Awareness and Preferences about Packaged Food Labelling amongst Healthcare Personnel of a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Eastern India

Introduction: This study was conducted to assess the awareness and preferences of healthcare personnel (HCP) in making healthy dietary choices leading to a reduction in the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Materials and Methods: This descriptive hospital-based study was conducted amongst 506 HCP. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the information from participants. Descriptive analysis was conducted and proportions with percentages were reported. Results: Around 93.3% of the participants reported reading the labelling of packaged food items before purchasing. About 80% looked for the information present on both sides of packaged food items. The most common information checked by the respondent was the expiry date and manufacturing date. Respondents reported the most common nutrient content they looked for was protein (31%) followed by fat (29%). Conclusion: The practice of checking nutrition information was low amongst the study population even though there was high awareness regarding FOPL. There is a need to educate people on nutrition information on packed food items to enable them to make healthier choices.