Study On The Status And Consumers And Food Sellers' Congnitve Of Nutrition Labeling

BackgroundThe regulation of food nutrition labeling has been announced in December 2007 by China Ministry of Health,and has been carried on in May 2008. The implementation regulation of food nutrition labeling will have an important effect on nutrition management.Consumers are the ultimate practicer,it is important that they will make good use of nutrition labeling. Food sellers will help to publicize nutrition labeling to consumers.The compliance of consumers and food sellers are directly related to the regulation effect.So it is necessary to do the baseline study.ObjectivesTo investigate consumers' and food sellers' knowledge,attitude and practice about nutrition labeling in 8 cities,find the status of nutrition labeling of prepackaged food in market.In order to give some advice about assessment China food nutrition labeling regulations.MethodsA typical survey,this study conducted a face-to-face interview by him-administered questionnaire survey forms from June to August in 2008.1) consumers:8 cities for more than 13-year-old youth,above 24 years old who is responsible for household food purchase.Including one of 13-23 years old(male and female half),24-50 years old(female),over 50 years old(male and female half).2) food sellers:pre-packaged food sellers over five supermarkets or stores in 8 cities.3) nutrition labeling:collect 523 kinds of packaged food labeling by photos or writing them.Survey consumers and food sellers by questionnaire in Beijing,Xinzhou, Harbin,Qiqihar,Shanghai,Wenzhou,Lanzhou,Guiyang.Choose large,medium and small supermarkets in each city.Get the nutrition labeling information by copying or takeing photos in large supermarkets and fast food restaurants.Results1.There are 77.5 percent of consumers consider that it is necessary to mark the nutrition labeling on package foods,especially 24-50 years old(female). Only 6.6 percent of consumers are able to answer the definition of nutrition labeling correctly.15.9 percent of consumers think that nutrition labeling will affect food choice.Women in 24-50 years old and the consumers who are higher education level use nutrition labeling more than other groups. Consumers consider more about the relationship between nutrition and chronic diseases.2.There are 92.9 percent of food sellers consider that it is necessary to mark the nutrition labeling,especially who graduate from high school, college and above education level.Only 3.1 percent of the sellers could correctly answer the definition of nutrition labeling.60.7 percent of food sellers(supermarket more than stores) believe that marking nutrition labeling will be helpful to increase sales.3.49.7 percent of prepackage food have marked nutrition labeling,including 2.4 percent of meat products,12.5 percent of condiment,67.7 percent of oil,22.2 percent of rice.No flour product have nutrition labeling.ConclusionsAt present,there are many problems in understanding and using food nutrition labeling for consumers and food sellers.We need to publicize nutrition and nutrition labeling knowledge to people.Currently nutrition labeling is in chaos.The regulation of food nutrition labeling which has been announced will be helpful for nutrition labeling management,meeting consumer demand and the relevant laws and regulations with international standards.