Perception of the influence of front nutritional labeling on the selection and purchase intention of packaged foods in a representative sample of paraguayan adults

Abstract

Introduction:The Front-of-Pack (FoP) Nutrition Labelling (NL) of foods and beverages would facilitate healthy purchasing decisions. Objective: To evaluate the perception of the influence of FoP nutrition labelling on food selection and intention to purchase packaged foods in a representative sample of Paraguayan adults, between August and September 2021. Materials and methods: Non-masked randomized experimental study, with national representative sample of adults who bought and/or consumed industrialized food products. Healthcare staff and people with linguistic disabilities that make the survey difficult were excluded. Adults were randomly assigned to the different FoP Nutrition Labelling options (A: Octagon Warning, B: Magnifying Glass Warning and C: Traffic Light). Demographic variables, perceived influence of FoP-NL and purchase intention were measured. Descriptive statistics and the proportions test were used. The protocol was evaluated by the FCQ-UNA research ethics committee. Results: 1,106 adults were assigned to one of the options. The median age was 40 years, 83.5% lived in urban areas and 46.2% completed high school. 71.2% indicated that the FoP-NL called their attention, 82% stated that it facilitates the understanding of information, 87.9% perceived a health risk, 56.9% would modify their consumption intention, 70% would modify their intention of purchase and 80% stated that the FoP-NL would be useful to make decisions. Conclusion: All the FoP-NL were striking for the population, regardless of the type, the three achieve a change in the intention to purchase and consume packaged foods.