Use and understanding of nutrition information on food labels among grocery shoppers in Malta

Abstract

Background Nutrition information is described as a bridge that helps decrease the information gap between the producer and the consumer. This information is also used as a tool for health promotion purposes by the public health sector as a means of helping consumers to make the best decision when deciding which foods to purchase and consume. However, this is only possible if the information is used and understood correctly. The aim of this study is to assess the level of understanding and use of nutrition information found on food labels of grocery shoppers in Malta. Locally, there has not been much research conducted on this topic in recent years. Method An online self-administered questionnaire was drafted and distributed via the social media platform ‘Facebook’ and through email to a wide audience who were 18 years of age and older. The questionnaire was made up of three sections: demographics; participant’s lifestyle; and use and knowledge of the nutrition information on food labels. This data was then analysed using IBM SPSS® Statistics 28. Results Most of the questionnaire respondents (n=262) were female (n=200), with a tertiary education and currently employed. When asked to identify the label with the highest amounts of saturated fats, calories and salt, the vast majority answered correctly with a total of (n=234) (n=221) (n=223) correct answers respectively. Participants were not as knowledgeable with regards to ‘Reference Intake’, with 43.5% of the respondents not having heard of the term. Conclusion Following the analysis of the data gathered, it can be deduced that the participants have an adequate level of understanding and make use of most of the nutrition information on food labels. However, there is not enough awareness on the ‘Reference Intake’. The findings show an association between a higher use and better understanding of nutrition information and participants who follow a certain diet and/or exercise regularly. From the results obtained, it is recommended to further educate individuals to make use of this information and empower them to take informed decisions when buying food.