Article
Consumer Purchasing Patterns in Response to Calorie Labeling Legislation in New York City.pdf
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
(2011)
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a major public health threat and policies aimed at curbing this epidemic are emerging.
National calorie labeling legislation is forthcoming and requires rigorous evaluation to examine its impact on
consumers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether point-of-purchase calorie labels in New York City
(NYC) chain restaurants affected food purchasing patterns in a sample of lower income adults in NYC and Newark,NJ.
Methods: This study utilized a difference-in-difference design to survey 1,170 adult patrons of four popular chain
restaurants in NYC and Newark, NJ (which did not introduce labeling) before and after calorie labeling was
implemented in NYC. Receipt data were collected and analyzed to examine food and beverage purchases and
frequency of fast food consumption. Descriptive statistics were generated, and linear and logistic regression,
difference-in-difference analysis, and predicted probabilities were used to analyze the data.
Results: A difference-in-difference analysis revealed no significant favorable differences and some unfavorable
differences in food purchasing patterns and frequency of fast food consumption between adult patrons of fast
food restaurants in NYC and Newark, NJ. Adults in NYC who reported noticing and using the calorie labels
consumed fast food less frequently compared to adults who did not notice the labels (4.9 vs. 6.6 meals per week,p <0.05).
Conclusion: While no favorable differences in purchasing as a result of labeling were noted, self-reported use of
calorie labels was associated with some favorable behavioral patterns in a subset of adults in NYC. However, overall impact of the legislation may be limited. More research is needed to understand the most effective way to deliver calorie information to consumers.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2011
DOI
10.1186/1479-5868-8-51
Citation Information
Maya Vadiveloo, L. Beth Dixon and Brian Elbel. "Consumer Purchasing Patterns in Response to Calorie Labeling Legislation in New York City.pdf" International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 8 Iss. 51 (2011) ISSN: 1479-5868 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/maya-vadiveloo/8/