Nutrition labeling and value size pricing at fast-food restaurants: a consumer perspective.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study examined nutrition-related attitudes that may affect food choices at fast-food restaurants, including consumer attitudes toward nutrition labeling of fast foods and elimination of value size pricing.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 79 fast-food restaurant patrons aged 16 and above (78.5% white, 55% female, mean age 41.2 [17.1]) selected meals from fast-food restaurant menus that varied as to whether nutrition information was provided and value pricing included and completed a survey and interview on nutrition-related attitudes.


RESULTS
Only 57.9% of participants rated nutrition as important when buying fast food. Almost two thirds (62%) supported a law requiring nutrition labeling on restaurant menus. One third (34%) supported a law requiring restaurants to offer lower prices on smaller instead of bigger-sized portions.


CONCLUSIONS
This convenience sample of fast-food patrons supported nutrition labels on menus. More research is needed with larger samples on whether point-of-purchase nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants raises perceived importance of nutrition when eating out.
O'Dougherty
Maureen
M
Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
Harnack
Lisa J
LJ
French
Simone A
SA
Story
Mary
M
Oakes
J Michael
JM
Jeffery
Robert W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011356:Product Labeling; D012147:Restaurants