A Survey of Japanese Consumersʼ Recognition and Consciousness of the Foods with Function Claims System / 医薬品情報学

ABSTRACT

Objective:After the start of the Foods with Function Claims system started in April 2015, the number of Foods withFunction Claims has increased every year. As such,the health food market in Japan is expanding and the health foods usedby consumers has been changing. To clarify the influence by which Foods with Function Claims has affected people’seating habits and improved their health, we surveyed people’s recognition and motivations to the Foods with FunctionClaims.Methods:Our survey was conducted with 238 consumers attending a sports club in the Tama area in western Tokyo,Japan.Results:In response to the question recognition of the word “Foods with Function Claims,”43 people(18.1%) responded“I know well,”141 people(59.2%)responded “I have heard it,but I do not know the meaning,”54 people(22.7%)responded“I do not know. I have never heard of it.” In response to the question whether to buy the Foods with Function Claims,77 people (32.4%) responded “I buy if the price is a little higher than not the Foods with Function Claims,”126 people(52.9%) responded “I buy if the price is equal to not the Foods with Function Claims.” In response to the question, 182people(76.5%)responded“I go to the hospital,”40 people(16.8%)responded“I do not go to the hospital and I use the Foodswith Function Claims.”Conclusion: Our results revealed that the recognition of Foods with Function Claims was low. However consumersrecognized that the Foods with Function Claims is worth using. Education to improve recognition for the Foods withFunction Claims is necessary.