A Survey of undergraduate student perceptions and use of nutrition information labels in a university dining hall

Objective:To examine undergraduate student perceptions and reported use of nutrition information labels in campus dining halls.Design:Paper surveys were administered to a convenience sample of undergraduates.Setting:This study was conducted at an urban United States university.Method:A survey about perceptions and use of nutrition information labels in the dining halls was distributed to 487 students over a three-month period during the 2009–2010 academic year.Results:Of survey respondents, 98% were in favour of making nutrition information available to students, while 96% preferred the information to appear in the dining halls or both in the dining halls and online, rather than online only. Some 88% of survey respondents indicated that the labels affect their food choices at least sometimes.Conclusion:The results suggest that college and university dining halls should consider student opinion when deciding whether to provide nutrition information labels in the dining halls.