Perception and Usage of Food & Nutrition labels in Junior High School Students

Even though snacks or meals purchased by teenagers have dramatically increased in Korea, it has not been investigated whether teenagers know and take notice of the nutrition label. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the usefulness and utilization of food and nutrition labels amongst teenagers. Questionnaires were distributed 814 of junior-high school students and were completed by self-administrated questionnaires. Questionnaires included questions regarding general characteristics, perception and utilization of food and nutrition labels and degree of necessity and satisfaction on food products and nutrition labels. Data was analyzed with regards to sex and school year by using a SAS package program. Significant differences of each variable were tested by using the -test, t-test and ANOVA. Only 4.4% of participants were well informed about food and nutrition labels, while 26.0% of them did not know about it. Most of participants(78%) perceived that food and nutrition labeling system is necessary but are not satisfied with it. More of them did not check the food and nutrition label when they purchased food. Students usually checked the food and nutrition label to know about the nutritional value, and additives. The survey showed that more than three quarters of participants take notice of the food and nutrition label on products whereas only 57.7% of them knew what the food and nutrition actually meant. This study showed that most teenagers did not know the food and nutrition label, didn't have right information and didn't use it. Therefore, it is necessary to include an educational program about the food and nutrition label in the school curriculum and that will help students use the nutrition label and help them choose healthy food.