Preschool teachers’ attitudes towards nutritional information on food labels in Turkey and recommendations for an educational programme

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate preschool teachers’ attitudes towards nutrition labels. A sample of 154 preschool teachers was surveyed to determine their label‐reading behaviours and knowledge. A total of 71.5% of the preschool teachers reported that they read food labels when purchasing food items (i.e. rather often or sometimes). Turkish preschool teachers who are frequent nutrition label users are relatively younger, at the age of 25–40 years and university graduates. Preschool teachers’ lack of interest in many of the terms in nutrition labels seemed to correspond with their lack of knowledge about them. It is concluded that nutrition labelling education education programmes can help preschool teachers to use nutrition labels to improve the quality of their diets. Since preschool teachers are regarded as the single most important factor in creating an effective and inclusive class for children, teaching is a effective tool for behavioural changes in nutrition.