Determination of nutrition label reading habits and allergen knowledge level of adult female consumers

This research was aimed to determine nutrition label reading habits and allergen knowledge level of adult female consumers. In this cross-sectional study, sociodemographic characteristics of individuals, food label reading habits, food allergy knowledge level and health literacy level were questioned by the researcher. The participants (n=410) mean age was 31.66±8 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.9±4.5 kg/m2. Participants mean Newest Vital Sign (NVS) score was 3.13±1,9 points and 43.2% of the individuals were found to have adequate health literacy. 60.7% of the individuals stated that they were reading at the food label. The most viewed food group is the milk and dairy products, while the least viewed group is the carbonated beverages. The most viewed information on the label is expiration date. According to the results 25th, 50th and 75th percentile was determined and allergy knowledge is divided into three groups: low, moderate and sufficient. Results showed that, only %20.5 of adult female consumers have sufficient information level of allergen and the level of food allergy knowledge is low. A statistically significant difference was found between the food allergy knowledge level and the health literacy score (p<0.05). Allergen substances in foods were better known by individuals with adequate health literacy (%54.6) than individuals with limited (%29) and high-probability limited health literacy (%16.4). In addition, there was a positive correlation between education level and allergy knowledge score and health literacy (p<0.05). Developing consumers' habit of label reading is an important influence in ensuring healthy nutrition. Allergenic ingredients must be indicated in packaged foods, according to this study individuals were not aware of these ingredients. Today, as labelling is mandatory, consumers must be educated about the obligatory reported items. For this reason, it is important that individuals have to be educated about nutrition literacy as well as health literacy.