Development of objectives for an educational programme to improve consumer knowledge of and attitudes towards nutritional information on food labels

Abstract

Much attention has been given to the prevalence of diseases related to over-consumption of food, with nutritional labelling playing an increasingly prominent role in the prevention and reduction of these diseases. The development of technology and the subsequent availability of processed food have greatly contributed to these diseases, and created gaps in both distance and concept between the consumer and the manufacturer. An increasing number of food manufacturers are providing nutritional information regarding their products in order to maintain their position in the market; however, this avalanche of information is outstripping the ability of the consumer to use it effectively or to even comprehend it. This study was undertaken to identify the objectives needed for the formulation of an educational programme concerning the nutritional labelling of food containers.