Food Labels Awareness: Insights from India and the Global Context

Abstract

Introduction: Food labels serve as an important public health tool that helps consumers make informed food choices. However, despite the presence of detailed labeling systems, many consumers struggle to interpret nutritional information effectively. This issue is particularly relevant in countries experiencing a rapid increase in processed food consumption and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Aim: The present review aims to analyze consumer awareness of food labels and evaluate their impact on health-related purchasing behaviour by synthesizing evidence from Indian and international studies. Methodology: A comprehensive review of 34 studies published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted. The studies were analyzed to examine levels of consumer awareness, label-reading behavior, functional understanding of nutrition information, and FoPNL. Results: The analysis underscores a persistent functional literacy gap in the effective utilization of food labels despite widespread general awareness. Although nearly 95% of urban consumers recognize the presence of food labels, only about 15% demonstrate awareness of front-of-pack labeling systems, with the majority primarily attending to manufacturing and expiry dates. Empirical evidence indicates that consistent engagement with nutrition labels is associated with improved dietary quality and healthier nutrient intake patterns. Furthermore, simplified interpretive labeling systems, such as Nutri-Score and warning labels, have been shown to enhance consumer comprehension, with approximately 93% of Indian consumers expressing a preference for warning-based front-of-pack labels. Conclusion: The review highlights the need for simplified, interpretive labeling systems and improved nutrition literacy. Implementing mandatory front-of-pack labeling and strengthening consumer education can help bridge the gap between label awareness and healthier dietary choices.