On consumers’ perception about the reliability of nutrient content claims on food labels

This study examines the factors affecting consumers' confidence in the truthfulness of nutrient content claims such as “low fat,” “low cholesterol,” “good source of fiber,” “light,” “healthy,” and “extra lean” used on food labels as a reliable basis for choosing foods. Results generally suggest that older, less educated, male individuals as well as those who placed less importance on nutrition when food shopping are less likely to be confident about the reliability of nutrient content claims on food labels as a basis for choosing foods than do others. Income, race, and special diet status are also significant in some of the models.