Development of a color-coded bilingual food label for low-literacy Latino caretakers

Citation
L. Haldeman et al., Development of a color-coded bilingual food label for low-literacy Latino caretakers, J NUTR EDUC, 32(3), 2000, pp. 152-160
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Food Science/Nutrition
Journal title
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION
ISSN journal
00223182 → ACNP
Volume
32
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
152 - 160
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-3182(200005/06)32:3<152:DOACBF>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a bilingual, user-friendly food la bel (UFFL) for low-literacy audiences. The UFFL developed was based on (a) a quantitative and qualitative needs assessment of Food and Drug Administra tion (FDA) food label understanding and use, (b) the development of a UFFL, and (c) a qualitative evaluation of the UFFL. Subjects consisted of a conv enience sample (N = 150) of low-income Latino caretakers living in Hartford with children under 6 years of age, who were recruited from local communit y agencies. The primary outcomes measured in this study were food label use , knowledge, and understanding. Chi-square analyses were conducted to deter mine relationships between subjects' socioeconomic status and demographic c haracteristics with food label use, knowledge, and understanding. Although 96% of respondents were familiar with the FDA food label, only 30% used it routinely when grocery shopping. FDA food label knowledge was positively as sociated (p less than or equal to .05) with younger age, level of education , and being an English speaker. A UFFL was developed that included color co ding, bilingual text, and a shaded Food Guide Pyramid. Results indicated th at participants found the UFFL easy to understand. The UFFL can be used as a nutrition education tool and the methodology developed may help food poli cy makers to improve the nutrition education value of the FDA food label.