PI16/01947)

Patterns of alcohol consumption and use of health services in spanish university students: UniHcos Project

The aim of the study was to examine the association of alcohol consumption patterns (hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking) and the use of emergency services and primary care consultations in university students. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at eleven Spanish universities collaborating within the uniHcos Project. University students completed an online questionnaire that assessed hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking using the AUDIT questionnaire and evaluated the use of emergency services and primary care. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the chi-squared test and Student's t-test and nonconditional logistic regression models to examine this association. Results: There were 10,167 participants who completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.2?17.6), while the prevalence of binge drinking was 48.8% (95% CI: 47.9?49.8). There were significant differences in the use of emergency services in those surveyed with hazardous alcohol use (p < 0.001) or binge drinking pattern (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of attendance during primary care visits in individuals with hazardous alcohol use (p = 0.367) or binge drinking pattern (p = 0.755). The current study shows the association between university students with a pattern of hazardous alcohol use or binge drinking and greater use of emergency services. However, no significant association was observed between the said consumption patterns and the use of primary care services

Menstrual problems and lifestyle among Spanish university women

ABSTRACT: Menstrual problems affect many young women worldwide, conditioning both their academic performance and quality of life. This study sought to analyse the prevalence of menstrual problems and their possible relationship with lifestyle among Spanish university women, as part of a research project (UniHcos Project) involving a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 7208 university students. A descriptive analysis was performed using the bivariate chi-square test and the Student’s t-test together with a binary logistic regression, in which the dependent variable was ‘suffering from menstrual problems’. Menstrual problems were identified in 23.8% of the students, representing women who paid more visits to the doctor and to emergency rooms, and who consumed more painkillers and contraceptives. In relation to dietary preferences, menstrual problems were 1.39 (CI 95% 1.22–1.61; p = 0.000) times more likely among women classified as high-risk alcohol users according to the AUDIT questionnaire, and 1.187 (CI 95% 1.029–1.370; p = 0.019) times greater among those who consumed sweets daily, 1.592 (CI 95% 1.113–2.276; p = 0.011) times more frequent among those who eat fish daily, and 1.199 (CI 95% 1.004–1.432; p = 0.045) times greater among those who were dieting. Menstrual problems affect many college students and potentially modifiable lifestyle variables exist which may influence their prevalence. It would be interesting to develop programmes to promote women’s health in the university context.This research was funded by the National Drug Plan, Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Grant numbers: 2010|145 and 2013|034) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Grant number: PI16/01947)

Alcohol use and family-related factors among Spanish university students: the unHicos project

Background: During adolescence and youth there are relevant changes in the consolidation, gain or loss of consumption habits and lifestyles and the family factors has a fundamental role to development these habits. The study of the consumption of toxins, such as alcohol intake, is crucial at this stage due to the repercussions that said consumption presents in adulthood. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the associations between alcohol consumption patterns and related family factors (family functioning, family history of alcohol consumption) in Spanish university students. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out in first-year university students from 11 Spanish universities. Through an online questionnaire, alcohol consumption (risky consumption and intensive consumption or binge drinking), family functioning and history of alcohol in the family were evaluated. Risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking were assessed using the AUDIT test, and family functioning was assessed using the family APGAR questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the Chi-Square test and Student's T-Test, and non-conditional logistic regression models were carried out to examine this association. Results: The prevalence of risky alcohol consumption identified in the 10,167 respondents was 16.9% (95% CI = 16.2–17.6), and that of BD was 48.8% (95% CI = 47.9–48.8). There is a significant association between risky alcohol consumption and family functioning in students of both sexes, with greater consumption in the face of severe dysfunctional support (men OR = 1.72; p < 0.001 and women OR = 1.74; p < 0.001) and family history of consumption (p = 0.005). Regarding the binge drinking pattern, no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Risky alcohol consumption in university students is associated with dysfunctional family support, unlike the binge drinking pattern, where there is no such association. The findings of this study show the importance of creating prevention programs focused on the family approach in university students, which include alcohol screening in the population with a family history of this substance, and greater social support from health services.This work was supported by the National Drug Plan, Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Codes: 2010|145, 2013|034 and 2020|030) and project PI16/01947

Alcohol use and family-related factors among Spanish university students: the unHicos project

[EN] Background During adolescence and youth there are relevant changes in the consolidation, gain or loss of consumption habits and lifestyles and the family factors has a fundamental role to development these habits. The study of the consumption of toxins, such as alcohol intake, is crucial at this stage due to the repercussions that said consumption presents in adulthood. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the associations between alcohol consumption patterns and related family factors (family functioning, family history of alcohol consumption) in Spanish university students. Methods Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out in first-year university students from 11 Spanish universities. Through an online questionnaire, alcohol consumption (risky consumption and intensive consumption or binge drinking), family functioning and history of alcohol in the family were evaluated. Risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking were assessed using the AUDIT test, and family functioning was assessed using the family APGAR questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the Chi-Square test and Student's T-Test, and non-conditional logistic regression models were carried out to examine this association. Results The prevalence of risky alcohol consumption identified in the 10,167 respondents was 16.9% (95% CI = 16.2–17.6), and that of BD was 48.8% (95% CI = 47.9–48.8). There is a significant association between risky alcohol consumption and family functioning in students of both sexes, with greater consumption in the face of severe dysfunctional support (men OR = 1.72; p < 0.001 and women OR = 1.74; p < 0.001) and family history of consumption (p = 0.005). Regarding the binge drinking pattern, no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusions Risky alcohol consumption in university students is associated with dysfunctional family support, unlike the binge drinking pattern, where there is no such association. The findings of this study show the importance of creating prevention programs focused on the family approach in university students, which include alcohol screening in the population with a family history of this substance, and greater social support from health servicesSIThis work was supported by the National Drug Plan, Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Codes: 2010|145, 2013|034 and 2020|030) and project PI16/01947

Psychological Distress, Family Support and Employment Status in First-Year University Students in Spain

Mental disorders are consistently and closely related to psychological distress. At the start of the university period, the relationship between a student's psychological distress, family support, and employment status is not well-known. The aims of this study were: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress in first-year university students and to analyze its relationship with family support and the student's employment status. Data from 4166 first-year university students from nine universities across Spain were considered. The prevalence of psychological distress was obtained using the GHQ-12, a valid and reliable screening tool to detect poor mental health. To analyze the relationship between psychological distress, family support, and employment status, logistic regression models were fitted. Regarding the prevalence found, 46.9% of men and 54.2% of women had psychological distress. In both genders, psychological distress levels increased as family support decreased. Among women, psychological distress was associated with their employment status. The prevalence of psychological distress among first-year university students in Spain is high. In addition, family support, and employment status for women, could be factors to take into account when developing psychological distress prevention strategies at the beginning of the university period.This study was funded by the National Drug Plan from the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Codes: 2010|145 and 2013|034)

Factors Associated with Meat Consumption in Students of Spanish Universities: UniHcos Project

The level of meat consumption is one of the main deviations from the Mediterranean diet pattern in Spanish university students. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the consumption of fresh and processed meat in Spanish university students. This study is part of a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 9862 university students (UniHcos Project). A descriptive analysis and a chi2 test were carried out to assess differences between personal and sociodemographic variables and meat consumption, and binary logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with consumption; 19.9% and 73.5% met the recommendations for meat-fresh and meat-processed consumption, respectively. Only 3.8% of students meet the recommendations for both fresh and processed meat. Statistically significant differences were found between sex, BMI, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance with recommendations. Female employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for fresh meats while male, normal weight, employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for processed meats. There is a lack of compliance with the recommendations for consumption of fresh meat in Spanish university students, differences in compliance among students of differing regions and an association with sex, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance.This study was funded by the National Drug Plan, Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain (Codes: 2010|145 and 2013|034) and project PI16/01947

Consumo de drogas ilegales, apoyo familiar y factores relacionadosen estudiantes universitarios. Un estudio transversal basado en datosdel Proyecto uniHcos

Objective: To assess the prevalence of illegal drug use in college students on any previous occasion, duringthe previous year and the previous month, and to analyze the relationship between illegal drug use andfamily support and other factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study using data from students participating in the uniHcos project (n = 3767)was conducted. The prevalence and age of onset of consumption of cannabis, non-prescription sedatives,stimulants and depressants was evaluated. Polyconsumption was also assessed. The independent vari-ables were: family support, age, residence, and employment status. To determine the factors related todrug use multivariate logistic regression models stratified by gender were fitted.Results: Differences between men and women in prevalence of illegal drug use except non-prescriptionsedatives were observed. In both genders, less family support was associated with higher consumptionof all drugs, except depressants, and with polyconsumption. To be studying and looking for work wasrelated to cannabis and stimulant use and to polyconsumption among women, but only to cannabis useamong men.Conclusions: These results support the notion that the start of university studies is a particularly relevantstage in the onset of illegal drug use and its prevention, and that consumption may be especially associatedwith family support.Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia del consumo de drogas ilegales en estudiantes universitarios y analizarla relación entre dicho consumo, el apoyo familiar y otros factores.Método: Se realizó un dise?no transversal basado en datos de participantes en el proyecto uniHcos (n =3767). Se evaluaron la prevalencia y la edad de inicio del consumo de cannabis, tranquilizantes sin receta,estimulantes y depresores, y el policonsumo. Como variables independientes se consideraron el apoyofamiliar, la edad, la residencia y la situación laboral. Para la determinación de los factores asociados alconsumo de drogas se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística estratificados por sexo.Resultados: Se observaron diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la prevalencia del consumo de todaslas drogas ilegales, excepto tranquilizantes sin receta. En ambos sexos, cuanto peor apoyo familiar, mayorconsumo de todas las drogas, excepto depresores y policonsumo. Encontrarse estudiando y buscandotrabajo se relacionó con el consumo de cannabis, estimulantes y policonsumo en las mujeres, y solo concannabis en los hombres.Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio aportan nueva evidencia a favor de que el inicio de la etapauniversitaria es un momento de especial relevancia en el inicio del consumo de drogas ilegales y suprevención, pudiendo este consumo estar especialmente relacionado con el apoyo familiar