Food Label Use Research Articles

Psychological distress and health behaviours among Cambodian Americans at risk for developing diabetes.

This paper reports secondary data analysis of associations between psychological distress and health behaviours among Cambodian Americans. Data are from baseline assessments from a diabetes prevention trial. All participants met stucriteria for depression and were free of diabetes. Participants (n=191) completed surveys, a food frequency assessment, and wore sleep and physical activity actigraphy devices for 7days. A factor analysis of symptoms of post-traumatic stress, baksbat (a Cambodian culture-bound syndrome), depression, and anxiety yielded a single factor named 'psychological distress'. Multivariate models controlling for psychotropic medications were run for the following outcomes: sleep actigraphy, self-reported sleep, physical activity actigraphy, self-reported physical activity, nutrition, and substance use. For actigraphy, higher distress was associated with lower moderate/vigorous physical activity and higher mean variability of 24h total sleep time. Higher distress was also associated with worse self-reported sleep quality as indicated by standard, and culturally-specific, sleep indicators. Higher distress was also associated with lower use of food labels, lower carbohydrate consumption, and higher alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. Interventions to mitigate diabetes risk in high-distress populations may benefit from strategies to decrease psychological distress. The sequelae of complex trauma may transcend discrete psychiatric diagnoses.

Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers.

Background: Improving food and nutrition literacy is fundamental to tackling the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s enormous challenges, including malnutrition and food insecurity. To direct initiatives, it is crucial to assess the region’s food and nutrition literacy. Thus, we aimed to review studies on food/nutrition literacy status in the MENA countries and illuminate the region’s research gaps in these areas, in terms of assessment, policy, and program implementation. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched between 18 December and 8 May 2022, to identify relevant articles published up to 2022 in the MENA region. Results: Twelve studies were included in this review. Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran are the only three MENA countries where nutrition and/or food literacy were assessed. People in these countries mostly had inadequate food and/or nutrition literacy levels, especially in the skills rather than the cognitive domain. Food and/or nutrition literacy showed associations with food habits, food-label use, food-consumption patterns, school performance, food security, dietary diversity, and nutrient adequacy. The MENA countries developed no policies or programs to address food and nutrition literacy. Conclusion: This review is a wake-up call for researchers and policymakers to develop a robust approach to combat food and nutrition literacy concerns in the MENA region.

Relevance of Food Labels among Selected Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Food labels are important public health tool that provides consumers with nutritional information to make informed and healthier food choices. This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and understanding of nutritional information on food labels and its impact on food choices among students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. A cross-sectional study employing random sampling was used to recruit 200 study participants. A pre-tested structured questionnaires were used to obtain data on socio demographic characteristics, frequency of food label use and nutritional knowledge of the students. Pertaining to the frequency of food label use, 27.5% of students always use food labels, while 11% never use food labels. While most of the students were aware that packaged foods have labels, most of them do not refer to information on the labels when making purchases. Expiry date was considered the most important information on food labels, while the students may refer to labels mostly for health reasons. The students considered time wasting to be the major reason they might not refer to Food labels. However, majority of the students know what constitutes a balanced diet and how it can be achieved. There was no effect of gender, and level of study on the use of food labels, while no association was observed between nutritional knowledge of the students and the use of food labels.

Consumers’ opinions, use of food labels and knowledge of food additives

PurposeThis study aims to determine what consumers take into consideration while buying food and to increase awareness. We also demonstrated food additives knowledge, and the association between food additive consumption and illness.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used to collect data from respondents (n = 433).FindingsGender and knowledge of food additives and E numbers were found to be statistically different, as were education status and knowledge of food additives (p < 0.05). When purchasing foods, 40.0% of the respondents seldom read labels and also 34.9% were reading for each buy who verified the product’s expiration date (94.2%), followed by brand name (84.8%). Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) and aspartame consumption were associated with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, sulfite consumption was linked to diarrhea/constipation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, the study was cross-sectional, which does not allow the establishment of causal relationships for the associations found here. Second, the study was limited to one city in Turkey. Therefore, the study's findings cannot be extrapolated to Turkey.Practical implicationsNutrition education should be given by the experts, and the policies should be implemented so that food labels may be used more effectively. Furthermore, nutritional education and policies can increase the general public's awareness of food additives.Social implicationsNutrition education should be given by the experts, and the policies should be implemented so that food labels may be used more effectively. Furthermore, nutritional education and policies can increase the general public's awareness of food additives.Originality/valueConsumers must be knowledgeable about food additives and E numbers. However, the findings revealed that the majority of Turkish consumers seldom read product labels, and the use of several food additives resulted in negative health repercussions. Therefore, professionals should provide nutrition education, and legislation should be put in place so that food labels may be used more effectively.

Factors influencing grocery shopping choices and the prevalence of food label use among Saudi mothers: a cross-sectional pilot study

PurposeThere is currently limited data available on the Saudi population’s adoption of nutritional guidelines or on other factors influencing food purchasing behaviors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of nutrition label use, explore factors that could influence food choices during grocery shopping and evaluate the association of these factors with the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers.Design/methodology/approachMothers were recruited at a community event. They were requested to complete a questionnaire that assessed social and lifestyle characteristics as well as product features that influence food choices during grocery shopping.FindingsThe study included 157 mothers. The prevalence of label reading was high with 69% of participants always or mostly reading labels pre-purchase. Features that were most likely to “always” influence purchase choices included: product healthfulness (57.3%), children’s preference (45.9%), specific needs of a family member (38.9%). The feature “awareness campaigns and workshops” was found to be associated with both low and high-income groups. There was a poor understanding of what the “light” food label meant with only 37.6% answering correctly.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed with a higher sample size with diverse sociodemographic characteristics.Practical implicationsSaudi mothers are influenced by product healthfulness as well as children’s and family members’ needs when grocery shopping. There was a high prevalence of reading nutrition labels prepurchase. These findings can inform future public health policy on the main drivers for food purchasing decisions and the need for educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThe present research collates factors influencing food choices

Public Perception and Awareness Regarding Calorie Information in Restaurant in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThe provision of calorie information on restaurant menus has been identified as a cost-effective strategy for preventing obesity and related chronic disease and recently the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) imposed calories labeling to become a requirement for all restaurants. This study was designed to assess the association between knowledge, attitude and practices on food label use and to determine the factors that influence the use of food labels during making food purchasing decision in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, from participants living in RIYADH (n = 339 ≥ 18 years) during Fall 2020. Participants were recruited through social media and volunteered to complete a Food Label Use Questionnaire (FLUQ) which included demographic data, level of knowledge about food and nutrition, attitude and practices related to using food labels and factors affecting the use of food labelling. The questionnaire was translated from English into Arabic following guidelines for translating a questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, spearman correlation was used to test for basic association between variables and using food label and independent samples t-test to examine gender differences.ResultsThe results show that 85% of the respondents think that food labeling is useful however, only 43% of the participants stated that they always or usually use the food label during food purchasing decision. About 25% of the participants indicated that time constraint was the main barrier for not using food labels, followed by difficult to use (24%). Taste was rated as being the most important factor for food choice by 33% of participants followed by nutrition value 27% and expiry date (17%). Preliminary data suggest that nutrition knowledge, age and education level are positively and significantly associated with using food label P < 0.05 and females exhibited greater knowledge and more frequent label use than male.ConclusionsThe use of nutrition labelling differ by population subgroups. The results of the present study highlight the need for nutrition awareness campaigns and education programs targeted towards promoting the use of nutrition label among male and younger adults.Funding SourcesKing Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC).

Use of Food and Nutrition Labels Among Urban Mongolian Supermarket Shoppers: Implications for Food Labeling Policy and Practice

Use of Food and Nutrition Labels Among Urban Mongolian Supermarket Shoppers: Implications for Food Labeling Policy and Practice

식품 표시 위치가 식품 표시 활용과 WTP에 미치는 영향 －계란을 대상으로－

Providing information about food and nutrition through labels can help consumers reduce the cost of acquiring information and reduce the likelihood of making poor choices. However, the utility of food labels has not been fully realized due to the complicated method of providing information and the lack of awareness of consumers. In previous studies, consumer label utilization rates and economic value measures for labels have been shown to be very different. This is due to the fact that they have generally relied on hypothetical questionnaires. The purpose of this study is to suggest a method that can achieve similar results to actual purchasing activity, although Internet-based questionnaires are used. In addition, we measured consumers'' willingness to pay for labels and verified that the location of the labels gave rise to differences in consumer perceptions and the values of the label. The factors affecting consumers’ utilization of the labels were also estimated, and the results showed that age and gender have significant effects on the use of food labels.

Marketing and family-related factors affecting food label use: the mediating role of consumer knowledge

PurposeThis study investigated the influence of marketing- and family-related factors on consumers' in-store usage of different types of food label information. Furthermore, the authors determined the mediating role of consumers' knowledge about healthy foods between these factors and their label consultation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey among 223 purposively selected South African working female consumers via social media. Subjective and objective knowledge about healthy foods, the importance of marketing- and family-related factors and the extent of food label usage were determined. Structural equation modelling served to test the mediating effect of knowledge in the relationship of the marketing and family-related factors with food label usage.FindingsMarketing-related factors demonstrated a strong direct effect on food label usage. Subjective knowledge about healthy foods mediated the relationship between family members' dietary needs and food label usage. However, objective knowledge was not a mediator.Practical implicationsRespondents' firm reliance on marketing-related factors (instead of knowledge) during food label usage is not in the best interest of consumers' healthy food choices. Healthy food choices based on factual knowledge rather than marketing efforts are necessary to establish long-term healthy food habits, hence the need for retailers' response in supplying healthier food options. Role players in consumer education should focus on increasing consumers' healthy food knowledge.Originality/valueIn the context of rising awareness of public health concerns, healthy food choice among consumers is essential. This study contributes to the complexity of consumers' need to make healthy food choices within an economic-driven marketing environment.

Increasing food labelling awareness through a massive open online course (MOOC)

AbstractTo choose a balanced diet, consumers need to understand what is in the food they buy. However, studies indicate that food labels may be misunderstood or not used. Understanding food labels, a massive open online course (MOOC), using concise, factual and engaging information, aimed to increase consumers' awareness around food labelling information. Course engagement and participation were assessed by the end of course feedback, learning metrics and course completion rates. A pre‐ and post‐course survey was integrated into the MOOC to assess changes in food label use frequency and understanding. Furthermore, use and understanding of nutrition labels were explored by text analysis of one of the discussion forums. The initial course run attracted 2046 Joiners, of whom 65% (1320/2046) became Learners, 44% (905/2046) became Active Learners (those who marked at least one step as complete in a course) and 31% (281/905) of Active Learners completed at least 90% of course steps. The number of learners who fully completed the course was 281 of 1320 (21%). Those who completed the MOOC reported reading food labels more frequently at food purchasing (p &lt; 0.05), specifically reading the nutrition information more regularly (p &lt; 0.05) and reading labels more frequently when preparing food at home than before the MOOC. In addition, after completing the course, learners reported that they found food labels easier to understand (p &lt; 0.05) than before undertaking the course. Increasing consumer awareness, understanding and trust of food labelling could help consumers in their ability to make informed and healthier food choices.

To read or not to read: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour to food label use

AbstractThis study applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) with ability constructs integrated to investigating consumers’ food label use intentions. With a national sample of 662 U.S. adults, survey results suggest that food label users score higher in all the TPB predictors than food label non‐users. Furthermore, the study suggests that attitudes, descriptive norms, and nutrition literacy are significant predictors of food label use intentions for both label users and non‐users. Perceived behavioural control (PBC) and reading ability are significant predictors for label users but not non‐users. Nutrition literacy and reading ability moderate the effect of PBC on label users’ intention to continue using food labels. The study adds to earlier work on the application of TPB and the Motivation‐Opportunity‐Abilities model in consumer behaviours. In addition, our findings confirm the important role of nutrition literacy in health‐related choices and have practical implications for nutrition education and campaigns.

Food Label Use and Associated Factors: A Cross Sectional Study from Occupied Palestinian Territories

Background: Use of food labels can help consumers to make informed choices on foods they purchase which could have beneficial role in protection from obesity and diet related chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate food label use in the Palestinian society along with related factors. Methods: Electronic survey was distributed on social media platforms to Palestinian society in West Bank, Gaza, and other places of Palestinian communities’ presence. The survey collected data on demographic variable, obesity, chronic disease history and nutritional deficiencies. In addition to food label use information. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 21 software. Results: We included 271 participants in our study, mean age of our study group was 25.6±10 y, mainly females. Obesity was present in 24.4% of the study group, whereas 42.8% reported they were not satisfied with their current weight and 49.4% reported they attempted to lose weight. The prevalence of label use in our study group was 61.6%. Majority of label users obtained information on amount of calories, serving size, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals content. Very few obtained information on sodium, saturated fat and transfat in food product. Food label use was significantly related to age (p&lt;0.05) and healthy dietary patterns (p&lt;0.05), but was not related to obesity and chronic disease. Conclusion: Our study indicate high rate of label use among Palestinians with some gaps in nutrition information obtained.

Food Label Use and Associated Factors: A Cross Sectional Study from Occupied Palestinian Territories

Background: Use of food labels can help consumers to make informed choices on foods they purchase which could have beneficial role in protection from obesity and diet related chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate food label use in the Palestinian society along with related factors. Methods: Electronic survey was distributed on social media platforms to Palestinian society in West Bank, Gaza, and other places of Palestinian communities’ presence. The survey collected data on demographic variable, obesity, chronic disease history and nutritional deficiencies. In addition to food label use information. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 21 software. Results: We included 271 participants in our study, mean age of our study group was 25.6±10 y, mainly females. Obesity was present in 24.4% of the study group, whereas 42.8% reported they were not satisfied with their current weight and 49.4% reported they attempted to lose weight. The prevalence of label use in our study group was 61.6%. Majority of label users obtained information on amount of calories, serving size, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals content. Very few obtained information on sodium, saturated fat and transfat in food product. Food label use was significantly related to age (p&lt;0.05) and healthy dietary patterns (p&lt;0.05), but was not related to obesity and chronic disease. Conclusion: Our study indicate high rate of label use among Palestinians with some gaps in nutrition information obtained.

P45 Do “Natural” and Other Clean Labels Detract from more Regulated Food Labels?

<h3>Background</h3> "Clean labeling" is a food industry trend characterized by simpler ingredients and front of package marketing statements that attract health-oriented consumers looking for more natural foods. Many clean labels, including "all natural" are not clearly defined, nor regulated, and have the potential to detract from food labels that are regulated by the FDA and/or USDA. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare consumer use of federally regulated (organic) and unregulated (natural) food labels, and to determine whether use of these labels is associated with demographic characteristics. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Computer-aided telephone interviews were collected (in February 2020) in a random, representative sample of Vermont residents (n = 574). <h3>Measurable Outcomes/Analysis</h3> Respondents were asked about their use of food labels, including whether they used organic and/or natural food labels when evaluating food products. Associations between use of each type of food label and demographic variables (age, gender, income, education, having children in the household) were compared using chi-squares, and logistic regression (<i>P</i> < 0.01). <h3>Results</h3> Most respondents indicated that they did use organic (70% of respondents) or natural (64% of respondents) labels when evaluating food products. Use of organic food labels was significantly higher among parents with children in the home (78%), women (77%), and those with a college degree or higher (75%). In contrast, use of natural labels was negatively associated with income, with the highest use (79%) seen in the lowest income category (<$25,000/yr). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The increasing use of unregulated marketing statements on packaged foods (including "natural," "raw" and "minimally processed") could be distracting consumers from using more regulated food labels, especially consumers with limited education or income. Nutrition education programs and federal labeling policies are needed to support consumer use of labels, and to prevent low-income consumers from potentially being deceived by unregulated food labels.

INFLUENCE OF FORMAL NUTRITION EDUCATION ON PURCHASE AND CONSUMPTION OF PACKAGED SNACKS

Consumption of packaged snacks has become a regular habit among youngsters. Heavy advertisements, taste, easy availability, attractive packaging, convenience, decline in snacks prepared at home, changing lifestyle and affordability have driven the consumption of packaged snacks. This study is an attempt to understand the influence of formal nutrition education on purchasing and consumption behaviour among female young adults (N=120). Random sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Purchasing behaviour was analysed in terms of use of food labels and consumption pattern in terms of frequency of consumption of different snacks. Eleven brands of snacks with 216 different variations available in Bangalore market were selected based on availability. Majority of the subjects in both the groups felt that labels were useful to know the different brands, quality, to select a suitable product, understand the product and to avoid expired foods. But there was no significant difference in the purchasing consumption behaviour with respect to packed snacks between the two groups studied.

Examining Sociodemographic Disparities in Household Purchases of Fruit Drinks with Policy-Relevant Nutrition Claims

Abstract Objectives Fruit drinks are a top source of added sugars among US children and carry misleading nutrition claims. Disparities exist in food label use and fruit drink (FD) consumption. We aimed to describe household (HH) demographic characteristics associated with purchase of 1) any FDs and 2) FDs with specific nutrition claims among HH with children 0–5 y. Methods We merged HH monthly-level FD purchasing data from 2017 Nielsen Homescan (n 60,712) with product-level nutrition claims data. For our first aim, we examined differences in predicted probabilities of purchasing any FDs by HH race/ethnicity, income, and education. In aim 2, to account for observed differences in likelihood of purchasing any FDs by demographic characteristics, we constructed inverse probability (IP) weights based on each HH's likelihood of purchasing any FD. We then used IP weighted multivariable logistic regression models to examine differences in predicted probabilities of purchasing FDs with specific claims by demographic characteristics, holding the likelihood of purchasing any FDs constant. We used the Holm method to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results One in three HH with young children purchased any FDs. Non-Hispanic (NH) Black (52%), Hispanic (36%), low-income (39%), and low-educated HH (41%) were more likely to purchase any FDs than NH white (31%), high income (26%) and high educated HH (30%) (all p &amp;lt; 0.001). In IP weighted analyses, NH Black HH were more likely to purchase FDs with “Natural” and fruit claims (6.9% and 3.7%) than NH white HH (4.5% and 2.8%) (both p &amp;lt; 0.01). Low and middle income (15.0% and 13.8%) and low and middle educated HH (15.5% and 14.5%) were more likely to purchase FDs with “100% Vitamin C” claims than high income and high educated HH (10.8% and 12.9%) (all p &amp;lt; 0.025). Low educated HH were less likely to purchase FDs with a “Natural” claim (3.9%) than high educated HH (5.2%) (p = 0.002). Conclusions There are sociodemographic disparities in FD purchases and FD purchases with claims among HH with young children in the US, with low income, low education, and NH Black HH being more at risk. Experimental studies are needed to determine if nutrition claims may be contributing to observed disparities in FD consumption. Funding Sources Healthy Eating Research National Institutes of Health.

Seeking Activation Strategy for Consumer Food Label Use

본 연구에서는 2013년과 2018년 식품소비행태조사 자료를 이용하여 우리나라 소비자의 식품표시 확인수준과 영향 요인의 변화를 점검하고, 광범위한 소비자 요구조사를 통해 효과적인 식품표시 소비자이용 활성화 방안을 모색하고자 하였다. 주요 연구 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 식품표시 확인수준은 2013년 평균 3.20점, 2018년에는 평균 2.85점으로 2013년에 비해 낮아졌으며, 사회·인구학적 특성별 식품표시확인수준 차이를 분석한 결과 2013년과 2018년 모두 성별, 교육수준, 연령, 직업, 월평균 총소득, 동·읍면, 주거형태에서 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 확인되었다. 둘째, 2013년과 2018년 식품표시 확인에 영향을 주는 공통적인 요인은 성별, 교육수준, 직업, 건강관심도로 나타났다. 셋째, 제조연월일과 원산지가 식품선택에 영향을 주는 가장 중요한 항목으로 나타났고, 식품표시 위치는 일정하게 지정된 면을 가장 선호했다. 넷째, 소비자들의 식품표시 이용을 어렵게 하는 요인은 작은 면적에 많은 내용이 표시되어 복잡하고, 글씨가 작아 읽기 힘들다는 의견이 가장 많았고, 식품표시를 잘 활용하기 위해 방송매체 홍보를 가장 선호하는 것으로 나타났다.

Determinants of Israeli consumers\u2019 decision to use food label information more frequently: a national survey study

BackgroundFood labeling to encourage healthier food choices may have positive long-term effects. Yet previous studies point to challenges in terms of how consumers understand and use labeling information. The current study seeks to determine how psychological factors related to health and nutrition, food label perceptions, nutrition habits and sociodemographic factors are associated with consumers’ decisions to seek and use the information on nutrition food labels more frequently.MethodsThe survey was conducted by a polling company in Israel between November 11 and December 12, 2019. Participants comprised a representative sample of the adult population in Israel age 21 and over. A total of 513 people returned the completed questionnaires, which included the following parts: personal details; frequency of searching for information on food product labels; perceived health risks of foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fats; Health Belief Model constructs related to food labeling. The statistical analysis entailed ordinal logistics regressions.ResultsWhile 59.3% of the sample reported that the information on food labels often or always affects their decision to purchase a food product, more than 20% reported often or always consuming products that are high in sugar (32.0%), saturated fats (31.3%) and salt (20.4%). The results of the analytical model show the following HBM variables to be significantly associated with frequency of using information on food labels: higher levels of perceived benefit (OR = 1.72, CI 95% = 1.12–2.64); higher confidence in reading and understanding food labels (OR = 2.48, CI 95% = 1.62–3.78); and higher perceptions of the importance of nutrition (OR = 2.76, CI 95% =1.97–3.87). In addition, women and married people were found to use food label information more frequently.ConclusionsGeneral public information campaigns and HMOs campaigns with messages to motivate the use of food labels should emphasize the benefits of using labels to select food products. These messages should aim at increasing individuals’ perceived confidence in understanding the information on nutrition labels. The recent front-of-package labeling reform could be an important policy step for achieving healthier nutrition.

The Effect of Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sirjan School of Medical Sciences Staff Regarding the Use of Food Labels

The Effect of Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sirjan School of Medical Sciences Staff Regarding the Use of Food Labels

An Explorative Study on Heuristic Effects of Healthy Food Labels in an Online Shopping Situation

Abstract This study focuses on the representativeness heuristic effects of healthy food labels on consumer choice of healthy food. A within-subject experiment was arranged to identify whether consumers rely on representativeness heuristics when making a series of choices of food. Determining whether healthy food labels bias their choice under these limitations was of particular interest. Results (n=30) showed that some participants tend to develop a representativeness heuristic for choice in a series of food choices. For some consumers, healthy food labels do, to some extent, cue them into making biased choices. These results reveal that some consumers do find comparing healthiness of products tedious and rely on representativeness heuristics when making a choice. However, the use of healthy food labels specifically as a cue is very limited when other objective cues such as nutrition information are readily available.