논문 상세보기
pp.24-33
This study examined the utilization of processed food and the recognition of food labels among 257 university students (201 females and 56 males) in Seoul and Kangwon-do. The results of the study showed that the most important considered information on food labels are shelf life, nutrition facts, and price in sequential order. Female students’recognition of nutrition facts was significantly higher than that of male students (p<0.05). Female students more attentively checked the manufacturer, origin of the products, and shelf life information on food labels than did the male students. In checking out the food labels information, the most checked items on food labels were calories, trans fatty acid and cholesterol in that order and the least checked information was the sodium contents. Among processed foods, male students’consumption was dominant in instant noodles, frozen dumplings, and canned goods, while female students had more candies/chocolates. In selecting processed foods, male students showed strong preference for cheaper and quantitative products, while female students chose more tasty, brand new, well-known brand, and products of domestic origin. Frequency of canned and frozen food consumption showed a positive correlation with BMI, while candies/chocolates showed a negative correlations with BMI. Negative correlations were found in the attitude of selecting food with longer shelf life and BMI. The results of this study suggest that university students need to be well informed to make wise food choices that contribute to a healthy diet. Additionally, food manufacturers and government authorities concerned should make certain that consumers know how to use food label information more easily and effectively through proper education.
