What’s in our food: global call for improved information

Results of the world menu report released last month show that nine out of 10 consumers are demanding more information about food when eating out-of-home. Despite international agreement on the importance of eating healthy, poor levels of information were cited as a significant barrier to leading a healthy lifestyle.

The study by Unilever Food Solutions highlights the growing need for the food industry to provide increased transparency for consumers about what is in their food, where the food has been sourced and the safety of the food, helping people make informed meal decisions out of home.

Nine out of 10 people surveyed in non-western countries – highlights the growing need for the foodservice industry to provide increased transparency for consumers about what is in their food, where the food has been sourced and the safety of the food; helping people make informed decisions out-of-home.

The top three things people wanted to know when eating out was the source of food, how it was prepared and the nutritional value of the food. In addition, around two-thirds of respondents said that food labels including low fat, low salt and calorie content would be a welcome addition to the menu. Currently, the desired nutritional information appears to be lacking in all surveyed countries.

The findings also revealed that consumers globally are not in agreement when it comes to the way information should be conveyed. International cultural differences suggest that messaging could be delivered through a variety of channels.

The launch of the global authority reports part of the Unilever Food Solutions brand rejuvenation, identifying the first as a whole. Key players in the global food industry have the responsibility to provide greater transparency about what goes in the food they create and in turn hand the power of choice back to the guests.

Ria van der Maas, Global Nutritionist for Unilever Food Solutions, says: “Over recent years we have seen a boom in fast and convenience food. With this has come significant concern regarding the nutritional impact of modern eating habits. The results of this search clearly demonstrate that there is a global need for greater transparency around nutritional information when eating out of the home, to empower consumers to make healthier choices.”

Eelco Camminga, Vice President of Unilever Food Solutions for South Africa, the Middle East and Pakistan says: “It is the responsibility of food service professionals to be more transparent with consumers about what goes into their food. At Unilever Food Solutions, we aim to help chefs and caterers simplify what goes into food and keep their recipes fresh and exciting.”

“Improved food information offers the foodservice industry a route to renewed growth following a turbulent period for the world market. Satisfying consumer demand for greater nutritional information offers a clear opportunity to generate growth in challenging conditions,” concludes Camminga.