Perceptions and use of nutrition labeling information

FDA requires that most food packages bear a Nutrition Facts label (NFL) that includes nutrition information based on the label serving size (SS). Food labels also must display a list of ingredients (ING). In addition, FDA approves health claims (HC) on labels if a pre‐market review of evidence supports the claim. We examined consumers¡ use and perceptions of the NFL, SS, ING and HC information, particularly regarding purchasing decisions. Weighted data for participants (age¡Ý16 yr, n=10,632) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2005–2006 and 2007–2008) and data for participants in a 2011 FDA Nutrition Facts Label Experimental Study (NFLES, age¡Ý18 yr, n=9,493) were analyzed using SAS 9.3. When purchasing foods, participants reported being more likely to use NFL and ING information than SS and HC information, with the NFL used most frequently. Females were more likely than males to use any type of labeling information. Half of the NHANES sample and over half of the NFLES sample incorrectly thought that SS was a recommended amount of food that should be eaten. Label information was used most often in purchasing decisions for breakfast items, followed by breads, snacks, and salad dressings. Our data suggest that consumers have fundamental misconceptions about SS and therefore further NFL educational efforts are warranted.