Evaluating Consumer Usage of Nutritional Labeling: The Influence of Socio-Economic Characteristics

Ideally, alterations in nutritional labeling requirements brought about by NLEA would
translate into changes in consumer eating habits. Ultimately, the impact of policy
regulation on dietary practice is limited by the current usage of nutritional labeling by
consumers.

This study attempted to identify the effect of consumer characteristics on the likelihood
of being a frequent nutritional label user. While the findings did bring to light several
significant variables, some limitations should be noted. Specifically, the small sample
size and highly concentrated regional makeup of the participants warrant some caution
when extending the outcome of this study to other geographic areas. Furthermore the
socio-economic characteristics of sample area indicate the region to be more densely
populated than most regions of the country and that local consumers tend to be more
highly educated and higher earning than those in most other regions. The results of
this study may be useful for health care educators as well as professionals in food
marketing and food product development. Research in nutritional labeling usage also
facilitates meeting the consumption needs of different demographic segments of the
population.

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