Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal: Berichte über Landwirtschaft

Volume number: 98

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 2196-5099

Publisher: Kohlhammer

Abstract: 
The magnitude and structure of salt intake are important target variables within the German and European nutrition policy. Firstly, overall salt intake shall be reduced together with the sugar and fat intake. Secondly, the rule "If salt, then iodized salt!" shall be followed by both consumers and food processors. Against this background, we investigate German consumers' perceptions towards salt and iodised salt by means of an online survey and analyse determinants of differences across consumer groups. Methodologically, descriptive and inductive statistics are used. The results reveal that the large majority (82 %) of respondents use iodised salt in their households and assess its use as generally positive. However, the main reasons for using iodised salt are habit and tradition. Consumers display a lack of knowledge as well as uncertainty about how iodine contributes to health, the actual iodine status and the importance of iodine prophylaxis. This holds true for both users and non-users of iodised salt. Consumers' perceptions of iodised salt are strongly influenced by sociodemographic variables and general behavioural characteristics. Achievement of the objectives of iodine deficiency prophylaxis is increasingly at risk under the influence of measures to reduce overall salt consumption, a deterioration in the iodine supply in recent years and strong advertising activities on the market for other types of salt. A revival of information campaigns for consumers and food processors appears to be urgently needed.

Harvard Citation style: Kirchhoff, V. and Herrmann, R. (2020) Consumer perceptions towards the intake of salt and iodised salt in foods: a survey study, Berichte über Landwirtschaft, 98(2)

APA Citation style: Kirchhoff, V., & Herrmann, R. (2020). Consumer perceptions towards the intake of salt and iodised salt in foods: a survey study. Berichte über Landwirtschaft. 98(2).