Introduction: The implementation of front-of-pack (FOP) energy icon labelling helps
consumers in making good food choices. This is the first study in Malaysia focusing
on such labelling since it was launched in 2012. It was aimed at determining the
awareness and understanding of the FOP energy icon on food labels in Malaysia.
Methods: A total of 366 consumers aged 18-60 years old in the state of Negeri
Sembilan participated in the study. A guided, self-administered survey was
conducted using a convenient sampling method. Results: The results showed
that 85% of consumers surveyed were aware of FOP energy icon. Among those
who were aware of the icon, 50% (n=155) were categorised as ‘excellent’ and 41%
(n=128) categorised as ‘good’, for understanding the FOP. Conclusion: This study
indicated that the icon could be viewed as a potential tool to be used in conjunction
with the nutrition information panel (NIP). Most of the respondents could extract
nutrition information from the FOP (energy) icon. The study showed that those who
had understood the icon were in the group categories of high education, youth
and female. There was also no significant association between those who received
nutrition labelling education and level of understanding nutrition information from
the icon. Therefore, it is important to further explore the possibility the beneficial
impact of FOP labelling system, including consumer education aspects.