CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FOOD LABELLING IN SLOVAKIA

Abstract

The presented paper deals with the food labelling from the consumers’ point of view. Food labels play important role in the distribution chain. They help consumers to get information necessary for their deliberate food choice. On the other hand, food producers can promote and communicate basic information and specific characteristics of pre-packed food through the food labels. We conducted primary quantitative research by inquiry method via standardized online questionnaire that addressed three topics: (1) consumer interest, (2) consumer awareness and (3) consumer information and knowledge. In this paper we focus on evaluation of partial research results with the aim to find out an information and knowledge level of consumers about food labelling in Slovakia. The research results (published in Krnáčová, 2016) show us that 87% of consumers in Slovakia are interested in food labelling. Furthermore, over 95% of consumers read information stated on the food labels. In general, they do not know mandatory particulars that food producers have to label on food package in accordance with legislative requirements. The partial results in the presented paper show what information sources consumers use to learn about food quality and food safety. The results, among other facts, also reveal a lack of food labelling information in the market and misleading/deceptive labelling from consumers´ point of view. The paper is prepared within the scientific project VEGA No. 1/0134/14 entitled “Promoting innovation in distribution processes through implementing modern technologies and optimization of logistics activities with a focus on reducing the burden on the environment and improving the life quality”

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