Analysis on Recognition, Practice and Information Acquisition Behaviors regarding Food Additives of University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of recognition, practice and information acquisition behaviors regarding food additives of university students for development of educational programs. The data were collected from 283 students in the Yeungnam region through a self-administered questionnaire. The level of concern about food additives was intermediate. The level of checking labels for food additives when buying processed foods was not high. The main reason for not checking labels for food additives was “Buying the special brand products repeatedly”. In the factor analysis for perception of food additives, three factors were categorized; effect of food additives on human health, administration and regulation of food additives, and necessity of food additives. According to regression analyses, grade, concern about food additives and perception of amount of food additives had significant effects on human health. The significant variables for administration and regulation of food additives were gender, grade, major, monthly allowance and concern about food additives. In addition, major was a significant variable for the necessity of food additives. Many respondents did not reduce intake of food additives; males did less than females. Most respondents answered they did not acquire sufficient information about food additives. Regarding needs for information content on food additives, respondents wanted information about safety of food additives the most, followed by items of labels for food additives, and ways to reduce intake of food additives.