Consumers' knowledge of food label information: an exploratory investigation in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the ability of consumers to: locate and manipulate food label information; assess the accuracy of nutrient content claims and which health/nutrient claims are allowed; and identify symbols on food labels. Associations pertaining to use and knowledge regarding food label information were also determined for consumers from different demographic and related groups.


METHODS
An exploratory descriptive study was undertaken, employing a face-to-face survey focusing on demographic information, shopping behaviour, nutrition is important beliefs, label use, label knowledge and label preference and information sources.


METHODS
Selected public locations in Potchefstroom in the North West Province of South Africa.


METHODS
Respondents (n 229) complying with set inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling.


RESULTS
The results indicated respondents' general health and label awareness, as most of them (>80%) could locate label information and identify symbols and specific nutrient content claims although only 53% were able to calculate the number of servings. Nevertheless, an inability was found to assess the accuracy of some nutrient content claims and permissible health/nutrient claims. More educated, younger, Afrikaans- and English-speaking respondents seemed to be more knowledgeable regarding food label information.


CONCLUSIONS
Respondents who were informed about nutrition were also informed about label information, while label reading practices resulted in label-influenced purchasing decisions. Educational programmes on food labels should start with nutritional background that could be implemented by consumers during label reading and purchasing decisions.
Department of Consumer Sciences, Private Bag X6001, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa. Daleen.vanderMerwe@nwu.ac.za
Daleen
D
van der Merwe
Magdalena
M
Bosman
Suria
S
Ellis
Hanli
H
de Beer
Annchen
A
Mielmann
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003625:Data Collection; D004032:Diet; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009753:Nutritive Value; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult