The Awareness of Traffic Light Labeling System and Nutrition Information on Packed Food Labels Among Young Generation in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

A Traffic-light labeling system is a labeling system that uses a color code in front-of-package to immediately express the nutritional quality of the food to the consumer. Nutrient levels and the proportion of products are classified in main three colors “Red” (High), “Amber” (Medium), and “Green” (Low) to indicate sugar, salt, and fat content in food. In Sri Lanka, this labeling system was initiated on the 1st of June 2019. This survey-based study was focused on the consumer knowledge of nutritional food label information among the young generation (Age in between 15 – 29 years) in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire with 12 questions was used to collect information (including Kano model questions) from 230 consumers. The obtained data were computed and statistically analyzed using STATA 14.2 software to determine relationships and associations between various factors and the effectiveness of the Traffic-light labeling system. Findings showed that amongst 230 respondents 74.8% are aware of the color light labeling system and 25.2% are not aware. Awareness and use of pre-packaged food labeling information were significantly associated with the age and education level of the respondents and there is good knowledge about the labeling system among the young generation and can conclude that this has been successfully communicating the information to the young generation.