Consumer understanding and use of food and nutrition labeling in Turkey

To determine patterns of food and nutrition labels use by Turkish consumers, and examine constraints on the use of this information.

Cross-sectional survey.

Twenty-six regions of Turkey.

Consumers (n = 1,536), aged 12-56 years.

Level of interest in food and nutrition labels, the perceived sources of information about nutrition, the performance of the food industry at labeling, and sociodemographic factors.

Descriptive statistics and χ(2) statistics.

The uses of food labels and nutrition labels were reported, respectively, by 76.5% and 72.4% of participants. Nutrition label use was significantly associated with sex, age, marital status, educational level, and socioeconomic status (P < .001 for all variables). Barriers to the use of nutrition labels included: the lack of understanding of terms, symbols, and values; poor presentation of the information; and concerns about the accuracy of the information. Consumers who wished to use nutrition labels to make healthful choices demanded a standardized location and format for the labels, as well as simplified information conveyed with comprehensible terms and statements.

New strategies to encourage the effective consumer use of food and nutrition labels should include educational programs and revision of the label format.