Study on Knowledge of Nutrition Facts on Food Labels and Their Impact on Food Choices on Consumers in Batu Pahat, Johor

Food labels are mandatory on all food products since they contain nutrition information. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the knowledge of nutrition facts on the food choices made by residents of Batu Pahat, Johor. To establish this relationship, it is necessary to determine the percentage of consumers in the research area that are aware of nutrition facts on the food products. The complete food label that complies with certain regulations is also essential to the consumers to be conscious about the food ingredients. Other logos and food certification can ensure the food safety and hygiene and increase the consumer’s confidence in the food. This study was conducted as a descriptive research design with a total of three hundred (n=300) food consumers as the sample size and three hundred (n=300) of local food products for reviewing the food label. A questionnaire regarding the awareness of food labelling had been distributed to the randomly selected consumers in the research area. The compliance of food labels for local products has been evaluated using the Food Regulation 1985 guideline. The frequency and percent of the data have been calculated using SPSS software. The result from this study shows most of the consumers usually use the food label information such as the ingredient list to compare the food product and decide which product is suitable for their needs. Most of the requirements of the labelling in local food products were present at the food packaging. This study concludes that most of the food consumers are aware of and belief in nutrient facts assisted by complete food labels to guide them towards healthy choices