Trans fat information on food labels: consumer use and interpretation.
OBJECTIVE
Consumers' use and interpretation of trans fat information on food labels were explored.


METHODS
Consumers completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in one of three grocery stores selected purposively to represent geographical location. Data analysis involved examining the relationship of age, gender, grocery shopping habits, household size, and source of nutrition information with awareness, use, and interpretation of trans fat information.


RESULTS
Ninety-eight percent (n=239) of participants were aware of trans fat, and most knew of the relationship between trans fat intake and cardiovascular disease. Although the majority of shoppers were aware of the "0 trans fat" nutrition claim on food packages (95%), they were more likely to use the Nutrition Facts panel (60%%) to reduce trans fat intake. Men and consumers under age 40 were least likely to be aware of food label information. While most consumers (75%) correctly interpreted the "0 trans fat" nutrition claim and thought foods with this claim could be healthy choices (64%), only 51% purchased these foods to reduce trans fat intake.


CONCLUSIONS
Nutrition professionals should target messages to reduce trans fat intake at men and consumers under age 40. While general knowledge was good, further education is required to help consumers interpret trans fat information.
Ellis
Sonya
S
Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS.
Glanville
N Theresa
NT
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids; D055815:Young Adult
D004041:Dietary Fats; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids