Irish consumers’ use and perception of nutrition and health claims

Public Health Nutrition

Aideen McKevitt¹  Ann-Marie Lynam¹  Michael J Gibney¹ 

关键词: Nutrition claims;    Health claims;    Food labelling;    EU legislation;   

DOI  :  10.1017/S1368980011000723

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveTo investigate Irish consumers’ use and understanding of and their belief in nutrition and health (NH) claims in the context of the European Union (EU) legislation (Regulation no. 1924/2006), which permits a number of NH claims on food products.DesignAn interview-assisted questionnaire was administered to consumers (n 400). Preference for three types of NH claims across six products was tested. Perception of NH claims was assessed across a further eight food products. Claims were categorised as content, structure–function and disease–risk factor reduction claims.SettingSix supermarkets in the Republic of Ireland.SubjectsFour hundred adult Irish supermarket consumers.ResultsOlder (P < 0·001), female (P < 0·01) consumers were more likely to seek NH claims. Structure–function and content claims were preferred across six products. Consumers’ perception was associated with the health benefit claimed rather than with the strength of the claim itself. Preference for claim type and claim perception differed with gender, age and educational level.ConclusionsIrish consumers prefer content and simpler NH claims rather than more complex disease–risk factor reduction claims. The food industry may thus be better served using these types of claims. Although the reported levels of understanding were high, evidence of positivity bias and misinterpretation was found. Thus, with regard to Regulation 1924/2006, consumers need more information on both simpler and more complex claims. Public health messages should be targeted according to gender, age and educational level.

【 授权许可】

Unknown