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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Consumers' opinions on warning labels on food packages: A qualitative study in Brazil

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Author(s):
Sato, Priscila de Morais [1] ; Mais, Lais Amaral [2] ; Khandpur, Neha [1] ; Ulian, Mariana Dimitrov [3] ; Bortoletto Martins, Ana Paula [2] ; Garcia, Mariana Tarricone [2] ; Spinillo, Carla Galvao [4] ; Urquizar Rojas, Carlos Felipe [4] ; Jaime, Patricia Constante [1] ; Scagliusi, Fernanda Baeza [1]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Publ Hlth, Ctr Epidemiol Studies Hlth & Nutr NUPENS, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Brazilian Inst Consumers Def Idec, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Parana, Dept Design, Res Grp Digital & Informat Design, Curitiba, Parana - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 14, n. 6 JUN 26 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

This study aimed to assess consumers' uses of and opinions on the current Brazilian food label and their reaction to the introduction of a front-of-package warning label. We conducted 12 focus groups among a diverse sample of adult consumers, to broadly assess: (1) uses of and perceptions about the current food label, and (2) opinions about implementing a front-of-package warning label to guide food purchases. Data was analyzed with a triangulation of researchers using an exploratory content analysis, which allowed codes to emerge from the data. The frequency of codes across focus groups was compared by gender and socioeconomic status to explore differences by these sociodemographic factors. Codes were divided into six main themes: (1) ``Reasons for using food labels{''}; (2) ``Barriers to using food labels{''}; (3) ``Requirements for a new label{''}; (4) ``Perceived influence on consumption behaviors{''}; (5) ``Perceived influence on child behaviors{''}; and (6) ``Perceptions of the food manufacturers using of warning labels{''}. Participants used food labels to check nutrient content and ingredient information but the format of these labels and the technicality of the content displayed often made the information inaccessible, particularly for those with low socioeconomic status. Most participants were supportive of the display of front-of-package warning labels on products and considered them useful to inform purchases. Women believed that they and their children would reduce the consumption of foods with front-of-package warning labels, while men reported more polarity in their intentions. For men and their children, front-of-package warning labels would result in either stopping food intake entirely or continued consumption without changes to the amount. The study results highlight the potential of front-of-package warning labels to support healthier behaviors in both consumers and their children. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/05651-0 - Ultra processed food consumption and feeding practices of mothers in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre: a mixed-methods approach
Grantee:Priscila de Morais Sato
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 16/13669-4 - Ultra-processed food consumption and dietary quality indicators in the United Kingdom
Grantee:Neha Khandpur
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral