Knowledge Of Food Labels Research Articles

Food label literacy among urban dwelling households in Ghana

ObjectiveThe current study examined food label literacy (FLL) among urban-dwelling households. DesignA cross-sectional survey. SettingAccra, the capital city of Ghana. ParticipantsA total of 510 participants. Main outcome measuresFood Label Literacy (FLL) was the dependent variable. FLL was assessed by participant’s ability to correctly interpret information on the use of nutrition facts table, ingredient list and health and nutrition claims when presented with ‘dummy’ food labels. Nutrition-related knowledge of food labels and food label use were the main independent variables. AnalysisData was analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsA third of participants reported using food labels. The adequacy rate for FLL was low. However, individuals who were labels users, had adequate nutrition-related knowledge of label and their use were more likely to have adequate FLL. Conclusions and implicationsData from this study suggests that there is a need for educational interventions and labelling policy reforms such as the introduction of Front-of-package nutrition labelling to encourage, enable, and improve consumer use of food labels in Ghana.

Assessment of food labeling knowledge and associated reading barriers among patients with diabetes.

The most challenging part of diabetes management for a patient with diabetes is selecting a healthy diet. The purpose of this study is to evaluate participants' knowledge of food labels, to find out the relationship between the type of diabetes mellitus (DM) and knowledge score of food labels, and to explore the barriers that prevent patients from reading food labels. This observational study was conducted on patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted at diabetes clinics at King Khalid University Hospital and King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2019 to February 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS. A total of 310 participants were enrolled in this study, of which 50.3% had type 1 DM, and more than half of them were female (51.6%). Patients with type 1 DM had higher mean declarative and applied knowledge scores than those with type 2 DM, regardless of whether they were taking pre meals insulin or not. The highest proportion (39.9%) had difficulty in understanding the content of the nutrition labels, and some of them (37.2%) did not receive any educational session about it. Only 9.5% of the participants did not have any difficulties in reading food labels. Patients with both types of diabetes tended to have poor total knowledge about food labels and faced difficulties in reading them. Provided educational sessions by primary health care and specialized physician and DM educator about food labels are recommended to help them to choose food properly.

Exploration Of Knowledge And Attitudes Of Remang Fish Skin Cracker Producers Related To Food Labeling In Indramayu Cracker Industry Area

As many as 20 out of 30 producers who sell remang fish skin crackers with incomplete food labels and consumers still pay less attention to the food labels on the product packaging. This study aims to explore the knowledge and attitudes of remang fish skin cracker producers on food labels in the Indramayu Cracker Industrial Area. In-depth interviews with 16 producers were conducted using a case study approach with 5 (five) domains, namely knowledge of food labels, attitudes towards food labels, skills to making food labels, perceptions of food labels (images), and marketing strategies. The results showed that based on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of remang fish skin cracker producers on food labels, it was stated that the producers were able to make food labels.

The urban–rural gap in the demand for food safety in China: The role of food label knowledge

AbstractDespite the national promotion of food safety measures, a substantial urban–rural gap remains in the demand for food safety in China. To explain this gap, we explore the role of knowledge of food safety labels. We measure demand using the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for the green food label and the organic food label for rice and pork in urban and rural areas. We employ discrete choice experiments and the control function approach to control for potential endogeneity problems. The results show that the MWTP for the labels is significantly positive among people with label knowledge but insignificant or even negative among people without label knowledge, and the urban–rural gap in the MWTP is larger among the former than among the latter. These knowledge‐related differences explain 8–29% of the urban–rural gap in the MWTP for the green food label. Our findings imply that improving knowledge about the green food label could potentially be effective in reducing the urban–rural gap, while our results also imply the existence of a future challenge for the government in promoting label knowledge more effectively in rural China.

Information exposure relating with reading behavior on packaged food product among college students in Fikes Uhamka

In this era, food products had a high interest in the community because it is easy to consume but not followed by behavior to read the food label. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between food label knowledge and information exposure with food label reading behavior on college students in FIKES UHAMKA. This study was quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. This study conducted in July–August 2019 with 239 subjects. Data analyzed used Chi-Square statistical test. The result showed 52,7% of subjects always reading food labels. Food label knowledge did not have a relationship with food label reading behavior. Information exposure variable has a relationship with food label reading behavior.

The Healthy Eating and Living Against Noncommunicable Diseases Study: An Innovative Family-Based Intervention.

Inadequate nutrition literacy within families is a barrier for healthy dietary choices and influences chronic disease risk. This pilot study examined the feasibility of providing an in-person nutrition intervention for families at high risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk-factors. Eligible families had at least one member with a non-communicable disease (NCD) or metabolic risk factor, fluency in English, willingness to attend all three educational sessions and complete questionnaires as a family unit. Sessions included didactic and experiential activities on food label reading, portion sizing, physical activity and modifiable lifestyle factors to reduce NCD risk. Demographics and fruit and vegetable screeners were collected from all participants at baseline and after completion of sessions. Families participated in focus groups to evaluate the program. Twelve families (n=35;17 adults;18 children) were recruited from New York City. Participants self-identified as Asian, Hispanic or Black. Adults had a mean age of 40y, BMI of 32.29kg/m2, household income of $35,000-$49,000y, and 13 of 17 adult participants had college degrees. Children ranged from 1-17y. Based on focus group feedback, three sessions were acceptable, families reported enjoying interactive activities and group learning and requested child-friendly activities. They reported improved knowledge of food labels, strategies for grocery shopping, portion-sizing, and increased awareness of the links between diet quality and NCDs. The study met recruitment goals within 4 months. The educational intervention was acceptable and may be scaled-up for future studies on NCD prevention, particularly prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Perbedaan Pengetahuan dan Perilaku Membaca Label Pangan Antara Mahasiswa Prodi Gizi dan Non Gizi Di Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Baiturrahim Jambi

The behavior of reading food labels is one of the Balanced Nutrition Messages. How to find out the safety of packaged food to be purchased by looking at food labels, but awareness of the importance of reading labels is still low. Nutrition students at STIKes Baiturrahim obtained courses related to food labeling and to make conclusions about the extent to which nutrition students understand and practice food labels, then a comparison group was made of non-nutrition students. The aim of this study was to found the differences in knowledge and behavior in reading food labels between nutrition and non-nutrition students at STIKes Baiturrahim.This study used a cross sectional study design that was conducted at STIKes Baiturrahim Jambi in May 2019. The research respondents were final year students at STIKes Baiturrahim from a group of 70 nutrition and non-nutrition students with a purposive sampling technique. Data collection uses a questionnaire about knowledge about food labels and food label reading behavior. Data were then analyzed using the Mann Whitney test for food label knowledge and the Independent Sample t-test for reading food label behavior. The results showed that there were no differences in knowledge and behavior in reading food labels between nutrition and non-nutrition students with p-values of each variable 0,203 and 0,554. For further research, it can be continued with the same or different variables by taking a variable on one of the food label information that is on food packaging with a more in-depth research method (qualitative).

Educational-based intervention on food labeling: results of the Project “Eat slowly and well and move yourself 2017”

Objective: Currently, childhood obesity is a worldwide growing public health problem. Three of the major factors that contribute to this pandemic are unhealthy eating habits/sedentary, the lack of information on nutrition value of food, and the availability of caloric dense food with poor nutritional content. In this context, health promotion through nutritional education for school-age children is of major relevance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an education-based intervention on food labeling in children of five different schools in the municipality of Lisbon. Material and methods: This was a community trial. The target population was children enrolled at the 4th grade of elementary school in the 2016/2017 of five schools in the municipality of Lisbon, covered by the project “Eat slowly and well, and move yourself”. This is a 4 years public health project leaded by Direção Geral da Saúde, intended to monitor childhood obesity and to promote healthy habits in school aged children in articulation with public Schools and Health Centers. The interventions based in educational materials were directed to 4th grade children and performed and presented by a nutritionist. In 2017 the core theme of educational sessions was food labeling and nutritional value of packaged foods. Materials included PowerPoint presentations and sample food labels to touch and read. Knowledge was assessed before and after nutritional education sessions through a 15 multiple-choice test designed for the project. The final 6 questions were about two yogurt labels presented. Results: 188 children of the 4th grade of 5 schools in Lisbon were enrolled. After intervention, it was observed knowledge improvement mainly on the following categories of questions: definition of a food label, importance of food labels, habit of reading labels, and understanding of label information (Figure 1). Regarding the labels presented, a higher percentage of correct answers was observed for all schools after intervention. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that educational-based interventions in community nutrition are fundamental for the acquisition of skills and knowledge, promoting healthy habits and lifestyles. Thus, the figure of the School Nutritionist can play an important role in supporting schools and families in the task of nutritional education of the youngest. Figure 1. Effect of educational-based intervention on food label knowledge and behaviour. Answers with major improvement are presented.

MIDWIFERY STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOR ABOUT FOOD LABEL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEY

Ponte Academic JournalMar 2018, Volume 74, Issue 3 MIDWIFERY STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOR ABOUT FOOD LABEL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEYAuthor(s): Busra CESUR ,Aysel OZDEMIRJ. Ponte - Mar 2018 - Volume 74 - Issue 3 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2018.3.5 Abstract:The cross-sectional study was conducted on midwifery students of a university in Turkey between March 1 and April 1, 2016. 259 students who accepted to participate in the study were included in the research, without making sampling. Necessary institutional permissions and students’ verbal consent were obtained. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using questionnaire form prepared by reviewing literature. Frequency distributions, Pearson’s Chi-square analysis were performed using SPSS 22.0 program. Statistical significance was taken as p<0.05. Average age of the students was 20.5±1.5. 25.5% of the students stated that they had difficulty in interpreting information on food label; 63.3% stated that they sometimes had difficulty. It was found that, 90.0% of the students read information about expiry date, 86.1% about production date, 82.6% about name/brand, 62.5% about storage conditions and 55.2% about shelf life. It was determined that among the information about nutritional value; students regularly read about 47.1% energy, 39.8% about protein, 39.8% about total fat, 34.0% about expressions such as low fat, lightness, good pulp source, whereas almost more than 50% did not read or did not regularly read information about nutritional value. There was no statistically significant difference found in the status of reading food label among midwifery students according to age, living place before undergraduate education, current staying place, monthly income, current grade (p>0.05). Food label knowledge and awareness of midwifery students who will consult the community about nutrition at periphery and center after graduation should be increased. Keywords: Food Label, Nutrition literacy, Midwifery students, Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Usage and understanding of food labels among Lebanese shoppers

AbstractFood labelling is a population‐based approach to health education that enables consumers to make better choices by providing information at the point of purchase. This study aimed to assess the food label usage and understanding and factors affecting them among Lebanese supermarket shoppers. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 748 supermarket shoppers in Lebanon between December 2013 and February 2014 using a pre‐coded structured questionnaire. About 29.3 of the shoppers check the food labels every time they buy a food product and 15.7% never do it. Shoppers who do not read food labels identified the long time needed in reading them as top reason (34.9%), while 9.8% answered that they do not understand them. About 55.4%of the surveyed shoppers read the food labels at the supermarkets. About 44.4% of participants agreed that reading food labels is very important, while 30.3% read the food labels depending on the purchased product. Then 19.4% of participants complained that food labels contain too much information and 13.8% claimed that food labels are difficult to understand. About 60.3% think that food labels have helped people in changing their eating habits, while health and nutrition claims affected the product selection among 59.8% of participants. The food label knowledge score average was 63.1%. Older, obese shoppers having kids, suffering from chronic illness or allergies, following a specific diet and residing in big cities scored significantly (p &lt; .05) higher. The low knowledge score necessitates the nutrition education on how to read and use the food labels. Groceries would be the perfect place to reach out mass consumers.

Knowledge and attitude of students of middle-level agricultural institutions in Nigeria towards information on food labels

This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of students of middle-level agricultural institutions towards information on food labels. The multi-stage sampling technique involved, firstly, the selection of four (4) middle-level agricultural institutions located in Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States of Nigeria. Secondly, 226 students were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire and data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 56.2% of the respondents were male and 43.8% females, about 57% fell under the age cohort of 20-24 years. Majority of the respondents (87.6%) claimed to have knowledge of food labels, while the major source of information on same turned out to be the media. The regression analysis to establish relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge and use of food labels indicated that some were statistically significant while some were not. Major constraints limiting the knowledge and use of food labels were identified and recommendations, including public sensitization and the enforcement of policy guidelines were proffered with a view to enhancing better knowledge and utilization of food labels among Nigerians.

Knowledge of nutrition facts on food labels and their impact on food choices on consumers in Koforidua, Ghana: a case study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ knowledge of food labels and how this knowledge guides their decisions when making purchasing choices with regard to food.Design: This was a descriptive research design study.Setting: The setting was the suburb of Koforidua Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana.Subjects: One hundred and forty-three customers were observed in store from four randomly sampled supermarkets. One hundred of these customers completed a self-administered questionnaire.Outcome measures: Measurements included observation and a self-administered questionnaire that elicited information on label-reading habits, attitudes towards health awareness and the influence of food labels on food choices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Sixty-five of the 100 consumers (54 females and 46 males) who consented to respond to the questionnaire looked at or read food labels before selecting a food to purchase. Seventy-five per cent reported reading the food labels prior to selecting food. This study found that nutrition knowledge had a low to average impact on consumers’ food choices. Half of the consumers who reported reading the food labels did not do so regularly. This could have implications on how often such information is used when purchasing food. Also, only 22% of the study respondents answered correctly when asked to explain “26% RDA (recommended dietary allowance) vitamin A per serving” on a food label, even though 45% of the respondents had a tertiary education.Conclusion: These findings indicate awareness and knowledge of food labelling which may not always adequately impact on food choices, even though study respondents indicated high awareness and low to average reading of labels prior to purchasing food.

Awareness and Use of Nutrition Information on Labels of Packaged Snacks by Commuters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Objective: The awareness and use of nutrition information on labels of packaged food snacks by commuters on Aba Road – Port Harcourt was investigated. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select two (2) heavy traffic zones among others from the road. Simple random sampling was used to select 200 respondents from the two (2) zones. Questionnaire and interview were procedures employed for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result revealed that 95.0% of the respondents bought road snack because they were hungry. About 68.0% of the respondents had knowledge of food labels and 71.0% claimed they were aware of nutrition information on food labels. Only 57.0% and 40.0% of the respondents read labels on pastry foods and beverages, respectively before purchase. About 32.5%, 20.0% and 20.5% of the respondents check expiring date only, nutrient content only and both expiring date and nutrient content on pastry goods, while only 50.0%, 19.0% and 0.5% of the respondents check the coldness of the drink, expiring date only and nutrient content of beverages before purchase. Positive relationship existed between use of nutrition information and educational level, frequency of purchase or knowledge of nutrition and food labels (P<0.05). Conclusion: Findings revealed high awareness of nutrition information but poor usage of nutrition information among commuters on high ways.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Label Use among College Students

This study examined the relationships among nutrition education, knowledge, attitude, use of nutritional supplements, and label reading behavior among 537 randomly selected college students using a conceptual model. The majority of the respondents were women, undergraduate students, and nonsmokers. The mean age was 23±6.1 years. A higher percentage of undergraduate students and women had prior exposure to nutrition education, a positive attitude, and greater knowledge of food labels as compared to their graduate and male peers. The structural equation model indicated nutrition education, age, sex, and attitude predicted label use; prior nutrition education and a positive attitude exhibited the strongest (direct) effects on label reading behavior. Attitude mediated the relationship between knowledge and label reading behavior. The indexes of fit for the tested model indicated a good fit; the predictors accounted for 44% of the variance in label usage.

Awareness and use of nutrition information on food packages among consumers in Maseru (Lesotho)

Food product labelling has become a popular policy tool, particularly with respect to the provision of nutrition and health information. Nutrition labelling is a valuable tool in learning how to apply nutrition information in a practical way. Nutrition information on food labels can help consumers to choose healthier food. For companies competing in the global food and beverage marketplace, understanding local consumer attitudes and purchase behaviour regarding healthy foods, nutrition, and labelling is critically important for success. This study attempts to evaluate the level of knowledge and use of nutrition information on food packages among consumers in Maseru, Lesotho. A structured questionnaire, covering aspects of knowledge and use of food labels and nutrition information, was used to collect information from two hundred and sixty consumers. The study also included open-ended questions on what consumers expected to be on the food label, what they understand by nutrition information, what its importance is, and if they think it should be included on the food package labels and why. The findings indicate that the main demographic features of the participants were: 67.3% female, 59.6% married, 55.9% completed primary, middle or high school, and 68.4% were poor. Majority (71.2%) of the participants claimed that they use a shopping list. Less than half of the participants (40.5%) indicated that nutrition information on food labels, rather than price, taste, appearance, habit, convenience, or brand name, was their main motivator to purchase foods. With regard to food label and nutrition information knowledge, a majority of the participants said they knew about them (59.6% for food label knowledge, and 69.2% for nutrition information knowledge). The same trend has been observed with respect to use of nutrition information on food labels when shopping, where 63.8% claimed that they utilise that knowledge when shopping. For the lowest income group, food price was the major determining factor of the types of foods they buy. A positive relationship between age of participants and nutrition information knowledge was observed. It was noted that as the level of education increased, the level of knowledge about food label increased. The level and use of nutrition knowledge when purchasing foods increased with age, education level and family income. Answers to the open-ended questions showed high degree of awareness about nutrition information on food labels, and why it is important to utilise that information. Key words : Consumers, Food packages, Nutrition information

Evaluation of a Theory-based Nutrition Intervention for Older Adults With Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To evaluate an intervention to improve food label knowledge and skills in diabetes management among older adults with diabetes mellitus.Design A randomized pretest-posttest control group design was used.Subjects/setting Participants (48 experimental, 50 control) were aged 65 years and older with type 2 diabetes for 1 year or longer; 93 participants (95%) completed the study, conducted in an outpatient setting.Intervention The intervention included 10 weekly group sessions led by a dietitian. Information processing, learning theory, and Social Cognitive Theory principles were used in program development and evaluation.Main outcome measures Participants’ knowledge, outcome expectations (expected results of behavior), self-efficacy, and decision-making skills were assessed. Instrument validity and reliability were established before program evaluation.Statistical analyses performed Factor analysis identified underlying factor structures. Analysis of covariance with pretest score as covariate was used to compare groups at posttest. Paired t tests compared results within groups.Results Two factors were identified for outcome expectations (positive and negative) and for self-efficacy (promoters of and barriers to diabetes management). The experimental group had greater improvement in total knowledge scores (mean±standard error of the mean: 7.8±0.7) than the control group (0.2±0.7) (P<.0001), positive outcome expectations (0.59±0.15 vs 0.06±0.15, P=.01), promoters of diabetes management (0.83±0.12 vs −0.09±0.18, P<.001) and decision-making skills (5.1±0.5 vs 0.3±0.5, P<.0001) and greater reduction in barriers to diabetes management (1.1±0.16 vs 0.34±0.16, P<.01). No significant difference in negative outcome expectations occurred between groups at posttest.Applications/conclusions Older adults with diabetes can benefit from nutrition education designed to improve knowledge and skills necessary for diabetes management. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1069–1074,1079–1081.

Evaluation of a theory-based nutrition intervention forolder adults with diabetes mellitus

<h2>Abstract</h2> <b>Objective</b> To evaluate an intervention to improve food label knowledge and skills in diabetes management among older adults with diabetes mellitus.<b>Design</b> A randomized pretest-posttest control group design was used. <b>Subjects/setting</b> Participants (48 experimental, 50 control) were aged 65 years and older with type 2 diabetes for 1 year or longer; 93 participants (95%) completed the study, conducted in an outpatient setting. <b>Intervention</b> The intervention included 10 weekly group sessions led by a dietitian. Information processing, learning theory, and Social Cognitive Theory principles were used in program development and evaluation. <b>Main outcome measures</b> Participants' knowledge, outcome expectations (expected results of behavior), self-efficacy, and decision-making skills were assessed. Instrument validity and reliability were established before program evaluation. <b>Statistical analyses performed</b> Factor analysis identified underlying factor structures. Analysis of covariance with pretest score as covariate was used to compare groups at posttest. Paired <i>t</i> tests compared results within groups. <b>Results</b> Two factors were identified for outcome expectations (positive and negative) and for self-efficacy (promoters of and barriers to diabetes management). The experimental group had greater improvement in total knowledge scores (mean±standard error of the mean: 7.8±0.7) than the control group (0.2±0.7) (<i>P</i><.0001), positive outcome expectations (0.59±0.15 vs 0.06±0.15, <i>P</i>=.01), promoters of diabetes management (0.83±0.12 vs −0.09±0.18, <i>P</i><.001) and decision-making skills (5.1±0.5 vs 0.3±0.5, <i>P</i><.0001) and greater reduction in barriers to diabetes management (1.1±0.16 vs 0.34±0.16, <i>P</i><.01). No significant difference in negative outcome expectations occurred between groups at posttest. <b>Applications/conclusions</b> Older adults with diabetes can benefit from nutrition education designed to improve knowledge and skills necessary for diabetes management. <i>J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1069–1074,1079–1081</i>.

Structural Change in the Impact of Income on Food Consumption in China, 1989–1993

China is undergoing a marked transition in its diet and nutritional status patterns. This study determines the structural change in the impact of income on food consumption in China during 1989-93. Utilizing data from a longitudinal study of 3800 households in China evidence points to a shift in the relationship between income dietary structure and total nutrient intake at the macrolevel. Overall it is noted that the increase in income over time in the country coincided with a shift in the demand for inferior and normal food groups. In addition there was a pronounced increase in the income elasticity for more luxury foods during the specified period while less superior goods became more inferior over this 4-year span. Such an increase in income elasticities for total energy and for energy from fat suggest a worsening of the composition of the diet in ways that are linked to obesity and obesity-related diseases as incomes continue to rise. In view of this several implications for the formulation of future nutrition policies in China are cited.

Development of a Color-Coded Bilingual Food Label for Low-Literacy Latino Caretakers

The purpose of this study was to develop a bilingual, user-friendly food label (UFFL) for low-literacy audiences. The UFFL developed was based on (a) a quantitative and qualitative needs assessment of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food label understanding and use, (b) the development of a UFFL, and (c) a qualitative evaluation of the UFFL. Subjects consisted of a convenience sample (N = 150) of low-income Latino caretakers living in Hartford with children under 6 years of age, who were recruited from local community agencies.The primary outcomes measured in this study were food label use, knowledge, and understanding. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine relationships between subjects’ socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics with food label use, knowledge, and understanding. Although 96% of respondents were familiar with the FDA food label, only 30% used it routinely when grocery shopping. FDA food label knowledge was positively associated (p ≤ .05) with younger age, level of education, and being an English speaker. A UFFL was developed that included color coding, bilingual text, and a shaded Food Guide Pyramid. Results indicated that participants found the UFFL easy to understand. The UFFL can be used as a nutrition education tool and the methodology developed may help food policy makers to improve the nutrition education value of the FDA food label.

Use and knowledge of food labels of shoppers in a city with a high proportion of heart disease

AbstractThis study aimed to assess consumers’ use and understanding of food labelling and the improvements that they would like. Systematically selected supermarket shoppers were interviewed using a questionnaire. Data showed that the use of food labels was low. Among those who read food labels, at least occasionally, use‐by‐date was the most reported information looked at. Understanding of the content of five nutrients on a standard food label provided was poor. Although a high proportion of participants claimed to have no problem with the current format, those who had problems wanted food labels that were ‘bigger’, ‘highlighted’ or written in ‘plain English’. These results suggest that before improved food labels can have an impact on consumers’ food choice, strategies to encourage shoppers to read them are needed.