Abstract
Background: Food labelling plays a crucial role in informing consumers about the nutritional content of prepackaged food items, aiding them in making informed choices for their diet and health. However, the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food labelling among healthcare students, particularly medical and dental students, remain understudied. Understanding these aspects is essential given the increasing consumption of prepackaged foods, especially among the youth. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and dental students at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal University, Mangalore. A total of 191 undergraduate students participated in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire covering aspects related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food labeling and nutritional content. The questionnaire was administered after obtaining informed consent, and data were analyzed using SPSS v17.0. Results: The study found that the majority of students had moderate knowledge about food labelling and its nutritional applications. While most students reported reading food labels before purchasing prepackaged items, the most sought-after products were snacks like chips and aerated drinks. However, time constraints were cited as a significant hindrance to reading labels. Despite favourable attitudes towards food labelling, a low proportion of students reported changing their food preferences based on label information. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the need for educational programs to enhance students’ knowledge about nutrition and food libelling. Additionally, there is a call for clearer and more informative libelling practices to empower consumers to make healthier food choices. Awareness programs targeting students can play a pivotal role in emphasizing the importance of food labels in promoting a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
