Knowledge Attitude and Practices of Food Labelling Among Students of University of Calabar Cross River State Nigeria

Abstract Background Food labels provide important nutritional and safety information that can support informed food choices. However, awareness of food-label information does not necessarily translate into appropriate interpretation and use. Objectives This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of food labelling among undergraduate students of the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 396 undergraduate students of the University of Calabar. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices related to food labelling. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, while chi-square and t-test were used to assess associations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The respondents were predominantly female (56.6%) and aged 20–24 years (45.2%). Although high proportions correctly recognized individual food-label components, including ingredients (94.6%), manufactured and expiry dates (93.4%), and nutrition information (93.2%), overall knowledge of food labelling was poor among 67.9% of respondents, while 21.7% had fair and 10.4% had good knowledge. Overall, 58.3% demonstrated a negative attitude towards food labelling. Although 61.1% reported reading food labels, overall food-labelling practice was poor among 86.6% of respondents. Among respondents who did not read labels, lack of understanding was the most frequently reported reason (71.7%). Knowledge was significantly associated with food-label use (χ²=10.520, p = 0.005), whereas attitude was not significantly associated with food-label use (χ²=0.105, p = 0.746). Conclusion Despite recognition of several individual food-label components, undergraduate students demonstrated substantial gaps in overall food-labelling knowledge, attitude and practice. The significant association between knowledge and food-label use, together with lack of understanding as the major barrier to label reading, highlights the need for practical food-labelling education that emphasizes interpretation and application of label information in everyday food-purchasing decisions.