Evaluation of a front-of-pack food labeling intervention on a college campus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the process of implementation and impact of a front-of-pack labeling intervention on purchases of labeled food products. Participants: A convenience sample of 111 college students were recruited to complete a survey as they exited markets where the intervention was being implemented. Participants had to have purchased at least one consumable item. Methods: Intercept surveys and audits were conducted at three markets, two times each over a period of three weeks. Results: The audits indicated high implementation fidelity (82% overall). However, customer surveys revealed that only 42% noticed the front-of-pack sticker, and the majority (89%) did not purchase an item with the sticker. However, customers who noticed the sticker were significantly more likely to purchase an item with the sticker (p = .002). Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of a front-of-pack labeling intervention in a university market setting.