Summary Consumer behaviors have changed over the years; This is demonstrated by today's consumers who are purchasing a variety of healthier products because they now have information about products that was not known many years ago. Factors such as these are changing the way we perceive and value products, as we are now more informed and manufacturers are required by law to print ingredients and ingredient contents on the back of most food products , allowing consumers to become more educated. Today's typical consumer watches what they eat; they are more aware and exposed to the factors that have led to changes in consumer behaviors. Factors such as personal, psychological and social factors have a huge impact on consumer behavior. From the family unit to the lifestyles we now adopt, come decisions influenced by our peers, our experiences and our knowledge. The ability to now have information at their fingertips encourages people to know exactly what they are consuming and whether or not it poses a risk to their health or that of their family. Although we, as consumers, can all access information about most of the products we purchase, we also have government, manufacturers and consumer groups highlighting the health risks associated with the products that we purchase. we consume. For example, an advertising campaign run by the Ministry of Health will promote the health risks associated with smoking, and a consumer group like the ACA will publish the health risks associated with genetic modification in its magazine. The roles of government and consumer groups are all largely interrelated and aim to inform the consumer public about product safety.1.0 IntroductionConsumers today tend to buy differently than they did 10 years ago. As ...... middle of paper ......ke consumers aware that the products they purchase may pose a possible health risk. The role of manufacturers in continually providing accurate information on packaging is essential, as is the role of consumer groups like the ACA and government in providing regularly updated safety and rights information. of the products we buy and consume. 5.0 ReferencesRoy Morgan Research Group, accessed March 20, 2007AC Nielson Market Research Group, accessed March 23, 2007< www.acnielson.com.au>Neal, C. Quester, P. & Hawkins, D. 2004, Consumer Behavior: Implications for Marketing Strategy, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd.Choice (ACA) Magazine website online, accessed March 20, 2007www.choice.com.auJournal of Consumer Research, accessed March 20, 2007http://www.journals.uchicago. edu/dansthenews_2006.html