How do consumers view and use Front of Pack labels?
The existing consumer research suggests that consumers like FOP labeling, finding it to be a time-saver. Consumers do not fully trust it, however, and find the plethora of FOP labels confusing. Most importantly, research suggests that FOP labels can give consumers an overrated view of a food’s healthiness, and make it less likely that consumers will read the complete Nutrition Facts information on the back. Q: Are some FOP labels better than others? A: We don’t fully know. The manufacturer labels are clearly intended to encourage the consumer to buy their product. The grocery stores’ incentive is to help consumers choose among like products, not buy a particular product, and their systems are more likely to focus on encouraging consumers to shop in their store. FDA intends to conduct further research in the coming months that will compare several FOP types, with the goal of determining which best help consumers make informed choices. Q: Where do nutrition experts stand on FOP? A: They
