Food and the consumer: could labelling be the answer?

Abstract

Extensive research into the impact of nutrition labelling across Europe has shown that many consumers can effectively use a nutrition label to rank a food for healthiness. The present paper considers observational and laboratory evidence which has examined the impact of nutrition labelling (on food packaging and at point of purchase) on dietary behaviour. In addition, the potential counterproductive effects of foods bearing 'healthy' nutrition labels are examined. The observational evidence provides a useful insight into the key characteristics of nutrition label use. Those most likely to engage with nutrition labels are more likely to have a diet related disease and/or be on a weight loss diet and have a good overall diet quality. Experimental evidence, while limited, suggests that serving size information may be overlooked by consumers. In fact, there may be a tendency among consumers to overeat foods that are perceived to be healthier. The findings from the present paper suggest that if nutrition labelling is to be considered a strategy to facilitate consumers in managing their energy intake, it must coincide with salient, consistent and simple serving size information on the front of food packages and at the point of purchase. There is a clear need for more experimental research using robust methodologies, to examine the impact of nutrition information on dietary intake. In the meantime, there should be greater attention given to portion size within national dietary guidance.

Influence of the nutrition and health information presented on food labels on portion size consumed: a systematic review

“…It also provides further evidence that external information about the healthfulness of foods affects restrained eaters' consumption more than that of unrestrained eaters. 21 These findings are consistent with findings by Dovey et al, 60 who found that restrained eaters were more heavily influenced by food advertising messages than unrestrained eaters, and findings by Kerr et al, 61 who found that individuals on a weight-loss diet were among the most likely to use nutrition labels, increasing the tendency to overeat foods they perceived to be more healthful. Two studies found information on labels impacted on the consumption behavior of unrestrained but not restrained eaters.…”

Serving size on nutrition labeling for processed foods sold in Brazil: Relationship to energy value

“…As consistent and simple serving size information on nutrition labeling is considered an important strategy to facilitate healthy food choices and intake 21 , it is relevant to analyze how serving sizes are declared on processed food labels in Brazil. Considering the lack of studies in Brazil assessing serving size declaration and the allowed variation by the Brazilian law, the aim of this study was to analyze the serving sizes declared on Brazilian food labels with respect to their conformity to Brazilian law, variability among similar foods and relationship to energy value.…”

Food Composition Databases: Considerations about Complex Food Matrices

“…The increasing consumer’s attention on knowing about what we eat and the mandatory of nutrition labeling by the industry, has increased the need to produce more complete composition data [ 25 , 26 ]. On the other hand, the poor availability of data for specific food formulations, often on the market for a short time, clearly indicates the need to study alternative methods to analytical methods to know their nutritional properties.…”