A study by Food Safety Works
Foreword Summary
The Indian food industry is rapidly evolving, with food labels playing a vital role in informing consumers about ingredients, nutrition, and safety. Despite their importance, labels can be confusing due to technical jargon and misleading claims. To assess consumer awareness and label literacy, Food Safety Works conducted its third annual online survey across varied demographics. The study explores purchasing habits, label-reading behavior, awareness of expiry dates, nutrition details, allergens and food logos. Findings aim to highlight knowledge gaps, support better labelling practices, and empower consumers to make informed, healthier food choices.
Introduction
Understanding Food Label Awareness in India
Food labels are essential tools that help consumers make informed dietary choices by offering clear information about a product’s nutritional content, ingredients, and safety certifications. However, navigating food labels can be challenging, especially with the use of technical terms and marketing-driven claims that may mislead or confuse consumers.
Why This Study?
In a fast-changing food landscape—where e-commerce, health trends, and processed foods are on the rise—it’s crucial to evaluate how well consumers understand and use food labels. The third edition of our annual Consumer Label Survey continues our effort to bridge the gap between food label design and consumer comprehension.
Scope of the Survey
The 2024 edition surveyed a diverse group of Indian consumers across age groups, regions, and genders. It explored:
- Label-checking habits and frequency
- Key information sought on packaging
- Understanding of expiry/best-before dates
- Awareness of nutritional tables, allergens, and FSSAI logos
- Common misconceptions and challenges in interpreting labels
What This Report Offers
This report uncovers insights into how consumers perceive food labels, identifies persistent gaps in awareness, and outlines areas for improvement. The findings are valuable for:
- Public health educators
- Food industry professionals
- Policy makers and regulatory authorities
- Consumer advocacy groups
To better understand how well Indian consumers comprehend and engage with food labels, Food Safety Works conducted the third edition of its Consumer Label Survey in 2024.
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Explore Past Editions
To see how awareness has evolved over time, check out Edition 1 (2022) and Edition 2 (2023) in our Studies & Reports section.
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