Helping consumers make more healthful food choices: consumer views on modifying food labels and providing point-of-purchase nutrition information at quick-service restaurants.
OBJECTIVE
To understand consumer (1) interest in nutrition information on food labels and quick-service restaurant menu boards and (2) reactions to modifying this information to help highlight calories and more healthful choices.


METHODS
Eight consumer focus groups, using a guide and stimuli.


METHODS
Focus group discussions in 4 US cities.


METHODS
A total of 68 consumers, with 7 to 10 per focus group.


METHODS
Authors prepared detailed summaries of discussions based on observation. Video recordings and transcripts were used to cross-check summaries. Data were systematically reviewed, synthesized, and analyzed.


METHODS
Consumer views on alternative presentations of nutrition information on packaged food items and quick-service restaurant menu boards.


RESULTS
Participants (1) were interested in having nutrition information available, but would not use it at every eating occasion; (2) thought that food products typically consumed at 1 eating occasion should be labeled as a single serving; and (3) indicated that an icon on labels and menu boards that signaled more healthful options could be helpful.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide a basis for the development of more systematic studies to better understand whether alternative presentations of nutrition information would help consumers.
Lando
Amy M
AM
US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, MD, USA. amy.lando@fda.hhs.gov
Labiner-Wolfe
Judith
J
D002755:Choice Behavior; D003256:Community Participation; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000592:standards*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D012147:Restaurants