Consumer Awareness and Demand for Country-of-Origin Labeling at Restaurants: For Adults Who Live in Seoul

Ahn, Hee Jin; Park, Sanghyun; Joo, Nami

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate consumer awareness and demand related to country-of-origin labeling at restaurants, and to provide basic data to reexamine the need for current policies and to determine problems. The study found that 70% of the respondents thought that the implemented representation policy had improved food quality, and 81.3% of the respondents checked country-of-origin labeling at restaurants. In addition, 74.7% of the respondents answered that "reward for accusation" was appropriate policy. Regarding the degree of recognition of the meat importers, the respondents were well aware of the importing countries, but did not recognize the importing country of chicken. In terms of preference for meat importers, Australian beef was rated highest, but beef from the U.S. was ranked seventh. However, in preferences for pork and chicken, U.S. products were rated highest. According to the survey, in a question regarding the perception toward country-of-origin labeling, the respondents recognized that rice, beef, pork, and chicken were the targeted items. In addition, the respondents suggested that other food ingredients at restaurants should be designated as target items for country-of-origin labeling.