A Food-Label Awareness and Usage Pattern Survey    

Nancy Cotugna, DrPH, RD 
Connie E. Vickery, PhD, RD 

Objective: To determine consumer awareness and usage of the new food label and to provide brief nutrition education as requested by patrons in a nontypical channel, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Methods: Student dietitians conducted intercept interviews with 884 patrons at DMV facilities. Upon completion of the survey, students offered to answer any questions about the food label using hand-held flip charts designed for this project. Results: The majority of consumers are aware of and do read the food label, however, misunderstand or underutilize the Daily Values. Conclusion: Daily Values concepts need more emphasis in food label education. Unusual channels such as a DMV are useful for brief nutrition interventions.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(1):3-7