Cholesterol information and egg consumption in the US: A nonnormal and heteroscedastic double-hurdle model

Previous studies suggest that the diffusion of cholesterol information is a major reason for the continuing decline in US percapita egg consumption. This study examines the effects of cholesterol information and demographic variables on egg consumption by applying a nonnormal and heteroscedastic double-hurdle model and using data from the 1989-91 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). Results show that cholesterol information is a deterrent in decisions about whether to consume eggs and how much to consume. The significant demographic variables include urbanisation, region, age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education.