Consumer knowledge regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants / 한국영양학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Because of recent global and domestic issues regarding the safety of food, there is growing concern over food safety and interest in the country-of-origin for food ingredients from restaurants. This study was conducted to reveal the influence of consumer level of knowledge and awareness regarding restaurants and the country-of-origin labeling. METHODS: To accomplish this, a primary survey of adults aged over 20 years old was conducted to measure customers' knowledge regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants. Respondents were then divided into a lower group and an upper group based on their level of knowledge to evaluate significant differences between groups. A total of 437 of 460 questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The average knowledge score regarding country-of-origin labeling for restaurants was 6.3 out of 10. Additionally, there were significant differences between the lower and upper group in terms of the final education level and occupation. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop guidelines and public relations for country-of-origin labeling of restaurants.