Awareness, understanding, and use of nutrition labelling in Japan: a cross-sectional study using the Consumer Opinion Survey on Food Labelling

Interest in and use of nutrition labelling are associated with demographic and health-related factors. However, few studies have comprehensively examined awareness, understanding, and use of nutrition labelling by sex, age group, lifestyle-related diseases, and survey year. We examined these associations in Japan and identified potential risk groups. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Consumer Opinion Survey on Food Labelling conducted annually by the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan. Data from fiscal years 2018–2023 ( N = 60,000) were analysed. Awareness, understanding, and use of nutrition labelling were assessed according to participants’ demographic characteristics (sex, age group, reported lifestyle-related diseases, and survey year) using multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Females and those reporting lifestyle-related diseases had higher levels of awareness, understanding, and use than males and those not reporting lifestyle-related diseases. Females had higher odds of awareness (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.23–1.32), understanding (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.31), and use (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.39–1.51) than males. Awareness was lower among those in their 20s to 50s, whereas understanding and use were lower among those aged ≥ 70. Use was higher among those in their 30s to 50s. Awareness and use increased with the number of diseases in both males and females, whereas higher understanding was observed only among males with multiple diseases (OR for 4 vs. 0 diseases = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.26–1.81). A significant interaction between age group and number of diseases was observed ( p for interaction < 0.001). Across survey years, awareness and understanding decreased, whereas use increased from 2018 to 2023. Awareness, understanding, and use of nutrition labelling differed by sex, age group, and reporting lifestyle-related diseases. Males, older adults, and those reporting no lifestyle-related diseases may represent key target groups for intervention. Strategies to improve awareness and facilitate understanding, in addition to increasing availability, may promote effective use of nutrition labelling and support healthier food choices.