Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Calorie Labeling in Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: In 2017, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) introduced a calorie labeling policy to empower consumers to make healthier food choices at restaurants and coffee shops. Thus, this study aims to evaluate consumers’ knowledge of this calorie labeling policy and assess their attitudes and practices concerning it in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The research design is quantitative and cross-sectional, and the data are collected within one month. The variables studied are consumers' knowledge of the SFDA's calorie labeling policy, their attitudes toward calorie labeling, and their practices related to calorie labeling.
Results: Out of 384 consumers, 67.2% were females, and 58.3% were aged between 18 and 29. The overall mean knowledge score was 3.90 (SD 1.71) out of six points. Accordingly, 40.9% had good knowledge levels, and 22.7% had good practices, while positive attitudes were found in nearly all consumers (81.8%).
Conclusion: Consumers in the Eastern Region had positive attitudes, but their calorie labeling knowledge and practices were limited.