Analysis of the effects in the UK showed that caloric labeling did not have a significant effect on calorie intake.
Dr. Meghan Folden’s team at the University of Liverpool, England, said in the scientific journal Nature Human Behaviour on the 26th that they investigated the impact of mandatory calorie labeling in England since April 2022 on calorie consumption and found that it was not related. The research team pointed out that obesity is one of the major public health problems, and that eating high-calorie food sold at non-home restaurants such as takeout restaurants and restaurants is considered one of the factors that increase obesity. As one of the measures against obesity, the British government has implemented a policy requiring calorie labeling in all restaurants with more than 250 employees in England since April 2022. To evaluate the effectiveness of this policy, the research team conducted a survey at 330 restaurants, including cafes, fast food restaurants, and other restaurants across England before and after the mandatory calorie labeling, to check whether consumers have changed their behavior.
Awareness and utilization, purchase and consumption data on calorie labeling were collected from 3,308 people of varying age, gender, race, and education levels between August and December 2021, and the same survey was conducted from 3,270 people who purchased food from the same restaurant between August and December 2022.
As a result, awareness of calorie labeling increased from 16.5% before the mandatory implementation to 31.8% after the implementation, but the actual amount of calories purchased or consumed did not decrease significantly. Only 22% of customers answered that they use calorie information when choosing food after mandatory calorie labeling, and this did not differ according to age, gender, race, or education level. In addition, awareness and utilization of calorie labeling were higher in women, the elderly, and groups with higher socioeconomic levels.
The research team said the study is based on self-reported data and that the initial investigation may have affected the results as it was conducted shortly after the lifting of restrictions due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, adding that further investigation is needed to improve calorie labeling provisions and increase public understanding and utilization.
Professor Eric Robinson, a co-researcher, said, “The findings suggest that a combination of strategies such as improved compliance for companies, public education on calorie intake, and clearer indication may be needed to support healthier consumer choices.”
JUIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
