Photo from Unsplash by Tetiana Shevereva.
Poorer fast food consumers are more likely to ignore menu labelling
A new study shows.
Menu labelling at fast food outlets has little influence on the purchasing behaviour of people with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP).
A study, by Danja Sarink, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues, presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity in Sofia, Bulgaria, suggests that mandatory menu energy labelling in fast food outlets will not reduce socioeconomic differences in overweight and obesity.
Researchers reviewed 10 previous studies on the impact of menu labelling schemes on low SEP populations, all but one reported no reduction in calories or foods purchased. According to the result of the study, "In the few (8) studies comparing the effectiveness by SEP four found a differential effect, with greater reduction in calories/foods purchases or greater improvement in awareness in wealthier rather than poorer people. One study found a decrease in calories consumed in both wealthier and poorer areas."
Based on this, the researchers concluded that based on the limited evidence, it seems unlikely that mandatory menu energy labelling alone will have a direct benefit in low income populations.
Adding, “In Australia mandatory menu energy labelling has been introduced in two states, one with a substantial accompanying information campaign. It will be important to see whether such complementary activities, especially those targeted to low income or non-English speaking groups, improve the effectiveness in lower SEP populations.”
Associate Professor Anna Peeters, Head of Obesity & Population Health at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and President of Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society explained to QSR Media that the implications of this study are that in the states where menu labelling occurs, namely South Australia, New South Wales and ACT, it will be important to also support nutrition and shopping education programs as well as broader information campaigns to increase the potential for all Australians to benefit from healthier food choices.
