Awareness, Satisfaction, and Usage Patterns of Female-Consumers for Food-Nutrition Labeling in Busan

Lee, Jeong Sook

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the awareness, satisfaction, and usage patterns of female-consumers for food-nutrition labeling in Busan. The survey was conducted from April 15 to June 10, 2018 by questionnaire. Degree of perception of food-nutrition labeling was higher among individuals in their 30s, 40s and 50s than those in their 20s, 60s and 70s. The score of verification degree was highest among respondents in their 40s and lowest among those in their 20s and 70s. Degree of demand of individuals in their 70s was lower than that of those in their 60s. Degree of reliability of individuals in their 30s, 40s and 50s was higher than that of those in their 20s, 60s, 70s. Satisfaction degree did not differ significantly among groups. Overall the most common reason to review food labeling was "˜to confirm expiry date' (30.8%). Among those in their 20s, the main reason for reviewing nutrition labeling was "˜weight control', while it was "˜nutrients' among those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, and "˜health improvement' among those in their 70s. Additionally, 51.3% of the subjects reported that the major reason for difficulty understanding the labeling was "˜small letter, various form'. The demand for nutrient contents was highest in sodium. Age was negatively correlated with perception of food-nutrition labeling, demand, need for education and publicity, and nutrition knowledge (P < 0.01), whereas it was positively correlated with dietary attitude (P < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between demand for food-nutrition labeling and the need for education and publicity regarding food-nutrition labeling (r=0.546). Therefore, education materials and improvement plans based on age should be developed and implemented to inspire individuals to choose more nutritious food and develop a healthy dietary life.