Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of labeling foods with the Choices nutrition
logo on influencing cafeteria menu selection and the behavioral determinants of menu
choices in work site cafeterias in the Netherlands. A cluster randomized controlled
trial was conducted. Intervention cafeterias (n=13), where the Choices logo was used
to promote healthier eating for a 3-week period, were compared with control cafeterias
(n=12), which offered the same menu without the logo. Sales data were collected daily
for 9 weeks, from March to May 2009. In addition, employees from one intervention
and one control company completed an online questionnaire at baseline and after the
intervention (n=368) in which the behavioral determinants of food choice (ie, attitude,
self-efficacy, and intention) and logo use were measured. Generalized estimating equation
analyses, χ2 tests, t tests and linear regression analyses were performed. No nutritionally meaningful
intervention effects were found in the sales of sandwiches, soups, snacks, fruit,
and salads. Also, no significant differences in behavioral determinants were found.
“Intention to eat healthier” and “paying attention to product information” were positively
associated with self-reported consumption of foods with the Choices logo at lunch.
The intervention did not have a significant effect on employees' lunchtime food choices.
Labeling healthy choices might be useful for health-conscious employees in the volitional
phase of behavior change. Further research should focus on the possible health benefits
of menu reformulation in the catering sector.
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Biography
E. L. Vyth is a PhD candidate, Department of Health Sciences and The EMGO Institute for Health Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Biography
I. H. M. Steenhuis is an associate professor, Department of Health Sciences and The EMGO Institute for Health Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Biography
A. J. C. Roodenburg is a senior researcher, Department of Health Sciences and The EMGO Institute for Health Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Biography
J. Brug is a professor, Department of Health Sciences and The EMGO Institute for Health Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Biography
M. W. Heymans is an assistant professor, Department of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Biography
J. C. Seidell is a professor, Department of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 9,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
