Survey on labeling of health functional foods in internet shopping malls

Abstract

Purpose - This research is to review the state of standard labeling compliance and identify the factors that are conducive to compliance with the Labeling Standards of the Health Functional Foods Act in internet distribution. Research design, data, and methodology - We checked 9 labels including product name, expiration date, manufacturing date, raw material, ingredient, operative dose, nutritional information, daily intake, and functional effect which are based on Labeling Standards of the Act from 100 health functional foods in the internet shopping malls. These 9 structure & function claims were compared using a Chi-square test. Results - There was a statistically significant difference in the use of standard labeling between domestic product and imported products (p < .001). The related strength between these two variables showed a moderate effect size. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between accredited advertising/unaccredited advertising distinction and use of standard labeling (p < .001). The related strength between these two variables showed a moderate effect size. Conclusions - The Labeling Standards of the Act were not followed and found to be related to imports or unauthorized advertising in internet distribution. The information displayed according to the Labeling Standards was only about 2 on the average, so many labels have been posted unreadably without arrangement. © Korean Distribution Science Association (KODISA).