Recognition and use of Nutrition Labeling among Hamburger and Pizza Restaurant Consumers in Daejeon

To investigate recognition and use of nutrition labeling on eating-out menus, self-recorded questionnaire was surveyed for 641 consumers who visited hamburger and pizza restaurants in Daejeon from May to July, 2010. Subjects were women of 51.3% and 92.9% aged 10s or 20s. Use frequency of hamburger and pizza restaurants was 2-3 times a month with 56.9%. Of subjects 41.0% knew nutrition labeling mandates of eating-out menus, 64.6% have seen nutrition labels of menus, and 44.5% read nutrition labels when purchasing. Among subjects who read nutrition labels, 67.0% (29.8% of total) referred to it when menu purchase and 60.4% (26.9% of total) experienced changing menu. The ratio of reading nutrition labels was different among gender, diet trial frequency and monthly eating-out cost. Reasons for not reading labels were “not interested in” or “never heard about” for 57.0%, and “not noticeable” for 28.7%. The ratio who read correctly all 3 pieces of information, such as calorie amount, daily value, and way of using daily value was 39.2%. Average number of correct reading was 2.13, which was different among gender, marital status, having children, diet trial frequency, monthly eating-out cost, the restaurants use frequency, and accompanying person. Many subjects wanted to be additionally provided with cholesterol and transfat. Therefore, practical and differentiated consumer educations considering consumer features are required for better nutrition labeling usage. Government's regulatory efforts and voluntary effort of eating-out companies, such as adding nutrients on labels and improving labeling places, are also necessary. (Korean J Community Nutr 16(2) : 227~238, 2011)