An evaluation of food labeling attitude, preferences, and knowledge for nutrition consultancy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of individuals towards food labels according to their nutrition consultancy. The study was performed as a survey model, and a total of 580 participants were sampled in two groups according to their nutrition counseling on adults, private nutrition and diet counseling centers in Konya, Turkey. The data were collected by obtaining a face-to-face interview method, consisting of five parts. Food label reading according to the duration of counseling differed (p<0.05). According to nutrition counseling, due to the food label reading levels of participant’s difference was determined in dairy products, canned foods and tomato paste, meat products (p<0.05). The expiration date, food label reading, and amount of fat and sugar were found to be high in the nutrition counseling group. The nutrition knowledge scores (x̄±SE) were determined as 75.1±0.7 and a difference was obtained in gender, BMI, education level, nutrition counseling, and food label reading (p<0.05). Significant results were revealed between food label reading and nutrition counseling, and it is predicted that increasing awareness of nutrition consultancy centers related to reading food labels.

Keywords

• food label
• nutrition consultancy
• food preferences