Awareness of Food Labeling among Consumers in Groceries in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

Over the last few decades, the prevalent UAE food retail industry setup showed the changing food consumption patterns of the UAE population. Diet-related health problems are increasing in UAE as a result of obesity and other factors. Therefore, nutritional labeling becomes important to provide consumers with information that can be used to make informed and healthier food choices. 1200 consumers (54.3% were women) were interviewed while shopping at various grocery stores in AL-Ain city; UAE to assess their knowledge; attitudes and practices using a questionnaire. Consumer’s responses showed general awareness for reading the food label (89.5%); however; they read basic information like production and expiry dates. In summary; increased diet related diseases in UAE may be related to increased consumption of pre-packaged foods and inadequate awareness on use of food labeling information. This study has an educative health and nutrition implications to help consumers make an informed choice when buying pre-packaged foods.