A new survey by FoodMinds shows that the majority of those polled support Uncle Sam’s efforts to overhaul what is included in their food and on the packages. They also believe they are individually responsible for making the right food choices to avoid obesity, but will readily accept the government’s help to be successful.

According to the survey:

  • Eighty-six percent of consumers are interested in the government implementing objective front-of-pack labeling that calls out calories and beneficial nutrients such as vitamin D or fiber.
  • Seventy-seven percent of shoppers are interested in front-of-package labels designed to warn them of products with high calories, low nutrients.
  • Sixty-four percent said if their favorite food had a warning label on it, they would either eat less or stop buying the product entirely.
  • Seventy-four percent favor government-sponsored nutrition education programs to help them better identify the “good” versus the “bad” foods.
  • Fifty-eight percent support the government banning advertising of “unhealthy” foods to children and young adults.
  • Half are in favor of the government allowing employers to reward healthier employees while levying higher costs or fines to punish those who engage in unhealthy behaviors.
  • Rejected by 65 percent of shoppers are proposed taxes on soft drinks and foods high in sugar and calories, but low in nutritional value.
  • The Nutrition Facts panel ranks first with 93 percent of shoppers saying it’s a very or somewhat useful tool, followed by front-of-pack information (low fat, high in fiber, etc.) at 88 percent.
  • Not quite as popular are marketing-oriented claims such as “helps lose weight,” “helps build strong bones,” with 71 percent of shoppers finding them useful.
  • Three quarters of shoppers like seeing where their food comes from (“organic,” “natural” and “sustainable farming practices”).
  • When asked who holds the primary responsibility to make sure the public makes right food choices to avoid obesity, 38 percent chose: 14 percent said food companies, 12 percent said the government, nine percent said the health care system and three percent pointed to the educational systems.
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