The Acceptability of Food Policies

Abstract

We propose and test a model of food policy acceptability. The model is structured in four levels: government, topic, policy, and individual. In this study, we focus on two levels that are actionable for policy-makers: the topic and policy levels. We assess nine factors using a first online survey with 600 UK nationals and replicate our results in a second survey with 588 participants. Our results suggest that three factors have a positive effect on acceptability at the topic level: awareness of the issue, the legitimacy of state intervention, and social norms. At the policy level, we report a positive effect of the policy’s expected effectiveness, its appropriate targeting of consumers, and the perceived support of the majority. On the other hand, more coercive interventions and those generating inequalities are judged to be less acceptable. Additionally, we report an interaction between awareness and coerciveness on acceptability. Participants who are aware of the issue were more likely to support coercive policies. We also find evidence for a trade-off between coerciveness, effectiveness, and acceptability, as more coercive measures are considered more effective, but less acceptable by participants. Our findings offer policy-makers, nutrition experts, and advocates for healthier and more sustainable diets a new and integrated understanding of the underlying factors that determine food policy acceptability.

UK government’s new placement legislation is a ‘good first step’: a rapid qualitative analysis of consumer, business, enforcement and health stakeholder perspectives

“…Most believed it will help consumers purchase and eat fewer unhealthy foods. This finding corresponds with other previous evidence demonstrating moderate-high levels of acceptance of obesity-related food policies in consumers and retailers [ 34 – 36 ], including one UK study of 7058 participants, where most found nudge and tax policy interventions on HFSS snack foods to be acceptable [ 37 ]. Research from Switzerland and Australia, however, suggests that more at-risk groups, such as individuals experiencing obesity or consumers of high-sugar drinks, are less supportive of food policies perceived to restrict personal liberties [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Citizens Views on Policy Instruments for Sustainable Food Consumption From Spatial Perspective

“…The classification of Espinosa and Nassar (2021) of dimensions of acceptability could be found in the responses to the open-ended question, albeit there was little difference between the spatial context: awareness of the issue, the legitimacy of state intervention, and social norms. Following the social norms could be seen in the responses highlighting the diet based on the official recommendation of the food authorities (the plate model).…”

“…However, the respondent's previous habits and strong identity as a meat-eater had the greatest impact on the evaluation of the information material. Espinosa and Nassar (2021) have studied the acceptability of food policies and distinguish three influential factors: awareness of the issue, the legitimacy of state intervention, and social norms.…”

Beyond the buzz: A review of the prospects of replacing meat consumption with insect-based foods

“…Replacing meat with alternatives such as insect-based foods requires addressing deeply rooted social, cultural, and ideological beliefs about food and society. Societal norms can evolve with the support of civil society, health organisations, and governments, yet this is a lengthy and complex process 29 .…”