Influences of nutrition information on fast food consumption among undergraduates

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the influences of providing nutrition information on fast food restaurant menus, especially among Malaysian undergraduates, who often eat outside the campus during the semester. A validated questionnaire, adapted from previous studies was used to determine the general perception of nutrition information and nutrient intake when eating at fast food restaurants. A total of 185 undergraduates from three different schools participated -medical sciences (n=54, 29.2%), dentistry, (n=54, 29.2%), health sciences (n= 77, 41.6%) in a university. In general, the majority of the undergraduates ate fast food at least once a week (n= 105, 56.8%) and most of them preferred to eat outside on weekends (n=156, 84.3%). Majority perceived that it was important to provide nutrition information at fast food restaurant (n=183, 98.9%). The mean for calorie, fat and sodium composition of their food choices were significantly different between before and after providing nutrition information of food items that they intended to purchase (p<0.001). Student's intention to purchase definitely differed when they were well informed about the nutrition value of food.

Customer Satisfaction as A Result of Combination of Food Display & Quality

“…Referring to an article that writes about the increase in obesity in Indonesia, public awareness of food has also increased (Darmayana 2017), especially for sugar, sodium, caffeine, and cholesterol. It is also in line with statements from Pulos & Leng (2010), and Vijayakurmaran & Amalina (2018), where the nutritional content has a positive impact on food quality.…”

“…In this case, there needs to be socialization to the public regarding the role and impact of sugar, sodium, caffeine, and cholesterol on weight gain. With this condition, the restaurant needs to also ensure the nutritional content in food dishes to customers (Pardede, Rosdiana, & Christianto 2017, Munada 2017) This is supported by the results of research from Vijayakurmaran & Amalina (2018) which states that information about food nutrition offered to customers has a positive impact on increasing customer satisfaction (Thomas Jr & Mills 2006).…”

Generation Z's Perception of Fast Food's Product Safety, Nutrition, and Health

“…Consumers perceive fast food restaurants to be ethically responsible when offering healthful foods and nutrition information (Javed et al, 2021;Vijayakumaran & Amalina, 2018). Due to the young generation's tight working schedule, they are not only looking for fast food as it is convenient, but they emphasize the freshness and product quality.…”

Frequent Eating Out and 10‐Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Evidence from a Community Observatory in Malaysia

“…Refined carbohydrates (e.g., white rice and white flour), sweetened beverages, high sodium intake, and saturated fats increased CVD risk [34,43]. In Malaysia, easily accessible fast food outlets [44] and habit of frequently eating out resulted in an increased trend of consuming unhealthy fast foods which are energy dense and high in fat and high in sodium content [45][46][47]. Meanwhile, people who eat out tend to choose popular food that is high in fats and sodium such as nasi lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk), pasta, chicken rice, and rice with thick and rich gravies.…”