Sugar consumption from high sugar beverages, and the potential effects of a text-based information label in an Australian population: postal survey
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(Published version)
Date
2010
Authors
Gray, Jodi Patricia
Karnon, Jonathan Daniel
Blackwell, Leslee Paquita
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Working paper
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Jodi P. Gray, Jonathan Karnon and Leslee Blackwell
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence on the effects of two front-of-pack text-based information labels on purchasing of high sugar beverages. Labels advise of increased risk of obesity or diabetes associated with high sugar beverage consumption.
METHODS: A postal survey was developed to obtain information on current household beverage purchases, understanding of the proposed information labels, and stated changes in purchasing resulting from the application of the labels. RESULTS: 130 completed surveys were returned (response rate 66%). In a typical week, 79.2% of households purchased at least one of five high sugar beverages. In purchasing households, estimated sugar intake from high sugar beverages alone ranged from 12.3g to 2307.2g per person per week (equivalent to 30 to 5603kJ per day), with a median intake of 185.1g (450kJ per day). 41.7% (95%CI 25.5 to 59.2) of diabetes label respondents and 35.3% (95%CI 22.4 to 49.9) of obesity label respondents stated they would reduce purchasing of at least one labelled high sugar beverage. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Provides preliminary evidence that front-of-pack text-based information labels advising consumers of health risk may be a potentially effective way to reduce purchasing and consumption of high sugar beverages.
School/Discipline
School of Population Health and Clinical Practice : Public Health