Estimating the Effect of FDA Allowed Health Claims on the Consumption of Soy-based Foods

Abstract

The study evaluated the influence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s regulatory action regarding the health benefits of soy-based foods on soy consumption. The results indicated that frequent users of soyfood products who were exposed to the FDA's decision would be more inclined to increase their consumption of soy-based foods as compared to those who were not exposed to such information. Yet the information about FDA's decision did not influence the behavioral intentions of infrequent-or non-consumers. In addition, effects of perceived attributes of soyfoods on the consumption pattern for soy-based food products were evaluated. Perceived attributes included convenience, health benefits, and taste. This study used conceptual model that highlights the role of perceived attributes in a demand model by combining Lancaster's characteristics model with Fishbein's multi-attribute model. Zero-inflated negative binomial model (ZINB) was used as an empirical specification to address the zero consumption of soyfood products. Results show convenience of preparation and consumption, and tastefulness had strong impacts on the consumption of soy-based food products.