Food availability in school stores in Seoul, South Korea after implementation of food- and nutrient-based policies

Abstract

BACKGROUND To improve school store food environments, the South Korean government implemented 2 policies restricting unhealthy food sales in school stores. A food‐based policy enacted in 2007 restricts specific food sales (soft drinks); and a nutrient‐based policy enacted in 2009 restricts energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor (EDNP) food sales. The purpose of the study was to assess how the 2 policies have changed the school store food environment.

METHODS Foods sold in school stores in Seoul, South Korea were observed before (2006, 15 stores) and after (2013, 12 stores) implementation of the school store policies. Food availability in school stores in 2006 and 2013 was compared and EDNP food availability in 2013 was examined.

RESULTS When controlling the total number of foods sold in school stores and school characteristics, the mean number of soft drinks sold in a school store in 2013 (0.3 items) was significantly lower than in 2006 (1.9 items, p = .032). Soft drinks were still available in 50% of school stores observed in 2013, with all school stores selling EDNP foods in 2013.

CONCLUSIONS South Korean policies have had a modest influence on availability of unhealthy school store foods. Alternative strategies to improve school store food environments are needed.