Consumer Perceptions of Nutrition Labeling at Fast-Food Restaurants in Seoul

Abstract

This study investigated customer perception of nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants in Korea. Five hundred and fourteen customers with previous experience at fast-food restaurants were surveyed in July 2012 in Korea. A total of 502 completed questionnaires were analyzed (98.0%). The questionnaires asked about the general characteristics of the subjects, their perceptions and opinions of nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants, any nutrients they would like to see included in nutrition labels, and their preferred nutrition labeling methods at fast-food restaurants. Of the respondents, 59.4% were male and 40.6% were female; 42.4% indicated that they eat at fast-food restaurants two to three times a month. Half of respondents (54.2%) knew of nutrition labeling of fast-food restaurants, with females being more aware than males. Males trusted nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants more than females did, and more males than females responded that nutrition labeling helps when selecting healthy menu items. As for satisfaction with nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants, males were more satisfied than females, and customers between 30 and 39 years old showed the highest rates of satisfaction. Calories was the criterion that most respondents (66.3%) wished to pre-displayed, followed by sodium and trans fat levels. Respondents mostly preferred nutrition labels at fast-food restaurants to be in the form of symbolic icons (36.5%). The results of this study can help shape the application of nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants and can be used to help establish guidelines for nutritional education for customers in Korea.