Knowledge, perceptions and use of food and beverage labeling in a group of adolescents in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction Food labeling is an important tool to improve nutrition and strengthen consumer citizenship from the early stages of life such as adolescence. Objective To explore the knowledge, perceptions and use of food and beverage labeling in a group of adolescents from the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the year 2019. Methodology Qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured survey and focus groups with the selection of 29 students. The results were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results The food label had low use. The group of adolescents recognized the importance that its use would have on people´s health. A low potential use was observed in the future. Gender differences were found in the perception of the importance assigned to food. The adolescents made recommendations for possible improvements to the labels that include an inclusive perspective. Conclusion The level of knowledge, the effective use of food labeling and the potential future use by adolescents was low. It is recommended to rethink the design and gene-rate public health strategies aimed at promoting the use of nutritional labels in specific groups and contexts.