International Journal of Marketing Studies · 2012 · 34 citations · 5 references
Public HealthNutritionNutritional SciencesFood PolicyHuman NutritionNutrition EducationConsumer Food ChoiceDietary PatternsFood ChoicesFood Label LiteracyFood LabelingNutrition LiteracyAwarenessConsumer Label UseGrocery ShoppingLabel Reading BehaviorLabel-based Food ChoiceLabeling Effects On Food ChoiceNutrition Label Use BehaviorNutritional Label Use
Over the last few decades, the prevalent UAE food retail industry setup showed the changing food consumption patterns of the UAE population. Diet-related health problems are increasing in UAE as a result of obesity and other factors. Therefore, nutritional labeling becomes important to provide consumers with information that can be used to make informed and healthier food choices. 1200 consumers (54.3% were women) were interviewed while shopping at various grocery stores in AL-Ain city; UAE to assess their knowledge; attitudes and practices using a questionnaire. Consumer’s responses showed general awareness for reading the food label (89.5%); however; they read basic information like production and expiry dates. In summary; increased diet related diseases in UAE may be related to increased consumption of pre-packaged foods and inadequate awareness on use of food labeling information. This study has an educative health and nutrition implications to help consumers make an informed choice when buying pre-packaged foods.
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