Food availability quality according to the level of processing at Mercado Norte and proximal commercial area

Abstract

Changes in eating patterns based in unprocessed foods (UNPF) to those that use more ultraprocessed foods (ULPF) commercialized mainly in supermarkets and fast food locals are in the framework of transformation food systems. However, the existence of traditional estructures like public markets can carry out greater contributions to the supply of fresh products.

The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of food availability according to the level of food processing in Mercado Norte (MN) and proximal commercial area (PCA), 2018 year.

A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional stduy was accomplished. Sample conformed by food commercialization units (FCU) of MN and its PCA, by type of items and the quality of food offered according to level of processing. Data recolected by direct observation. Analysis accomplished by descriptive and analytic estatistics. 

While MN and PCA both have a high percentage of FCU that offer UNPF (93,2% and 80,8% respectively) ULPF presence is statistically different (55,4% of FCU from MN vs 80,8% from PCA). Gastronomy is the item with the higher presence in all the sample (20,8%) as in MN (27%). At the MN, the FCU corresponding to items from animal source represents almost half of the total, while vegetables and fruits are represented by only one FCU. There is also significative relationship between the greater presence of ULPF and the seniority of the FCU.

In conclusion, food availability quality of MN contributes and harms at the same time the nutritional food security. Even though the UNPF are the basis of the food availability, there is a low proportion of vegetables and fruits and a growing presence of ULPF.