Consumer understanding and use of food and nutrition labeling in Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine patterns of food and nutrition labels use by Turkish consumers, and examine constraints on the use of this information.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Twenty-six regions of Turkey.

Participants: Consumers (n = 1,536), aged 12-56 years.

Variables measured: Level of interest in food and nutrition labels, the perceived sources of information about nutrition, the performance of the food industry at labeling, and sociodemographic factors.

Analysis: Descriptive statistics and χ(2) statistics.

Results: The uses of food labels and nutrition labels were reported, respectively, by 76.5% and 72.4% of participants. Nutrition label use was significantly associated with sex, age, marital status, educational level, and socioeconomic status (P < .001 for all variables). Barriers to the use of nutrition labels included: the lack of understanding of terms, symbols, and values; poor presentation of the information; and concerns about the accuracy of the information. Consumers who wished to use nutrition labels to make healthful choices demanded a standardized location and format for the labels, as well as simplified information conveyed with comprehensible terms and statements.

Conclusions and implications: New strategies to encourage the effective consumer use of food and nutrition labels should include educational programs and revision of the label format.