Single-larger-portion-size and dual-column nutrition labeling may help consumers make more healthful food choices.
BACKGROUND
The Food and Drug Administration is considering changes to the Nutrition Facts label to help consumers make more healthful choices.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of modifications to the Nutrition Facts label on foods that can be listed as having 1 or 2 servings per container, but are reasonably consumed at a single eating occasion.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to study conditions that varied on label format, product, and nutrition profile. Data were collected via an online consumer panel.


METHODS
Adults aged 18 years and older were recruited from Synovate's online household panel. Data were collected during August 2011. A total of 32,897 invitations were sent for a final sample of 9,493 interviews.


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to one of 10 label formats classified into three groups: listing 2 servings per container with a single column, listing 2 servings per container with a dual column, and listing a single serving per container. Within these groups there were versions that enlarged the font size for "calories," removed "calories from fat," and changed the wording for serving size declaration.


METHODS
The single product task measured product healthfulness, the amount of calories and various nutrients per serving and per container, and label perceptions. The product comparison task measured ability to identify the healthier product and the product with fewer calories per container and per serving.


METHODS
Analysis of covariance models with Tukey-Kramer tests were used. Covariates included general label use, age, sex, level of education, and race/ethnicity.


RESULTS
Single-serving and dual-column formats performed better and scored higher on most outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
For products that contain 2 servings but are customarily consumed at a single eating occasion, using a single-serving or dual-column labeling approach may help consumers make healthier food choices.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD 20740, USA. Amy.Lando@fda.hhs.gov
Amy M
AM
Lando
Serena C
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D002755:Choice Behavior; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration