Customers' perception of the attributes of different formats of menu labeling: a comparison between Korea and the U.S

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#This study compared the perception of customers from Korea and the U.S. on the attributes of different formats of menu labeling The specific objectives were 1) to compare the customers' perceived usefulness, ease-of-understanding, clarity, and attractiveness of different formats of menu labeling between Korea and the U.S.; and 2) to compare the customers' use intention to different formats of menu labeling between Korea and the U.S. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#A survey was conducted in Korea and the U.S. The participants were allocated randomly to view 1 of the 7 restaurant menus that varied according to the following types of menu labeling formats: (type 1) kcal format, (type 2) traffic-light format, (type 3) percent daily intake (%DI) format, (type 4) kcal + traffic-light format, (type 5) kcal + %DI format, (type 6) traffic-light + %DI format, and (type 7) kcal + traffic-light + %DI format. A total of 279 Koreans and 347 Americans were entered in the analysis. An independent t-test and 1-way analysis of variance were performed. @*RESULTS@#Koreans rated type 4 format (kcal + traffic light) the highest for usefulness and attractiveness. In contrast, Americans rated type 7 (kcal + traffic light + %DI) the highest for usefulness, ease-of-understanding, attractiveness, and clarity. Significant differences were found in the customers' perceived attributes to menu labeling between Korea and the U.S. Americans perceived higher for all the 4 attributes of menu labeling than Koreans. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The study is unique in identifying the differences in the attributes of different formats of menu labeling between Korea and the U.S. Americans rated the most complicated type of menu labeling as the highest perception for the attributes, and showed a higher use intention of menu labeling than Koreans. This study contributes to academia and industry for practicing menu labeling in different countries using different formats.

Comparison of college students' behavior toward nutrition information communication between Korea and the US

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#The expansion of menu labeling to restaurants has created a need to study customers' behavior toward nutrition information. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to compare college students' behavior toward nutrition information communication between Korea and the US. This study consisted of three objectives: 1) to compare the frequency of usage as well as degree of trust regarding smartphone-based communication channels in the acquisition of nutrition information among college students between Korea and the US, 2) to compare knowledge-sharing behavior related to nutrition information among college students between Korea and the US, and 3) to identify the role of country in the process of knowledge-sharing behavior. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#A survey was distributed via the web to college students in Korea and the US. Data were collected in the 2nd week of March 2017. Completed responses were collected from 423 Koreans and 280 Americans. Differences between Koreans and Americans were evaluated for statistical significance using a t-test. In order to verify the effects of knowledge self-efficacy and transactive memory capability on knowledge-sharing behavior related to nutrition information, a regression analysis was performed. @*RESULTS@#Significant differences were found in the frequency of usage as well as degree of trust in communication channels related to nutrition information between Korean and American college students. While knowledge self-efficacy and tractive memory capability had positive effects on knowledge-sharing behavior related to nutrition information, country had a significant effect on the process. @*CONCLUSIONS@#This study is the first to compare customer behavior toward nutrition information acquisition and sharing between Korea and the US. Comparative research on nutrition information revealed differences among the different countries. Therefore, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the nutrition information research, in particular, by providing a comparison study between countries.

The Understanding of, and Attitude towards Bakery Food Labeling and Their Effects on Consumer Purchase Intention - The Moderating Role of Health Consciousness -

This study examined the awareness, understanding, attitudes, and purchase intention regarding food labeling on bakery products in the context of health consciousness. The purpose of the study was to provide basic data for bakery product labeling, which has been insufficient to date, and to develop measures to expand the labeling system. The results of the study showed that higher subjective understanding and better attitude towards bakery food labeling can positively increase the purchase intention. We believe that the bakery industry needs to promote food labeling proactively, while also developing products addressing health concerns. This study is also valuable to academia because it provides insights into the relationship between the consumer's understanding of and attitudes towards nutritional information and purchase intention. In addition, it is beneficial to the bakery industry because it establishes marketing strategies that increase the purchase intent among both consumers with high health consciousness and those who infrequently purchase baked goods.

Current Status and Improvements of Obesity Related Legislation

Great attentions have been given to obesity in Korea, while the obesity rate has rapidly risen up due to various reasons including the dietary change into the western style. Central and local governments have tried to reduce the rate through various policies and action plans. The governments' activities are frequently criticised to be more coordinated in order to achieve the aim of the activities. The purpose of this study was to develop the coordination strategies through the examination of the acts relating to obesity. At present, activities relating to obesity are based on 25 acts including 'Health Promotion Act', 'Special Act on Children Diet Management' and so on. Six ministries including the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology are in charge of these acts. As a result, a number of areas, especially dietary guidance, research, manpower and institutions, seem to overlap. In a short term, Ministerial Council on Obesity should be established in order to enforce the coordination of the policies and activities. In the mid-long term, it is recommended that functions of the Ministries should be more simplified through the reorganization.