A Study on Perception and Utilization of Food-Nutrition Labeling by Age in Busan residents

摘要

This study was carried out to investigate food-nutrition labeling perception and utilization classified by age in Busan. The survey was conducted from March 26 to April 30, 2008 by questionnaires and data analyzed by SPSS program. The results are summarized as follows: reasons for purchase of the processed food was 'delicious' in elementary school children and middle & high school students, but was 'easy to eat and cook' in the adults groups (p<0.001). The criteria for choice of the processed foods was 'taste' in all of the subjects. Eighty seven point five percent of the over 60's do not know about food labeling and 70.1% of them did not check the food label. The first confirmed items for buying the processed foods was 'expiration date' in all of the subjects (71.1%). In elementary school children, middle & high school students, 20's & 30's group, the ratio of awareness of nutrition label was higher than the 40's & 50's and over 60's group. For reading of nutrition label, all of the subjects except elementary group replied 'often' (p<0.001). For the experience of education and publicity on food-nutrition labeling, 54.3% of the subjects replied 'often', and there was a significant difference by age. For the necessity of education and publicity onfoodrnutrition labeling, 49.5% of the subjects replied 'necessary'. There was significant positive correlation between degree of checking of nutrition label and degree of checking of food label, accuracy of knowledge of processed food, necessity of education and publicity. Therefore, education and publicity on food-nutrition labeling for the subjects are required to encourage them to choose more nutritious food and have healthier dietary pattern.