The aim of the dissertation was to evaluate prevalence of nutrition (PT) and health (ZT) claims, symbols and accompanying information on food labels, examine familiarity and associations with “Protective food” symbol (SVŽ) and the influence of different health claims on consumer’s food choice. The presence of claims was evaluated based on food labels from pre-packed foods on the market. In the first research that was carried out in five European countries in 2013 we randomly sampled 2034 foods; PT was found on 21%, and ZT on 11% of food products. In 2015 we conducted more extensive research held in Slovenia where we analysed 10633 food products; 17% of which was labelled with PT, 6% with ZT, and 1% with SVŽ. We determined that majority of such food products were also labelled with nutritional declaration (HV). Most commonly found claims on foods were general health claims (SZT) which were rarely (22%) labelled with substantiated ZT. Further, only 29% of foods labelled with SZT also carried a statement indicating the importance of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and HV. Consumers’ familiarity with SVŽ was studied using an online questionnaire (N=1050). The questionnaire consisted of five parts: socio-demographic characteristics, word-association task, symbol recall, conjoint study (CA), evaluation of symbols based on statements provided. Majority of participants recognized SVŽ, especially those who are responsible for grocery shopping in the household. Participants often reported seeing SVŽ on foods, and association analysis showed that they most commonly relate it to health. Using CA, we determined important influence of using a claim along symbol on consumers’ preferences; lowest part-worth utility was observed when no claim was present and highest when claim “Protects health” was present. In additional research with yoghurt as a base product, we also used CA to evaluate the influence of different claims on consumers’ (N=371) food choice, where we varied claims along with sugar and fat content. We determined that consumers are more sensitive to sugar and fat content rather than to claims, although there is quite a big segment of consumers that could be influenced by claims (so-called claim seekers). To protect this group of consumers, claims should be limited only to foods with better nutritional value.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 4791672Final project report with recomendations for the Ministry of health
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice