Consumers' responses to health claims in the context of other on pack nutrition information: a systematic review
Context The presence of health claims on food packaging can positively bias consumers' evaluations of foods. This review examined whether cognitive biases endure when other sources of nutrition information [the nutrition facts panel (NFP) and front of pack labels] appear on pack with health claims. The following databases were searched: Web of Science, Ovid, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, and Wiley Online Library. The search terms "health claim*" OR "nutri* claim" AND "food label*" OR "front of pack" were used to identify studies. Twenty four studies that examined health claims and front of pack labels or the NFP were included. The NFP can reduce bias, but only if consumers view it and interpret it correctly, which often does not occur. Front of pack labels show greater promise in reducing bias created by health claims. These findings are relevant to policymakers who are considering the effectiveness of mandating an NFP and/or a front of pack label alongside health claims.
Nutrition reviews