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. 2022 Jul 19;14(14):2944.
doi: 10.3390/nu14142944.

Perception of Portuguese Consumers Regarding Food Labeling

Bruna Silva  1 , João P M Lima  1   2   3 , Ana Lúcia Baltazar  1   4 , Ezequiel Pinto  5 , Sónia Fialho  1   6
Affiliations

Perception of Portuguese Consumers Regarding Food Labeling

Bruna Silva et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Food labels are the first information tool used by consumers in the purchase and consumption of food products. Food labeling is a tool that can influence the consumers' perception of quality and, in turn, their food choice. This study characterizes and demonstrates the importance of labeling and the degree of consumers' perception and literacy about food labels through the application of an online questionnaire. The results obtained, in a sample of n = 467, showed that Portuguese consumers have the habit of reading the label and recognizing its importance but do not understand all the information contained in the label. They have an easier time understanding the front-of-pack labeling systems, especially those presented through symbols/colors. Thus, it demonstrates the need for greater education and literacy in the areas of food and nutrition so that through the reading and interpretation of labels, consumers can make informed food choices.

Keywords: consumer choice; consumer perception; food and nutrition literacy; food labels.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Label reading determinants (n = 467).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Food Label Perception. N: Number of individuals (n = 467).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Most important information on the label (n = 467).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Purchase Determinants (n = 467).
Figure 5
Figure 5
The impact of FOP system on consumer behavior (n = 467). (A) Impact of the FOP System on food consumption, (B) Impact of the FOP System on consumer understanding.
Figure 6
Figure 6
New Concepts in Food Labeling (n = 467).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Food Packaging (n = 467).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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