Randomized controlled survey on usefulness of pictograms used in food safety information leaflets of Pueraria mirifica for consumers

Abstract

【Purpose】 This study evaluates the usefulness of pictograms used in Pueraria mirifica leaflets that preventatively convey food safety hazards to consumers. 【Methods】 We randomly allocated eligible subjects （n=1200）to two equal groups （group A or group B） based on the presence or absence of leaflet pictograms in December, 2020. As inappropriate responses were confirmed in 9 subjects （A: 6 subjects, B: 3 subjects）, we analyzed responses from the remaining 1191 subjects （A: 594, B: 597）, making this the per protocol set. These 1191 subjects accessed the leaflet online and located and clicked on the area corresponding to each of the six survey questions about food safety. The mean time required to access the leaflet’s target information was the primary difference between the groups as estimated through an unpaired t-test. The secondary outcome was determining the relationship between correctly locating the information and the presence or absence of a pictogram evaluated by using a chi-square test. 【Results】 There was no difference in the two groups’ demographic background. However, the mean access time between the two groups differed significantly for the pictogram depicting people requiring assistance （A: 22.9 s and B: 27. 4 s; p =.002）. We found a significant association between the rate of correct responses and pictograms only for this pictogram （A: 58. 8 % and B: 49. 1 %; p =.001）. When stratified by sex and age, the results were similar to the above for female subjects younger than 60 years of age. 【Conclusion】 Pictograms used in food safety information　for consumers can ensure the effective food risk communication.