Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding food labels

Original Research Article

Abstract

In order to help consumers make better decisions about their diet and health, food labels have very important role. Although access to the packaged foods has increased tremendously yet there is still a lack of understanding of their labels. In order to assess the levels of knowledge and awareness, as well as perception and practice trends regarding food labels among Western Indian citizens, a study involving 211 subjects was conducted. This study also tested and identified any relationships or dependencies between knowledge and awareness. Additionally, the impact of gender was examined. Out of the total responders, 54.9% were female, while 45.0% were male. Out of the total respondents, 47.8% fell within the age group of 10 to 25 years. Graduates responded more (44%) than others. The majority of respondents (60.1%) were unmarried. A self- administered questionnaire was created containing 5 knowledge-based, 2 awareness- based (one with 10 subparts), 4 practice-based, and 6 perception-based questions. After that, it was given to participants and completed questionnaires were then gathered. The study population's average knowledge score was 3±1.29. Good, acceptable, and poor were the ratings for respondents' knowledge of food labels for 40.2%, 45.0%, and 31% respectively. Western Indians scored adequately (60%) when it came to knowing food labels. Their average awareness score was 20.84±5.42, which indicates Good or Acceptable awareness of food labels. Only 3.7% of respondents had poor knowledge of food labels, compared to 42.1% who had adequate knowledge and 54% who had good knowledge. The study population's awareness score was above average (69.4%). The knowledge and awareness of people about food labeling was unaffected by gender. This study found that even though the majority of Western Indians are knowledgeable and aware of food labels, there is still a sizable gap that needs to be closed. The population also believes that the government and other organizations need to make more efforts to spread information and awareness.