Consumers express allergy information preferences

A web-based questionnaire has been used to collect information about how people with food allergies prefer to get information about the allergen content of food. The international study involved 287 participants from Germany, Greece and The Netherlands, with results indicating the information provided on food packaging is currently the most preferred method used by food allergic consumers to avoid allergens.

The participants, who included adults with real or perceived allergies, as well as parents of children with real or perceived allergies, were asked to rank their liking of various formats for allergen information. The different formats included in the study included a food label, an in-store booklet, and a solution based on intelligent communication technology (ICT).

While information provided on food packages was rated by respondents as the most preferred option, improvements to the format of this information are required. These include increased font size, a standardised format for providing allergen information (including precautionary labelling), and possibly a standardised symbol appearing on both the front and back of packaging. Responses indicated that ICT methods will not replace effective on-pack food labelling, but may be used to provide additional, personalised information. Other information collected indicated that food allergic consumers prefer to have a telephone hotline given on the food label rather than a website address.

In their paper, the study authors set out several recommendations for information delivery to food allergic patients in the form of labels and booklets.

Reference: Voordouw et al. 2011. Food Quality and Preference. DOI: 10.1016.j.foodqual.2011.01.009