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Liang S, He J, Deng W, Cao P, Teng L, Tang Y, Lu X, Hu F, Zhang T, Li J. The Effect of Unhealthy Food Packaging Information Boundaries on Consumer Purchasing Intentions. Foods 2024; 13:2320. [PMID: 39123512 PMCID: PMC11311368 DOI: 10.3390/foods13152320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing studies have examined unhealthy food packaging information, mainly focusing on aspects such as the content, color, and text, whilst paying less attention to the boundaries of information. This paper investigates unhealthy foods through three experiments, revealing that the presence (vs. absence) of packaging information boundaries on unhealthy foods has a negative impact on consumers' purchasing intentions (p = 0.040) (Experiment 1). The feeling of constraint mediates this effect (β = -0.078, CI: [-0.1911, -0.0111]) (Experiment 2). Additionally, consumers with an independent self-construal exhibit reduced purchasing intentions when unhealthy food packaging information boundaries are present (vs. absent) (p < 0.001), whereas those with an interdependent self-construal show increased purchasing intentions under the same conditions (p = 0.024) (Experiment 3). This paper reveals the psychological mechanism and boundary conditions of unhealthy food packaging information boundaries affecting consumers' purchasing intention and provides practical inspiration for government policy-making related to unhealthy food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichang Liang
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Junyan He
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Wanshan Deng
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Ping Cao
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Lili Teng
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Yu Tang
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
- Talents Service Center of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Feng Hu
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jingyi Li
- School of Business, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (S.L.); (J.H.); (P.C.); (L.T.); (Y.T.); (F.H.); (T.Z.); (J.L.)
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Chan CMJ, Dickens BSL, Chong MFF. Understanding knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to dietary sodium intake in a multi-ethnic population in Singapore. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2802-2814. [PMID: 37921207 PMCID: PMC10755448 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to fill the current gap in the understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) related to dietary Na among adult residents in Singapore. DESIGN A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and December 2020 on 955 participants selected through random sampling. SETTING The survey was conducted in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS Participants were recruited from the Singapore Population Health Study Online Panel. RESULTS Participants' mean age was 46·6 ± 14·1 years old and 58 % of them were females. Most of the participants were Chinese (82·1 %), 10·5 % were Indian and 4·5 % were Malay. Findings from the weighted data showed that most participants were aware of the health impact of high Na consumption. However, many participants were unaware of the recommended intake for salt (68%) and Na (83%), had misconceptions, and were unable to correctly use food labels to assess NA content (69%). Findings also alluded to the presence of knowledge gaps in the sources of Na in their diet. While 59 % of the participants reported to be limiting their consumption of Na, many reported facing barriers such as not knowing how to limit their Na intake. Participants also felt that there were limited options for low-Na foods when eating out and were lacking awareness of low-Na products. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlighted substantial gaps in participants' knowledge and skills in managing their Na consumption. This suggests the need for more public education and improvements in the food environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Mei Jun Chan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 117549Singapore
| | - Borame Sue Lee Dickens
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 117549Singapore
| | - Mary Foong-Fong Chong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 117549Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
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Xing XY, Zhao Y, Sam NB, Xu JQ, Chen YJ, Xu W, Wang HD, Liu ZR, Pan HF. Salt reduction behavior of adults in Anhui province in 2019: a cross-sectional survey of 3,378 participants. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1242969. [PMID: 37908687 PMCID: PMC10613982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A high-sodium diet is an important risk factor for hypertension in the Chinese population, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Although a large number of related studies have been carried out in Anhui province, clear, effective salt reduction interventions and policies that can be widely promoted have not yet been formed. This study sought to understand the prevalence and precise measures of salt reduction behavior, the variables affecting salt reduction behavior, and the reasons why salt reduction behavior was not practiced in Anhui Province, China. Methods The total number of participants in the study was 3,378. Using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, residents between the ages of 18 and 69 years in 10 counties and districts were selected from March to October 2019. A survey questionnaire and physical measurements were given to each participant. The influencing factors of residents' salt reduction behavior were examined using a multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to analyze the implementation of salt reduction behaviors among different age groups and gender, the factors influencing the implementation of salt reduction measures, and the reasons for not implementing salt reduction measures. Results A history of hypertension was associated with salt reduction strategies (P = 0.014). Patients with hypertension were more likely to adopt salt reduction behaviors than those without hypertension (OR = 1.218, P = 0.040). The influence of eating out on the adoption of salt-reduction measures varied by age group (χ2 = 50.463, P < 0.001) and gender (χ2 = 81.348, P < 0.001). Conclusion In summary, residents of the Anhui Province are not very knowledgeable about salt reduction. Age, gender, education level, hypertension, and marital status are the main determinants. Our findings have significant implications for policymakers who want to devise salt reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Ya Xing
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation and Immunity-Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Napoleon Bellua Sam
- Department of Medical Research and Innovation, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Jing-Qiao Xu
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Ye-Ji Chen
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Hua-Dong Wang
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Liu
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation and Immunity-Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Chang F, Eng L, Chang C. Food Allergy Labeling Laws: International Guidelines for Residents and Travelers. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:148-165. [PMID: 37160543 PMCID: PMC10169132 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of food allergies varies by country, as does each country's food allergen labeling. While labeling laws may vary by country, most follow the Codex Alimentarius. Even developing countries have some degree of labeling guidelines for food allergies, but it is highly developed countries that tend to implement stricter labeling regulations to protect their citizens and tourists. Different organizations, both domestic and international, such as Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), work to advance food allergen labeling laws around the globe. Eating out and traveling can be anxiety-provoking for people with food allergies, especially when traveling to international destinations. Furthermore, experiences that young children, teenagers, and parents have with food allergies can have psychosocial and social impacts. To evaluate food allergen labeling laws across the globe, official legal documents outlining the laws pertaining to foods and allergen food labeling were reviewed for each respective country or region. These were organized according to continent, then region or country. The majority of countries require that major food groups be listed on food labels, including milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, treenuts, fish, and shellfish. There are individual variations across regions depending on staples in respective diets. With increasing rates of food allergies worldwide, legislative action is needed to ensure that people living with food allergies can more safely purchase and consume foods. Until then, the work of avoiding accidental ingestions and anaphylaxis remains primarily with the individual, who must educate themselves on labeling laws and implement other protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chang
- Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
| | - Lauren Eng
- Amherst College, Keefe Campus Center, AC# 1285, 16 Barrett Hill Drive, Amherst, MA 01002-5000 USA
| | - Christopher Chang
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Pediatric Rheumatology, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Healthcare System, 1131 N 35Th Avenue, Suite 220, Hollywood, FL 33021 USA
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Wei H, Jiang K, Liu B, Hu Z, Zhao Y, Xu H, Sharma M, Pu C. Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels of Prepackaged Food by University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194189. [PMID: 36235839 PMCID: PMC9573194 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Object: The correct use of nutrition labels for prepackaged food helps university students develop healthy eating habits and prevent the occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study evaluates the understanding and use of nutrition labels of prepackaged food by university students in four different fields of study in Chongqing, China. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey platform conducted in July 2022 in colleges and universities in Chongqing, China. The convenience sampling method was used to select students in four different fields of study, including medicine, humanities, science and technology, and arts and sports. Ten questions were used to assess participants’ understanding of nutrition labels. A score of six or above (60%) indicates that the respondent has a basic understanding of the nutritional labels of prepackaged food. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to assess participants’ understanding and use of nutrition labels for prepackaged foods and their influencing factors. Results: A total of 1262 valid questionnaires was collected. The average age of the participants was 21.8 years (SD: 2.43), 50.1% were male, 80.8% were ethnic Han, and 50.9% were from rural areas. Only 21.3% of the university students in Chongqing had a good understanding of the nutrition labels of prepackaged food, where medical students were the highest (39.9%) and science and engineering students were the lowest (15.6%). Gender, ethnicity, grade, major, and whether received courses related to nutrition were influential factors in the understanding and use of nutrition labels of prepackaged food. Medical students also had more positive attitudes toward nutritional labels of prepackaged food. Conclusions: Understanding and use of nutrition labels for prepackaged food by university students in Chongqing are unsatisfactory. Student’s major was a significant influencing factor in nutrition label comprehension, with medical students having the greatest understanding. Based on these results, we suggest that nutrition and health courses should be popularized among non-medical students to narrow the differences between different fields of study. For university students in all fields of study, education and publicity of nutrition labels of prepackaged food are needed, not only in the classroom but also in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Early Warning of Health-Related Major Social Risks, Chongqing Medical University Sub Center, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Boya Liu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Early Warning of Health-Related Major Social Risks, Chongqing Medical University Sub Center, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhichuan Hu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Public Health Security, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Early Warning of Health-Related Major Social Risks, Chongqing Medical University Sub Center, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Chuan Pu
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Early Warning of Health-Related Major Social Risks, Chongqing Medical University Sub Center, Chongqing 400016, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-133-2033-6327; Fax: +86-23-6848-5178
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Analysis of Sodium Content in 4082 Kinds of Commercial Foods in China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142908. [PMID: 35889865 PMCID: PMC9322708 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High-sodium intake is associated with the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Monitoring and analyzing the sodium content in commercial food is instructive for reducing sodium intake in the general population. The sodium content of 4082 commercial foods across 12 food groups and 41 food categories was collected and analyzed, including 4030 pre-packaged foods and 52 artisanal foods. The food group with the highest average sodium content (6888.6 mg/100 g) contained sauces, dressings, springs and dips, followed by bean products (1326.1 mg/100 g) and fish, meat and egg products (1302.1 mg/100 g). The average sodium content of all the collected commercial foods was 1018.6 mg/100 g. Meanwhile, the sodium content of non-alcoholic beverages (49.7 mg/100 g), confectionery (111.8 mg/100 g) and dairy products (164.1 mg/100 g) was much lower than the average sodium content of the 12 food groups. The sodium contents of different food groups and categories were significantly different. The proportion of high-sodium food (600 mg/100 g) was more than one-third of all the products. There are a few products marked with salt reduction on the package. Sixteen salt-reduced products were collected, which belong to the food category of soy sauce and account for 16% of all the soy sauce products. The average sodium content in salt-reduced soy sauce is 2022.8 mg/100 g lower than that of non-salt-reduced soy sauce products. These data provide a primary assessment with sodium content in commercial foods and potential improvements for the food industry to achievement the goal of sodium reduction.
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Yin X, Ye L, Xin X, Xiang L, Yu Y, Yan R, Wen K, Tian M, Jones A, Pettigrew S, Liu W, Yang Y, Zhang J. Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Introducing a Front-of-Pack Labelling Scheme on Packaged Foods in China: A Qualitative Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030516. [PMID: 35276875 PMCID: PMC8840240 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Front-of-pack (FoP) labelling on foods is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing global burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), but this policy has not yet been implemented in China. The aim of this study was to ascertain key stakeholders’ views on barriers and facilitators to developing a feasible and acceptable FoP labelling policy in the Chinese context. Semistructured interviews were used to elicit opinions from diverse representatives in roles of FoP labelling policy influence. Participants were identified by purposive and snowball sampling. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was adopted to facilitate data collection and analysis. Themes and subthemes were generated using deductive and inductive approaches. Thirty participants were interviewed. The major barriers were the absence of national contextual analysis, perceived complexity of the process of policy development, disagreement on a preferred FoP labelling format, cost for the food industry, low priority compared to food safety policies, lack of existing regulatory framework or authorised nutrient profiling system, limited knowledge of FoP labelling, and the lack of planning and engagement with stakeholders. Facilitators included existing prerequisites, experiences and lessons from the pilot, policy coherence with Healthy China 2030, and support from external agents (e.g., WHO). Further efforts are required to develop and collate evidence to demonstrate the scientific, legal, and political feasibility of introducing effective FoP labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Yin
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Lihong Ye
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Xin Xin
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Lin Xiang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Yue Yu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Ruijie Yan
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
| | - Kehan Wen
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Maoyi Tian
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150088, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (M.T.)
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (X.Y.); (A.J.); (S.P.)
| | - Wei Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.X.); (Y.Y.); (K.W.); (W.L.)
| | - Yuexin Yang
- Chinese Nutrition Society, Beijing 100022, China;
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (L.Y.); (L.X.); (R.Y.)
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (M.T.)
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Determinants of Nutrition Facts Table Use by Chinese Consumers for Nutritional Value Comparisons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020673. [PMID: 35055492 PMCID: PMC8775507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The nutrition facts table is a nutrition labeling tool designed to inform consumers of food nutritional contents and enable them to make healthier choices by comparing the nutritional values of similar foods. However, its adoption level is considerably low in China. This study employed the Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) algorithm to explore the factors associated with respondents’ adoption of nutrition facts table to compare the nutritional values of similar foods. Data were gathered through a nationally representative online survey of 1500 samples. Results suggested that consumers’ comprehension of the nutrition facts table was a direct explanatory factor for its use. The usage was also indirectly explained by people’s nutrition knowledge, the usage of nutrition facts table by their relatives and friends, and their focus on a healthy diet. Therefore, to increase the use of nutrition facts table by Chinese consumers, the first consideration should be given to enhancing consumers’ comprehension of the labeling
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Meijer GW, Detzel P, Grunert KG, Robert MC, Stancu V. Towards effective labelling of foods. An international perspective on safety and nutrition. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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The Relationship between Nutrition Knowledge and Nutrition Facts Table Use in China: A Structural Equation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126307. [PMID: 34200804 PMCID: PMC8296123 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Since 2013, China has implemented a nutrition label regulation that aims to provide essential nutrition information through nutrition facts tables labeled on the back of food packages. Yet, the relationship between people’s nutrition knowledge and their nutrition label use remains less clear. This study adopted the structural equation modeling approach to analyze a nationally representative survey of 1500 Chinese individuals through the cognitive processing model, interrelated nutrition knowledge, attention to nutrition information on the nutrition facts table, comprehension of nutrition information, food choice and dietary intake. It was found that nutrition knowledge positively influenced attention to nutrition information; a better comprehension of nutrition information, which could benefit healthier food choices, did not relate to a higher level of attention to that information; dietary intake was affected significantly by nutrition knowledge, but it had little impact on food choice. The results signify that nutrition knowledge hardly supports nutrition facts table use among the Chinese people, mainly due to incomprehensible labeled information. Therefore, it emphasizes the need to enhance people’s comprehension through front-of-package labels and corresponding smartphone applications.
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Huang Z, Zeng D. Factors Affecting Salt Reduction Measure Adoption among Chinese Residents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020445. [PMID: 33429901 PMCID: PMC7827444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
China has the highest mortality rate caused by diseases and conditions associated with its high-salt diet. Since 2016, China has initiated a national salt reduction campaign that aims at promoting the usage of salt information on food labels and salt-restriction spoons and reducing condiment and pickled food intake. However, factors affecting individuals’ decisions to adopt these salt reduction measures remain largely unknown. By comparing the performances of logistic regression, stepwise logistic regression, lasso logistic regression and adaptive lasso logistic regression, this study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the adoption behaviour of 1610 individuals from a nationally representative online survey. It was found that the practices were far from adopted and only 26.40%, 22.98%, 33.54% and 37.20% reported the adoption of labelled salt information, salt-restriction spoons, reduced condiment use in home cooking and reduced pickled food intake, respectively. Knowledge on salt, the perceived benefits of salt reduction, participation in nutrition education and training programs on sodium reduction were positively associated with using salt information labels. Adoption of the other measures was largely explained by people’s awareness of hypertension risks and taste preferences. It is therefore recommended that policy interventions should enhance Chinese individuals’ knowledge of salt, raise the awareness of the benefits associated with a low-salt diet and the risks associated with consuming excessive salt and reshape their taste choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeying Huang
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13716627967
| | - Di Zeng
- Centre for Global Food and Resources, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
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The role of colour and summary indicators in influencing front-of-pack food label effectiveness across seven countries. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:3566-3570. [PMID: 33317658 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020004966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many countries are considering the implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labels as a strategy to address high and increasing levels of overweight and obesity. A growing body of work demonstrates the superiority of labels that use colour and/or provide a summary indicator of product healthiness to enhance comprehension. However, previous studies have been confounded in determining the relative effectiveness of these two attributes by comparing labels that also differ in other ways. The present study tested labels that varied only on use of colour and/or reliance on a summary indicator across an international sample to provide unique insights into the relative importance of these attributes. DESIGN Participants were randomised to see one of four variations of the Health Star Rating label that differed on the basis of use of colour and sole provision of a summary indicator. SETTING Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. PARTICIPANTS Adults (n 7545) in seven countries were exposed to online choice tasks requiring them to select a preferred breakfast cereal and then nominate the healthiest cereal. RESULTS Overall, the coloured versions, and particularly the one with just a summary indicator, outperformed the monochrome version that included nutrient-specific information. However, there were some differences by country, with results from Canada and China indicating superior outcomes for monochrome labels and those providing nutrient-specific information. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the importance of colour, but suggest that the introduction of front-of-pack nutrition labels should be preceded by country-specific formative testing to identify potential differences in outcomes.
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Bryła P. Selected Predictors of the Importance Attached to Salt Content Information on the Food Packaging (a Study among Polish Consumers). Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020293. [PMID: 31978975 PMCID: PMC7070683 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to identify selected antecedents of the importance attached to salt content information (ISCI) placed on food labels, on the basis of a representative survey of 1051 Polish consumers. The study was conducted with the use of the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviews) method in 2018. Quota sampling was applied with reference to the following five criteria: sex, age, education, place of living (urban and rural areas), and region. In a multiple regression model, ISCI depends on the respondent’s: sex, age, evaluation of the quantity of nutrition claims, importance attached to nutrition claims, willingness to pay a price premium for products with nutrition claims, attention paid to health and nutrition claims, agreeing with the opinion that unreliable nutrition claims are a serious problem, evaluation of healthiness of one’s diet, self-rated knowledge about healthy nutrition, buying organic food, and reading front-of-package (FOP) labels during and after the purchase. The strongest effects on the importance attached to salt content information on the food packaging were displayed by the importance of nutrition claims, attention paid to nutrition and health claims, respondent’s age, FOP label reading at home, and agreeing that the use of unreliable nutrition claims is a serious problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Bryła
- Department of International Marketing and Retailing, Faculty of International and Political Studies, University of Lodz, Narutowicza 59a, 90-131 Lodz, Poland
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