Diet, Nutrition and Obesity

Biography

Biography: Maria Abigail Concepcion C Cedullo

Abstract

Despite the relative importance of nutrition labels, a lot of Filipino consumers do not pay attention to it as documented in various literatures. Thus, there is a need to identify the factors influencing Filipino consumers to read or not to read nutrition labels among selected mothers in Las Pinas City. A quasi-experimental approach was used, 30 mothers were selected and assigned to either the group of reader or non-reader of nutrition labels. Interview schedule and guide were administered among respondents. Frequency and percentages were used to analyze data. Majority of the respondents from both groups are aware (86.7%) and know (80.0%) what nutrition labels are but reflected different views on what influences them to read or not read the labels. Among readers they view channel of information, amount of information and buying for other people as the primary factors why they read nutrition labels. The importance and usefulness of food label information increases when buying for other people, especially babies/children. Among non-readers time, overcrowding of information and physical appearance of the label are factors why they don not read nutrition labels. Most of the non-readers view these labels as too scientific and difficult to understand, complaining that the letters of the nutritional label are too small, with best before and use by, located at the back of the package, as the most confused term. In conclusion, the presentation of nutrition labels may be too technical with too much information for the consumers making it difficult to understand.