Factors affecting on Consumers Use of food labels in Benghazi/Libya

Abstract

Food labels found to be very important public health tools that are assist people who are on special diet or with nutrition related health problems and diseases. The current study aims to identify various factors influencing in using of food label. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at supermarkets and malls in Benghazi city. Study included four hundred participants, data were collected by questionnaires. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Chi-Square test used to examine the significant differences in the sample. The majority of consumers reported to use of the food label information in making purchasing decisions, the expiration date was the most used food label information, while the fat and calorie/energy were the most used nutrition label components. The present study revealed that price of food products as a most motivating factor to use and read food label. Unfamiliar language and small font sizes of food label were mentioned as difficulties and circumstances encountered in using food label information. Findings from this study will facilitate future public education efforts to promote the use of food labels.