Health Literacy and Food Label Comprehension: A Review of Barriers, Insights and Policy Recommendations
Urmi Vishwakarma
Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Home Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226025, India.
Neetu Singh *
Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Home Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226025, India.
Madhvi Daniel
Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Home Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226025, India.
Alka Nanda
Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Home Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226025, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Health literacy plays a vital role in helping consumers make informed dietary choices, yet many struggle to understand food labels effectively. In contrast, labels are designed to provide key nutritional information:- factors such as education, socioeconomic status, and label complexity impact consumer comprehension. Research shows that even when consumers read food labels, their actual purchasing behaviour does not always reflect healthier choices. Challenges such as confusing numerical data, unclear serving sizes, and inconsistent global regulations hinder label effectiveness. By examining barriers, global regulations, and effective labelling strategies, this study highlights the need for standardized front-of-pack labelling, digital tools, and improved consumer education to enhance label comprehension and encourage healthier eating habits.
Keywords: Health literacy, food labels, nutrition education, consumer behaviour, label comprehension