Objectives This study examined the association between the experience of disease management education and the use of nutrition labels according to the sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors of people diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes living in the community. Methods Among the participants from the Community Health Survey (2018), 74,283 individuals diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes were included in the study population. According to gender, this study evaluated nutrition label use by the experience of disease management education, individual sociodemographic characteristics, and health behavior. Finally, using multiple logistic regression analysis, the association between disease management education and nutrition labels was calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Males (24.5%) experienced more disease management education than females (22.6%). In addition, younger age, higher education level, and higher equalized personal income experienced more disease management education (P < 0.001). The educational experience rate was higher in the male subjects who did not smoke or were involved in high-risk alcohol consumption (P < 0.001). In addition, the rate of disease management education experience was significantly higher for both men and women who exercised by walking (P < 0.001). The use of nutrition labels was higher in females (9.9%) than males (5.8%), and both males and females were significantly higher in young age, high education, high income, and professional and office positions (P < 0.001). The utilization rate of nutrition labels was high in non-smoking male subjects and high-risk-drinking female subjects. In addition, the utilization rate of nutrition labels was significantly higher in males and females who exercised by walking and those who experienced disease management education (P < 0.001). After adjusting for individual sociodemographic characteristics, health behavior, and disease management education, the use of nutrition labels was high among females (OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.85-3.58), high income (Q4; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.41-1.87, Q5; OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.37-1.84) and highly educated (high school; OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.62-3.14, above college; OR 5.60, 95% CI 5.02-6.23) while it was low in the elderly (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.40-0.47), and economically inactive (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.96). The use of nutrition labels was high in non-smokers (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13-1.48), nonhigh-risk drinkers (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.38), and subjects who exercised walking (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34-1.54). There was no difference in the utilization rate of nutrition labels according to obesity, and the utilization rate of nutrition labels was significantly higher in subjects who had experienced disease education (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24-1.44). Conclusions Education on the use of nutrition labels, which contributes to food selection for healthy eating, might be a tool for dietary management. Moreover, the utilization rate can be a good indicator for predicting the proportion of the population practicing the guide for disease management. Improving the utilization rate of nutrition labels through disease management education can be a useful intervention for people with chronic diseases who need healthy eating habits for disease management and preventing complications, particularly those diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes.
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Objectives This study examines the effect on the frequency of Ramyeon consumption based on who checks nutrition labels and on the levels of sodium-related nutrition knowledge among middle school students in the Incheon area. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 359 students (143 males and 216 females) from May to October 2021. General information as well as Ramyeon-eating behaviors were surveyed. The frequency of Ramyeon consumption was compared depending on who checks nutrition labels and on the amount of sodium-related nutrition knowledge students have. Both X 2 tests and t-tests were conducted for categorical and mean comparisons. Results Regarding the consumption of Ramyeon, 46% of the students replied that they eat it alone at home. The criteria for choosing the kind of Ramyeon to eat were taste (79.4%), price (9.2%), brand and new products (4.5%), nutrition (2.2%), weight control (2.2%), and other factors (2.5%). When purchasing Ramyeon, more students replied that they did not read nutrition labels (66.0%) compared to those who did read labels (34.0%). Answers to questions on sodium-related nutrition earned an average of 6.84 out of nine points (males, 6.72 points, females, 6.91 points, ns). The average frequency of Ramyeon consumption was 1.67 times per week (males, 1.66, females, 1.68, ns). The frequency of Ramyeon consumption by students who checked nutrition labels was lower than for students who did not check labels (1.44 times per week vs. 1.79 times per week, P < 0.05). Conclusions Students who checked nutrition labels reported a lower frequency of Ramyeon consumption than students who did not check them. Education on checking nutrition labels may reduce the consumption of processed foods such as Ramyeon and may lead to making healthy choices when purchasing food.
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Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the types of nutrition labeling on the processing fluency, health evaluation and purchase intentions of home meal replacements. Methods This online experimental study was conducted from December 29 to 31, 2019 and included 134 participants. The research design was 2 (Objective nutrition labeling: present vs. absent) X 2 (Evaluative nutrition labeling: present vs. absent) and each participant was randomly assigned to one of four groups. As stimuli, five types of ready-to-heat foods sold in the market were used. Results Processing fluency (4.91 points) and purchase intention (4.13 points) were significantly high when both evaluative nutrition labeling and objective nutrition labeling were presented, and healthfulness evaluation (4.47 points) was significantly high when only evaluative nutrition labeling was presented. All three variables were measured to be high when evaluative nutrition labeling was presented. The evaluative nutrition labeling that visually represented nutritional values was found to be more effective for processing fluency, healthfulness evaluation, and purchase intention than the objective nutrition labeling representing the nutritional value of the product in numbers and proportions. Conclusions These results show that it is necessary to develop various types of evaluative nutrition labeling to enable consumers to choose and purchase healthful home meal replacements. Also, consumer education and public campaigns are needed to encourage consumers to select healthier home-cooked meals using nutrition labeling.
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Objectives The study examined the status on the use of nutrition labeling and nutrition claims among university students as well as the diet quality and nutritional status using the nutrition quotient (NQ) according to the use of nutrition labeling and claims. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on university students (86 males and 131 females) from March to April in 2019 in Chungbuk area. Results The percentage of subjects who reported that they recognized nutrition labeling was 80.2% of the total, and 63.8% of them indicated that they used nutrition labeling for their food choices. In addition, 22.6% of the total subjects said that they used nutrition claims. The group of subjects using nutrition labeling showed significantly higher mean scores in balance (P < 0.01), diversity (P < 0.05), moderation (P < 0.01), and dietary behavior (P < 0.001) along with higher mean NQ score (P < 0.001) compared to the group not using nutrition labeling. The group using nutrition claims had significantly higher mean scores in balance (P < 0.001), diversity (P < 0.01), moderation (P < 0.001), and dietary behavior (P < 0.001) as well as total NQ scores (P < 0.001) compared to the group not using nutrition claims. The group of subjects using both nutrition labeling and nutrition claims showed significantly higher mean NQ scores than the group of subjects using either nutrition labeling or nutrition claims (P < 0.05). Conclusions In this study, university students' use of nutrition labeling and nutrition claims appeared to be related to their diet quality and nutritional status.
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OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage of the current mandatory nutrition labeling system on the nutrient intake of Koreans. METHODS KNHANES dietary intake data (2013) of 7,242 subjects were used in the analysis. KNHANES dietary intake data were collected by a 24-hour recall method by trained dietitians. For analysis, all food items consumed by the subjects were classified into two groups (foods with mandatory labeling and other foods). In the next step, all food items were reclassified into four groups according to the food type and nutrition labeling regulations: raw material food, processed food of raw material characteristics, processed foods without mandatory labeling, and processed foods with mandatory labeling. The intake of energy and five nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat, saturated fat, and sodium) of subjects from each food group were analyzed to determine the coverage of the mandatory nutrition labeling system among the total nutrient intake of Koreans. RESULTS The average intake of foods with mandatory labeling were 384g/day, which was approximately one quarter of the total daily food intake (1,544 g/day). The proportion of energy and five nutrients intake from foods with mandatory labeling was 18.1%~47.4%. The average food intake from the 4 food groups were 745 g/day (48.3%) for the raw food materials, 54 g/day (3.5%) for the processed food of raw material characteristics, 391 g/day (25.3%) for the processed foods without mandatory labeling, and 354 g/day (22.9%) for the processed foods with mandatory labeling. CONCLUSIONS Although nutrition labeling is a useful tool for providing nutritional information to consumers, the coverage of current mandatory nutrition labeling system on daily nutrient intake of the Korean population is not high. To encourage informed choices and improve healthy eating habits of the Korean population, the nutrition labeling system should be expanded to include more food items and foodservice menus.
OBJECTIVES Vitamin C has various functions such as antioxidative effect and supporting absorption of iron (Fe). Aim of this present study was to provide vitamin C nutrition information and to briefly evaluate absorption interaction of vitamin C and Fe content of vitamin C emphasized products. METHODS Vitamin C emphasized foods including beverages, cereal, snacks, chocolate products, other cocoa products, and sugary products were examined by HPLC. Fe contents in samples after dry-ashing were examined by ICP. RESULTS Vitamin C content ranges in various products tested were the following: beverages (n=11) 20.15 ± 0.08~845.41 ± 6.07 mg, cereal (n=11) 52.50 ± 0.23~262.50 ± 0.07 mg, snacks (n=1) 50.00 ± 0.25 mg, chocolate products (n=1) 311.73 ± 2.44 mg, other cocoa products (n=1) 311.73 ± 2.44 mg, other sugary products (n=2) 52.50 ± 0.23~262.50 ± 0.07 mg. Vitamin C (n=27) analysis values ranged from 82 to 450% of the labeled value. Vitamin C content in vitamin C emphasized food (n=6) was estimated 7.7 times~56.6 times more than Fe content. CONCLUSIONS Analyzed samples ranged more than 80% of the labeled value in vitamin C emphasized products, which complied with food labeling regulation. But, beverages (n=3), cereal (n=4), chocolate products (n=1) were 2 times more than the labeled value. To provide accurate nutrition information, food manufactures should supervise nutrition labeling and understand the interactions between nutrients. Also, consumer should decide about the adequate amount of nutrient intake by thoroughly checking nutrition labeling.
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To investigate recognition and use of nutrition labeling on eating-out menus, self-recorded questionnaire was surveyed for 641 consumers who visited hamburger and pizza restaurants in Daejeon from May to July, 2010. Subjects were women of 51.3% and 92.9% aged 10s or 20s. Use frequency of hamburger and pizza restaurants was 2-3 times a month with 56.9%. Of subjects 41.0% knew nutrition labeling mandates of eating-out menus, 64.6% have seen nutrition labels of menus, and 44.5% read nutrition labels when purchasing. Among subjects who read nutrition labels, 67.0% (29.8% of total) referred to it when menu purchase and 60.4% (26.9% of total) experienced changing menu. The ratio of reading nutrition labels was different among gender, diet trial frequency and monthly eating-out cost. Reasons for not reading labels were "not interested in" or "never heard about" for 57.0%, and "not noticeable" for 28.7%. The ratio who read correctly all 3 pieces of information, such as calorie amount, daily value, and way of using daily value was 39.2%. Average number of correct reading was 2.13, which was different among gender, marital status, having children, diet trial frequency, monthly eating-out cost, the restaurants use frequency, and accompanying person. Many subjects wanted to be additionally provided with cholesterol and transfat. Therefore, practical and differentiated consumer educations considering consumer features are required for better nutrition labeling usage. Government's regulatory efforts and voluntary effort of eating-out companies, such as adding nutrients on labels and improving labeling places, are also necessary.
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This study was designed to examine nutrition label use, self-efficacy, snacking and eating behaviors of middle school students, and to investigate if these characteristics were different by nutrition label use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to 348 middle school students in Kyunggi, Korea. About a third of subjects read nutrition labels when they purchased snacks/packaged foods. Most nutrition label users were interested in reading information on calories, fat and trans-fat. Self-efficacy of eating/selecting snacks or general nutrition behavior was moderate (mean score: 44.4 out of 60), with significantly higher score in nutrition label users compared to nonusers (p < 0.001). Nutrition label users felt more confident in 9 items out of 15 items of self-efficacy, such as "taking fruits instead of cookies/candy for snack" (p < 0.001), "choosing milk instead of soft drink" (p < 0.01), "not having snacks after dinner" and "avoiding processed foods for snacks" (p < 0.05). Subjects had snacks 1.3 times a day, and nutrition label nonusers consumed snacks more frequently than the counterparts (p < 0.01). About 55% of nutrition label users and 64.7% of nonusers mainly purchased snacks for themselves (p < 0.05). Commonly purchased snacks by adolescents were ice cream, cookies/chips, breads and ramen. Major considerations in purchasing snacks were taste (46.9%) and price (34.6%). In selecting snacks, the influence of friends and parents was greater than the other sources. Based on eating frequency of snacks, nutrition label users were more likely to consume healthy snacks, such as fruit juices, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and potato/sweet potato than nonusers (p < 0.05). Eating behaviors measured by 15 items scored 33.6 out of 45. Nutrition label users showed better eating behaviors, such as "eating meals slowly", "eating foods cooked with plant oil", and "eating out less frequently" (p < 0.05). Study results showed that majority of adolescents did not read nutrition labels, selected snacks for themselves and had somewhat unhealthy foods for snacks. This study also showed the differences in self-efficacy, snacking and eating behaviors between nutrition label users and nonusers. In nutrition education, it is necessary to stress the importance and skills for reading nutrition labels. It is also needed to help adolescents to select healthy snacks and have desirable eating behaviors, as well as increasing self-efficacy.
The purposes of this study were to investigate the perception of nutrition labeling on restaurant menus, and to analyze the differences among subject's characteristics, eating-out behaviors, and dietary attitudes. Information concerning general characteristics, health status, eating-out behaviors and dietary attitudes of subjects was collected by a structured questionnaire. From January 5th to February 27th in 2009, 406 questionnaires were completed by 157 males and 249 females. Statistical analyses were performed using by SPSS 14.0 package program. The perception of the importance of nutrition labeling was 3.89, while knowledge of whether restaurants provided sufficient nutrition information scored 2.26 indicating that being highly conscious of nutrition labeling, respondents did not view the supplied information as sufficient. Nutritional perception was greater in females and varied in both genders with age and health status. Significant differences concerning the perceptions of nutrition labeling were evident, based on eating-out behaviors and dietary attitudes. The results imply that nutrition labeling on restaurant menus should be based on consumer characteristics. Relevant nutrition labeling might help improve health by encouraging proper dietary habits and providing valuable nutritional information. Recognition of the importance of nutrition labeling and strategic implementation of labeling in menus would be prudent strategies for restaurant managers.
This study was carried out to investigate the perception on nutrition labeling of the processed foods among elementary school teachers in Busan. The survey was conducted from November 1 to November 30, 2008 by questionnaires and data which were analyzed by SPSS program. The results are summarized as follows. Ninety five point seven percent of the male teachers and 98.2% of the female teachers recognized the nutrition labeling (NL). The necessity of a NL system and comprehension of NL were higher in the female group than the male group. NL was trusted by 22.9% of male teachers and 19.7% of female teachers. The main reason for checking NL of the teachers was for food safety. For the most important NL items at purchasing the food, the teachers replied 'trans fatty acid' and 'cholesterol'. Five point seven percent of male teachers and 17.0% of female teachers were educated for NL. Seventy two point nine percent of males and 91.0% of females recognized the necessity of NL teaching. It is necessary to prepare education programs for both teachers and students about accurate recognition of NL.
This study was carried out to investigate the nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, and dietary habits of girl's high school students in Kunsan, and to investigate their recognition of food-nutrition labeling. The results are summarized as follows. General nutrition knowledge is relatively low, with an average of 0.57. It was shown that high school female students skipped breakfast rather than lunch or dinner, with a skipping rate of 28.9% for breakfast, 0.7% for lunch, and 8.6% for dinner. Regarding snacks, 35.5% of all the surveyed students had 1 snack per day, with 31.9% having them between lunch and dinner. The most popular snacks include biscuits (22.3%), noodles (18.3%) and bakery (13.3%). The most popular response was that students 'sometimes checked' the food label of processed domestic and imported processed food. The level of satisfaction with food labels is moderate, with an average of 2.96, out of 5. The most satisfactory title about food labels was 'helpful for food selection' with 3.19. On the other hand, the least satisfactory title was 'understands the label' with 2.78. Regarding the identification of the nutrition labeling, the highest response was 'sometimes watched, sometimes not,' with 40.5%. Products which were most often checked were milk/milk products (3.44), snacks/bread (3.33), and soft drinks (3.07). Among nutrition labeling items, total calories was the most important, followed by fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol and calcium. The question regarding the knowledge of nutrition labeling rated an average of 0.58 (out of 1). There was a significant positive correlation between the degree of the nutrition label verification and the dietary attitude score, along with the nutrition labeling knowledge and the nutrition knowledge score of the subjects. On the other hand, the degree of the nutrition label verification and the knowledge on nutrition labeling had a significant negative correlation. Hence, it is of the opinion that education on properly reading nutrient information is necessary to enable adolescents to apply that in real life. Furthermore, labeling nutritional information on processed food through a more comprehensive method is deemed necessary as a supporting measure.
The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of nutrition label use and its association with demographic, weight control related factors, and diet among female adults in the Seoul area. Also, the study subjects' comprehension of nutrition labels was examined using objective measures. 279 females, between ages of 20 and 49, participated in this study. 66% of the participants reported to always or often use nutrition labels when purchasing foods. Nutrition label use was significantly higher among participants who were interested in losing weight and have more knowledge on nutrition, but significantly lower among subjects who were underweight (p < 0.05). Label users had higher fruit consumption and lower intake of fatty foods and snacks (p < 0.01). Only 20% of participants answered correctly regarding questions about the total amount of calories and fats contained in the entire food package tested, and only 15% answered correctly on questions about understanding of the % daily value. Comprehension of nutrition labels were significantly lower among participants who were less educated, underweight, and married (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that proper use of nutrition labels may improve food choices and enable healthy dietary practices. Further efforts are needed to provide public a nutrition education program on how to read nutrition labels. Modifications of nutrition labels to make it easier to understand by the public should also be considered.
The purpose of this study was to improve the dietary attitudes of elementary students through nutrition labeling education. A class of fifth-grade elementary students was selected and educated for basic nutrition and reading of nutrition labeling for 8 weeks by using education materials from the KFDA. After the education, the children were subjected for the practice of reading nutrition labeling during winter vacation, and the changes in their dietary attitudes and practice were measured by using questionnaires for children and their parents along with measuring physical changes. The results were as follows: The level of nutritional knowledge was improved significantly after the education (p < 0.05). Nutrition labeling education increased the children's frequency of reading nutrition labeling from 34.2% to 57.9% while purchasing processed foods (p < 0.05), and 92.1% of the children answered that their dietary attitudes improved by nutrition labeling education. However, no improvement in physical measurements was observed after education. This result suggested that 8-week of education were not enough to show the improvement in physical measurements, and long-term and repeated education is necessary. After the education, most children answered that they recognized the benefit of reading nutrition labeling and they would read the nutrition labeling when purchasing processed foods. Parents also recognized the necessity of nutrition labeling education in school and suggested the need of nutrition labeling be easy to read. The above results suggested that nutrition labeling education is an effective way for improving dietary attitudes of children.
Kwang Il Kwon, So Hyun Park, Jun Hyung Lee, Jee Young Kim, Kwang Soo Yoo, Jee Sun Lee, Seo Young Kim, Hyuni Sung, Hye Seon Nam, Jong Wook Kim, Hye Young Lee, Hye Kyung Park, Myung Chul Kim
Korean J Community Nutr 2007;12(2):206-213. Published online April 30, 2007
This study investigated the prevalence of nutrition labeling and claims on processed and packaged foods. The final database consists of 1,287 foods, which were collected in two supermarkets in the Seoul area from September to November, 2006. An estimated 78% of KFDA-regulated processed, and packaged foods have nutrition labels. Nutrient content claims on food labels were identified in 21% of the foods which have nutrition labels. The prevalence of nutrition labels in this study is much higher than in previous studies due to the current expansion of the mandatory labeling regulation. However, false labeling and misleading contents claims were also identified. The food label is an important tool for enhancing the public's understanding of healthy choices of processed foods. Therefore, to maximize the benefits of the nutrition labeling regulation, industries, government agencies and health professionals should work together to help consumers make healthy dietary choices and improve their health.
The purpose of this study was to investigate school dietitians' perception on nutrition labelling of processed and packaged foods in the Incheon area. This study was carried out through a self-administered questionnaire and the subjects were 203 school dietitians. The results were summarized as follows. Most of the subjects checked nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods when they purchased these foods for school lunch. However, the main reason for their checking nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods was not for nutrition but for food safety. There were significant differences in the subjects' understanding and trust on nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods by employment school. The scores of the subjects' satisfaction, understanding and trust on nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods were not high. There were significant differences in the subjects' perception and concern about content information on nutrition labeling of domestic processed and packaged foods by employment school. Most of the subjects answered that it is almost necessary or very necessary to implement nutrition labelling of processed and packaged foods. Also their most preferred method of nutrition labelling was to label nutrient content. As the most important nutrient and functional component necessary for nutrition labelling, they answered energy, mineral such as calcium and iron, protein, total fat, cholesterol, vitamin, sodium and dietary fiber in order. As the major prerequisite task for the implementation of nutrition labelling, they answered formulation of nutrition labelling-related rules, and education and motivation for consumer, Therefore, it is necessary to activate the mandatory nutrition labelling of the processed and packaged foods and to prepare its consumer education program for school dietitian.
This study examined the status of current nutrition labelling and claims for the processed foods that were purchased in the supermarket. They were assessed in the aspects of frequency and content of nutrition labelling and claims. The results are summarized as follows; The percentage of products contain the nutrition labelling or claims of processed foods of investigation were 18.7% and 18.8% respectively. In the nutrition labelling method, the format separated by expression contents with 'only liability indication nutrient' or 'liability indication nutrients plus discretion indication nutrients' were 44.7% and 43.4% respectively. In the case of type and title, 'table' and 'nutrition composition' were used most frequently, 83.9% and 83.2% respectively. And in the case of expression unit, 'per 100 g or 100 ml' was higher (56.8%) than others. Nutrition claims were divided into 'nutrition content claim' and 'comparative claim', in the former the most claim was 'containing' and in the other 'more or plus' used most frequently. 'Nutrient function claim' was 13.4% and 'Implied nutrient claim' was 7.3% of all the claims. Results of the evaluation of current nutrition labeling system, nutrition labelling was less advanced and variable in content and format and also the information was not easy for consumers to understand and use them. To support achievement of the nutrition label, there must be program and initiatives for better understanding and communication and guidances on food labelling and nutrition for food manufactures.
This survey was conducted to evaluate with 457 health professionals from July, 1999 to September, 1999 the awareness of and satisfaction with the nutrition labeling system in Korea and to determine a desirable labeling system. Professors of food and nutrition and nutrition researchers in the food industry had the hightest scores on awareness of the nutrition labeling system(75.6% and 73.4%, respectively), which was significantly different from each other by occupation(p<0.01). Frequently checked labeling information were expiration date, production date, price, and company respectively. Special nutrient food producers(56.9%), dietitians(49.3%), nurses(48.1%), researchers(42.3%) answered moderately on satisfaction with nutrition information for products, which was statistically significant(p<0.01). This suggests that health professionals were unsatisfied with the present nutrition labeling system. In nutrition focusing statements, nutrient content claims, health claims, and working periods were significantly related with nutrition focusing statements and health claims, but not with nutrient content claims : the subject who had been working for more than 10 years and less than 5 years had positive thoughts or those matters while the subjects whose working periods were between 10 and 5 years had the lowest score. The most desirable labeling units were serving size(65.1%). Ninety two percent of the subjects wanted absolute nutrient contents in food and their percentage of the KRDA. Eight nine percent of health professionals agreed that the health claims should be used only with scientific approval by the government or food research institutions. Only 4.4% of subjects were satisfied with current regulations of health claims(p<0.001). More studies regarding labeling units, their range and nutrient reference values are needed. The opinions of health professionals in nutrition labeling system should discussed to establish a desirable nutrition labeling system.
This study was conducted to evaluated the nutrition quality of the commercial supplementary foods for infants and young children and to seek a solution to the establishment of standards of nutrient requirements for supplementary foods in Korea. Information on food ingredients, nutrient contents, claims about usefulness of food components and instructions for feeding preparation were obtained from the labels of 33 commercial supplementary foods manufactured by 4 different domestic companies. According to the standard of supplementary foods for infants and young children described in the Korean Food Code, the commercial supplementary foods were categorized into two different types, weaning food and baby food. All the commercial weaning foods were in powder form and mainly composed of cereals, whereas all the baby foods were mainly composed of fruits in the form of canned juice. The weaning foods contained more nutrients than the baby foods did, and the nutrient levels of the weaning foods expressed as nutrient density on energy basis were higher than the RDA for infants aged 5 to 11 months, suggesting that the commercial weaning foods provide adequate amounts of nutrients. If one followed the instructions for feeding preparation appearing on the label, however, recommended amounts of intake of the weaning foods would provide too much energy as well as nutrients. There were many differences in nutrient standards of weaning foods between the Korean Food Code and Codex international food standard. In conclusion, the establishment of standards for nutrient requirements for the supplementary foods requires significant scientific studies on what nutrients are the most inadequate in Korean infants and young children feeds and what levels of nutrients should be added to the foods in order to supplement their nutrition. In addition, it is very important to have a strong scientific basis to support our standard when discrepancies exist between our standard and the international standard.