Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Individuals on Quality and Safety Labelling on Packaged Food in The Central Business District of Ndola

Abstract

Food labelling serves a crucial role by providing consumers with essential details about ingredients, quality, and nutritional value, enabling them to make healthier and more informed choices. Manufacturers hold the responsibility of ensuring precise labelling, in strict adherence to established regulations, as misleading labelling is considered an offence under the Food Safety Act of 2019. Improved food labelling has the potential to reduce the risk of health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, while organisations like the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of Zambia actively work to enhance consumer awareness regarding pre-packaged food labelling. These efforts include initiatives to incorporate local languages and enlarge font sizes on labels, making critical information more accessible and promoting health literacy among a broader audience. Consumers also have a role in determining quality and safeness of food labels and with regards to ensuring adequate knowledge, attitude and practice in the determination of food label quality, this study was done to assess individuals’ knowledge attitude and practice on quality and safety labelling on packaged food in the central business district of Ndola. This study used a qualitative case study design at Shoprite Ndola, President Avenue, including individuals from Ndola's business district and nearby areas. Primary languages were Bemba and English. The participants were teenagers and adults who buy pre-packaged food at Shoprite Ndola. Thirty participants volunteered through self-selection. Data collection involved one-on-one interviews on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food labelling. Content analysis was applied for data summarisation. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Lusaka's Research Ethical Committee and the National Health Research Authority, ensuring consent, confidentiality, and participant well-being. This study showed that most consumers have a good understanding of the quality and safety aspects of food labeling on packaged products. However, their attitudes and actual practices often diverge from this knowledge. Many consumers tend to rely on trusted brands, which can lead to a lack of interest in scrutinizing label details.