Korean adolescents’ energy intake of selected foods by eating place from 1998 to 2012 during implementation of two national school nutrition policies

Abstract

This study examines changes in Korean adolescents’ energy intakes from selected foods that were offered in school stores over 15 years, during which 2 policies prohibiting unhealthy food sales in school stores were implemented in 2007 and in 2009, respectively. Using 24-h dietary recall from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1998–2012, adolescents’ energy intakes in each eating place were calculated. Energy intakes from instant noodles consistently decreased both at home and in school stores. Energy intakes from soft drinks away from home or school rapidly increased beginning in 2008. Policies regulating unhealthy food sales in school stores appear to have had a modest impact on adolescents’ overall consumption of unhealthy foods. Comprehensive policies targeting diverse eating places are needed to improve adolescents’ overall diet.