scholarly journals Study of Consumer Awareness on Food Labelling and Use of Pack Information for Purchase of Pre-Packaged Food Products

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samit Dutta ◽  
Deval Patel
Keyword(s):  
Informed Choice ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Labelling Information ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Prepackaged Foods ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose – Liberalization of trade, globalization and development in food science and technology has resulted in an increase in trade and consumption of pre-packaged foods. Reading food labelling information is important to assist in making informed choices of food. This study determined level of awareness on pre-packaged food labelling information among consumers in Anand city of Gujarat, India, their perception on the importance of such information and various factors influencing in reading and using food labels. Design/methodology/approach – A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information from consumers who were found purchasing prepackaged foods in selected modern format retail stores. The obtained data were computed to determine relationships and associations between various factors and the use of food labelling information among consumers in the area of study. Findings – Study revealed that 86.7 per cent of the study participants reported to read labeling information prior purchase of pre-packaged foods. However, only a third of respondents were very much informed about food labelling and computed awareness scores. It was observed that level of education and gender difference had statistically significant association with awareness scores and perception of importance of food labelling. 83.3 per cent of respondents mentioned price of food as the factor for motivating them to read food label before purchase of the food item. Practical implications – Deliberate efforts may be needed to improve food labelling, provide education to consumers to raise their awareness on importance of reading and use of food labelling information to make an informed choice of the food. Originality/value – Determines level of awareness about labelling information among consumers of pre-packaged food products.

scholarly journals ASSESMENT OF CONSUMER AWARENESS ABOUT USAGE OF FOOD LABELS AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD BUYING BEHAVIOUR

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 10-19
Author(s):  
Virender Pal Kaur ◽  
Nirmal Kaur ◽  
Neha Qumar
Keyword(s):  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Consumer Awareness ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Packaged Food

Food labeling enables consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming food products. Consumption of packaged food items has grown tremendously in the recent past. Despite this, the issue of consumer awareness about usage of food labeling information has attracted little research attention in developing countries. Food regulations and increased consumer awareness are forcing packaged food companies across the world to display more and more information on packaged food products. However, little is known about consumer response to such information in emerging economies. For this the data was collected with the help of interview schedule conducted amongst 60 respondents out of which 30 were male and 30 were females from higher education institutes of Pilibhit District of Uttar Pradesh. The study assesses the level of awareness about different categories of information generally displayed on food labels. The study also examines the usage of food labels information during purchase decisions of the respondents about packaged food. All 60 subjects had knowledge about food labels. Amongst male respondents 56.66 per cent were those who purchased packaged food more than once a week, 16.66 per cent purchased it once a week, 6.66 per cent purchased it once a month and 20 per cent purchased it occasionally which is quite similar as females. Gender was significantly associated with the frequency of buying packaged foods and reading food label. The usage of the information printed on packaged food was relatively high amongst the consumers while buying packaged food products. Despite a high frequency of purchasing packaged foods, the percentage of males and females reading food labels and components of food labels on a regular basis was found very less.  It is found that consumers in these three education institutes were fairly aware about the information provided on the food labels; though the level of awareness about different types of information varied. The results indicated that particular category of information was used more by the consumers while purchasing packaged food products. The results had very strong implications for researchers as well as the food companies.

scholarly journals Declaration of nutrition information on and nutritional quality of Thai ready-to-eat packaged food products

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1409-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suladda Pongutta ◽  
Pitipa Chongwatpol ◽  
Parwin Tantayapirak ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Profile Model ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveThe present study assessed the nutrition information displayed on ready-to-eat packaged foods and the nutritional quality of those food products in Thailand.DesignIn March 2015, the nutrition information panels and nutrition and health claims on ready-to-eat packaged foods were collected from the biggest store of each of the twelve major retailers, using protocols developed by the International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS). The Thai Nutrient Profile Model was used to classify food products according to their nutritional quality as ‘healthier’ or ‘less healthy’.ResultsIn total, information from 7205 food products was collected across five broad food categories. Out of those products, 5707 (79·2 %), 2536 (35·2 %) and 1487 (20·6 %) carried a nutrition facts panel, a Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label and health-related claims, respectively. Only 4691 (65·1 %) and 2484 (34·5 %) of the products that displayed the nutrition facts or a GDA label, respectively, followed the guidelines of the Thai Food and Drug Administration. In total, 4689 products (65·1 %) could be classified according to the Thai Nutrient Profile Model, of which 432 products (9·2 %) were classified as healthier. Moreover, among the 1487 products carrying health-related claims, 1219 (82·0 %) were classified as less healthy. Allowing less healthy food products to carry claims could mislead consumers and result in overconsumption of ready-to-eat food products.ConclusionsThe findings suggest effective policies should be implemented to increase the relative availability of healthier ready-to-eat packaged foods, as well as to improve the provision of nutrition information on labels in Thailand.

scholarly journals A comparison of the Health Star Rating and nutrient profiles of branded and generic food products in Sydney supermarkets, Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 2132-2139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hun Kim ◽  
Wing Gi Amanda Liu ◽  
Anna Rangan ◽  
Luke Gemming
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Nutritional Profile ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Generic Products ◽  
Nutrient Profiles ◽  
Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the Health Star Rating (HSR) and the nutritional profile of branded and generic packaged foods in Australia.DesignIn-store audits of packaged food products capturing data on HSR and nutritional content to analyse differences between branded and generic foods across ten food categories.SettingThe audit was conducted in four major supermarket chains across various locations within metropolitan Sydney regions, Australia.ResultsA total of 6269 products were analysed with 57 % of generic products and 28 % of branded products displaying an HSR. The median HSR of branded products was significantly greater than for generic products overall (4·0 v. 3·5, P<0·005) and in six out of ten food categories (P<0·005). However, when branded products could be matched to their generic counterparts for paired comparisons (n 146), no statistical difference was observed in all ten food categories. Branded products that chose to display an HSR had significantly lower saturated fat and Na, but higher fibre contents than branded products not displaying an HSR.ConclusionsOur data show no difference in the HSR or nutrient profiles of similar branded and generic products that display HSR. Branded products appear to exploit the voluntary nature of the HSR scheme, preferentially displaying an HSR on healthier products compared with their generic counterparts.

The average Irish consumer a packaged food profile

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 2801-2813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meave Broderick ◽  
Agnes Bouchier-Hayes ◽  
Tracey Larkin
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
The Republic ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Packaged Food

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of the average Irish consumer (AIC) of preferences that drive food choice and purchasing of packaged foods. Design/methodology/approach – A number of Irish consumer studies have been carried out and most notably by An Bord Bia. Purchasing and Eating in the Republic of Ireland (PERIscope) investigates Irish consumer food preferences from 2009-2013, based on data obtained from +1,000 people in Ireland. Frequency analysis of these data sets was used to generate majority findings and preference attributes from which to propose a profile of the AIC. Component and cluster analysis was applied to investigate potential relationships between preference attributes and the significance of these relationships. Findings – The AIC is a female to whom price is a priority in food choice and prefers foods that are quick and easy to prepare. The AIC checks foods labels, looks for the low-fat option, but has difficulty understanding nutrition claims and labels. The AIC buys local produce at least monthly, believes local food has less artificial/preservative ingredients and checks for the country of origin on food products. The AIC is conscious of environmental issues and prefers to buy from companies that are environmentally friendly. The AIC buys food in smaller packs as it means less waste, is possibly more convenient and lower priced. Originality/value – It is the aim of this publication to provide a profile of the AIC to assist food companies in understanding and targeting the consumers of their products when developing packaged food products.

scholarly journals Gluten-Free Claims Are Displayed Mostly on Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 751-751
Author(s):  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Gabriel B. Tjong ◽  
Mary L'Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Prepackaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Level Of Processing

Abstract Objectives Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by an adverse response to gluten ingestion. While only 1% of the population must follow a gluten-free diet (e.g., those with celiac disease), gluten-free products are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada, particularly among packaged products, which are largely processed or ultra-processed. Yet, excess consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods has been associated with poor diet quality, a risk factor for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Objectives To examine whether the presence of gluten-free claims (GFC) on packaged food and beverage products was associated with level of processing. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017. GFC were identified by systematically reviewing the photographs of food labels (n = 17,267). Products were classified into 22 main food categories as determined by the Health Canada's Table of Reference Amounts for Foods. Using the NOVA food processing classification system, products were also classified into two groups: 1) Unprocessed or minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients; and 2) processed or ultra-processed. Proportions of products displaying GFC were calculated overall, by food category and by level of processing. Binomial logistic regression models examined the association of GFC with level of processing. Results Fifteen % of products displayed GFC. Categories displaying the largest proportion of GFC were snacks (32%), meat and poultry products (28%), and nuts and seeds (26%). The presence of GFC claim was associated with foods being processed or ultra-processed (β = 1.63, P &lt; 0.001). In 8 of the 22 food categories, 100% of products displaying GFC were processed or ultra-processed, while more than 80% of foods displaying GFC in 17 of 22 categories were considered processed or ultra-processed. Conclusions About 1/6 of prepackaged foods and beverages displayed gluten-free claims in the Canadian Food supply. Most of them were considered processed and ultra-processed foods. Funding Sources Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR) Scholarships [BFA, LV], Department of Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Fellowship [BFA; LV], Ontario Graduate Scholarship [LV], CIHR Research Grant 2016PJT-152,979 [MRL].

scholarly journals Labelling completeness and sodium content of packaged foods in India

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 2839-2846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Johnson ◽  
Sudhir Raj Thout ◽  
Sailesh Mohan ◽  
Elizabeth Dunford ◽  
Clare Farrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Products ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Indian Government ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the proportion of products meeting Indian government labelling regulations and to examine the Na levels in packaged foods sold in India.DesignNutritional composition data were collected from the labels of all packaged food products sold at Indian supermarkets in between 2012 and 2014. Proportions of products compliant with the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and labelled with Na content, and mean Na levels were calculated. Comparisons were made against 2010 data from Hyderabad and against the UK Department of Health (DoH) 2017 Na targets.SettingEleven large chain retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad, India.SubjectsPackaged food products (n 5686) categorised into fourteen food groups, thirty-three food categories and ninety sub-categories.ResultsMore packaged food products (43 v. 34 %; P<0·001) were compliant with FSSAI regulations but less (32 v. 38 %; P<0·001) reported Na values compared with 2010. Food groups with the highest Na content were sauces and spreads (2217 mg/100 g) and convenience foods (1344 mg/100 g). Mean Na content in 2014 was higher in four food groups compared with 2010 and lower in none (P<0·05). Only 27 % of foods in sub-categories for which there are UK DoH benchmarks had Na levels below the targets.ConclusionsCompliance with nutrient labelling in India is improving but remains low. Many packaged food products have high levels of Na and there is no evidence that Indian packaged foods are becoming less salty.

scholarly journals Study of Animal-Based Food Product Labeling use

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Candra Pungki Wibowo ◽  
Suci Paramitasari Syahlani ◽  
Sudi Nurtini
Keyword(s):  
Food Product ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Time Availability ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
And Gender

This study was conducted to identify the food labeling profile in animal-based food products based on consumers’ age and gender, consumers’ preference of the information provided in the label, consumers’ behavior in reading the label, and consumers’ knowledge about food labeling. A total of 100 respondents participated in the study. The sampling was done by using judgmental sampling method with the following criteria: (1) respondent has bought animal-based food products within the last month of the study; (2) respondent’s age was over 18 years old. The data were analyzed descriptively and by using regression analysis. The results showed that female respondents and a group of 50 years or older respondents were used to read the food label frequently compared to other respondent groups. The type of information which considered as the most important was the expiration date, followed by product’s name, ingredients, halal status, nutritional value, product’s instruction for usage and its irregularities, net weight, and the producer’s name and address. This study also identified that the majority of the respondents, as many as 67%, already had good knowledge about food labels, while the other 32% had adequate knowledge, and only 1% of the respondents had a little knowledge about food labels. It can be concluded that consumers’ perception of the potential risks on animal-based food products affect their behaviour in reading the label (p<0.05) while consumers’ health condition and time availability to buy the products did not affect their behaviour in reading the label in animal based food products.

Comparing how Canadian packaged food products align with the 2007 and 2019 versions of Canada’s Food Guide

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Mavra Ahmed ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Kacie M Dickinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Label ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Profile Model ◽  
Information Program ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Label Information ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Health Canada ◽  
Future Work

In 2019, Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) was updated from the 2007 version. This study developed a food-based nutrient profile model (NPM) to evaluate the alignment of packaged food and beverage products with CFG 2019 and compared it with CFG 2007. Packaged products from the University of Toronto’s Food Label Information Program 2017 database were evaluated in terms of their alignment with CFG 2007 (using the Health Canada Surveillance Tool (HCST)) and CFG 2019 (using our newly developed CFG 2019 NPM). Agreement in alignment (e.g., products “in line” according to CFG 2019 NPM and in Tiers 1 or 2 according to the HCST) was calculated and differences in alignment and reasons for differences were quantified and described. Overall agreement in product alignment between CFG 2007 and 2019 was 81.9%, with fewer products aligned with CFG 2019: 16.4% vs. 31.8%, (X2 =189.12, p< 0.001). Differences in alignment varied across food categories (0.0-73.8%), explained by differences in CFG 2019, reflected in the CFG 2019 NPM (e.g., emphasis on avoiding processed foods, encouraging whole grains and low-fat dairy). This study presents a first step in assessing packaged foods’ alignment with CFG 2019; future work is needed to evaluate broader dietary adherence to the updated recommendations. Novelty Bullets: -A food-based nutrient profile model was developed based on the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) and tested on packaged foods by comparing it to the nutrient-based Health Canada Surveillance Tool (HCST), based on CFG 2007. -Most (82%) packaged products were “not in line” with either CFG version.

scholarly journals Methodology for the Determination of Fruit, Vegetable, Nut and Legume Points for Food Supplies without Quantitative Ingredient Declarations and Its Application to a Large Canadian Packaged Food and Beverage Database

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1127
Author(s):  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Mavra Ahmed ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Kacie Dickinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Label ◽  
Food Category ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Information Program ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Label Information ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
The University

Nutrient profiling (NP) models are useful tools for objectively and transparently quantifying the nutritional quality of packaged foods and beverages. Many NP models incorporate ingredients beneficial for health (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes (FVNL)) in addition to less healthful nutrients or components, assigning points based on the proportion of the product that contains FVNL ingredients. However, with food labelling in most countries lacking mandatory quantitative ingredient declarations (QUIDs), there is potential for the estimation of FVNL points to be ambiguous and inconsistent. The purpose of this article was to describe the development and application of methodology for estimating FVNL points for products without QUIDs, based on the position of FVNL components within the ingredients list. Using this method, FVNL points were calculated for packaged foods and beverages in the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database (n = 17,337). Distributions of FVNL points were examined overall and by food category. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of this method in distinguishing between products with differing amounts of FVNL ingredients. This method will be valuable for researchers and policymakers in ensuring consistent, objective and reproducible estimations of FVNL points—and consequently, assessments of product healthfulness—for food supplies without QUIDs.

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