Objective:
The nutritional label (NL) is found in the back or in the front part of the food packaging and it constitutes the source of information in regards to the formulation of the product, the manufacturer, storage methods and food-preparation processes used. Our aim was to examine and analyze the extent of using and comprehending the NL in adult consumers, and explore the association with the adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity guidelines.

Methods:
Participants were 678 individuals (80,1% women), aged 18 to 64 years old, living in different municipalities in Greece. Participants were asked to answer 34 questions about NL use, anthropometrics and socioeconomic variables. The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the IPAQ questionnaires were also used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and the physical activity recommendations accordingly.

Results:
One in three participants cannot understand the NL information, while most participants (54.7%) answered that they do not have enough time to read the NL. The majority of people use the NL (67.8%) for health-related reasons and are mainly interested in caloric content, fats and sugars (51.62%, 45.28% and 37.75% respectively). The majority of participants who use the NL have an average MDS score and an average level of physical activity (65.6% and 54.2% respectively). When analysis was carried based on Body Mass Index, age, and other socioeconomic variables no significant associations were found.

Conclusions:
It appears that a link exists among the NL and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity guidelines with positive outcomes. Further studies exploring the NL use as a public health tool that promotes sustainable dietary patterns is required.