Food Information Programs: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

This paper summarizes existing evidence on the impact of food information programs. Published and unpublished literature produced within the past decade was searched and reviewed. Relevant data were tabulated and key findings summarized. Food information programs are becoming increasingly popular as tools to help consumers select a healthy diet. The key feature of a food information program is a package logo on foods meeting nutrition criteria set by the program s administering body. The logo acts as a health message. Several countries, including Canada, have adopted food information programs. Critics believe that these programs oversimplify the concept of healthy eating, that consumers misinterpret the logo s meaning, that licensing fees prohibit small companies from participating, and that the programs are limited to purchase behaviour and do not necessarily have an impact on dietary intake. Consumers report support for the programs and are able to interpret a logo s meaning accurately. In addition, evidence shows the programs have had a positive impact on the nutrient composition of foods. Research is still needed, however, to establish the impact of such programs on food purchases and dietary intake, and the overall and long-term effectiveness of the programs as a nutrition intervention.

Effects of front-of-package and shelf nutrition labeling systems on consumers

“…The purpose of this article is to inform policymakers in the United States about which types of labeling schemes or which specific features of labels have been scientifically tested on consumers and have been found to most quickly capture their attention, are easiest for them to understand, and prompt them to make healthier purchases and consumption choices. This study updates earlier reviews, [8][9][10][11] expands their geographic coverage, 8 and identifies knowledge gaps in the literature that could be addressed in future studies.…”

Making an informed choice in the catering environment: what do consumers want to know?

“…the Australian Pick the Tick Scheme http://www.nhf.org.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145820218)] and the current literature on consumer understanding and use of nutrition labelling (Rayner et al. , 2001; Smith et al. , 2002; Cowburn & Stockley, 2005) should also be explored further.…”

Consumer preferences for front-of-pack calories labelling

“…These so-called ‘food information programmes’ 9 aim at simple logos that highlight foods with nutritional characteristics that aid in promoting health or reducing disease risk. Several of such schemes have been proposed, such as Pick the Tick (since 1989 in Australia and New Zealand), Green Keyhole (since 1989 in Sweden), Heart Check (since 1995 in the USA) and Health Check (since 1998 in Canada).…”