Unlocking food labels : exploring front-of-pack labelling to promote healthier choices in Malta

Abstract

Front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) facilitates informed nutritional choices and helps reduce non-communicable disease risk. This study investigated FOPL awareness, comprehension and attitudes among Maltese adults. An anonymous online survey was distributed through social media to collect demographic data and assess familiarity with FOPL, Nutri-Score, and Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA). Statistical analyses examined associations between demographics and FOPL engagement. Results from 600 respondents revealed that 62.17% did not read FOPL during grocery shopping. Females and those with higher education were more likely to review nutrition information and be familiar with GDA. While 85.83% recognised the importance of FOPL, fewer than half found it easy to understand. Participants generally demonstrated good understanding of the Nutri-Score system and were primarily concerned with calorie and fat content when reading GDA labels. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health efforts to improve FOPL literacy, supporting more informed dietary decisions and better health outcomes.