Caswell, Julie A. (author), Padberg, Daniel I. (author), and Caswell: Department of Resources Economics, University of Massachusetts; Padberg: Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992-05
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06519
James F. Evans Collection, Food labels play important third-party roles in the food marketing system through their impact on product design, advertising, consumer confidence in food quality, and consumer education on diet and health. However, a current analysis focuses overwhelmingly on the label's direct use as a point-of-purchase shopping aid, even though such use is limited by consumers; information processing abilities and time. In rewriting label regulations, policy makers should consider the benefits and costs of the broad array of roles labels serve, with evaluation of alternative regimes based on their impacts on consumer behavior and seller strategy. (author)
2 pages, "In fact, it might be argued that this is one of those rare stories that ends with everyone looking good - the government for enacting the new law, the food manufacturers for responding to consumer pressure, and the media for bringing an under-exposed danger to light"
