food labels, AGRICOLA FNI 92002051, In the early stages of number coding for food additives it is essential to evaluate how well consumers can identify and interpret this system and assess their attitudes to its introduction. This was tested in a study when 502 consumers were interviewed by questionnaire in six Perth suburban supermarkets and the same questionnaire was mailed to 50 members of the Allergy Association of Australia living in Western Australia. Results reported in this paper indicate only a little over a third of the general public group were able to make use of the system correctly, whereas the majority of those with recognized allergies had no problem. The data showed that in general the uses of additives in food are misunderstood and that there is a need for consumer education, ideally with the shopping center as a venue. (original)
