Compreensão da rotulagem nutricional por universitários da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná: Campus Londrina

Abstract

The label function, among other things, is to guide consumers regarding the food itself, presenting the nutritional characteristics of the product, therefore clarify a healthy choice when buying. However, most consumers do not use this tool to their advantage, often because they do not understand the nutritional information present. The objective of this study was to evaluate the understanding of the college students from UTFPR campus Londrina about the nutritional food labeling. 253 college students were interviewed through a questionnaire, which establish the consumer identity, the record of weight loss diets, labeling and attributes. Although most students do not always read the labels, 92.1% (233) consider labeling something important. The terms "low", "high/increased content", "does not contain calories" are understood by most students. However, when questioned about terms such as "light / diet"; total fat, saturated fats and cholesterol; low sodium; "source of…" or "high content of", they are not truly understood by most students. In conclusion, the understanding of nutritional terms on food labels is still a question mark for consumers, which draws attention because of the educational level of the study group. Moreover, it emphasizes the need to review the technical terms used by Brazilian law, in order to clarify the understanding of nutrition labeling to the whole population.