Semáforo nutricional: Conocimiento, percepción y utilización entre los consumidores de Madrid, España

Abstract

Introduction: Describe knowledge, comprehension level, perception and use of traffic light labelling in consumers of Madrid. Material and Methods: A two phases, cross-sectional study design, carried out in Madrid, in 2012. Our sample was recruited randomly, and interviewed using a questionnaire designed for this purpose. Consumers of 7 stores of main supermarket chains in Madrid were questioned. Information about knowledge, comprehension, perception and use of traffic light labelling (TLL) was collected. Analyses examined the frequency of the variables of interest. Differences were tested using the χ2 test. Results: The response rate was 80.6% (first phase) and 97.8% (second phase). Consumers that knew the TLL and understood its color-coding system were 41.4% and 18.6% respectively. From the participants that knew the TLL system, 61.5% thought it was very useful (80% among those >65 years and 90% among those with primary studies; p>0.05). Just 31.4% of consumers habitually used TLL to buy their products (70% among those with primary studies; p=0.04). This percentage was higher in consumers that understood the color-coding system (second phase) (66.6%; p<0.01). Conclusions: The level of TLL's knowledge and comprehension was low. Consumers that know TLL, consider it a useful nutrition instrument. Those who understand, use it habitually to buy their products, especially consumers older than 65 years old and with primary studies. A widespread introduction of this system in Spain might contribute to improve food and eating habits, especially elderly people and less educated.