IJCRR

IJCRR - 6(9), May, 2014

Pages: 65-72

CONSUMER CONCERNS ABOUT THE USE OF ADDITIVES IN PROCESSED FOODS

Author: Ismail B.B., Yusuf H.L.

Category: Healthcare

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Abstract:

Objective: To determine the level of concerns of the respondents about the use of additives in processed foods and how it affects the way that they behave when purchasing processed foods containing additives. Method: A total of 50 respondents from the Medway area of Kent, United Kingdom, participated in the face to face interview which comprised 20 questions out of which six were used to determine the level of concern of the consumers about the use of additives in foods. Additional questions were asked on the respondents’ demographic status and purchasing pattern of processed foods. Result: The result indicated that themajority of the respondents are concerned about the use of additives in processed foods from the viewpoint of health. Specific concerns by the majority of the respondents include the use of salt, sugar, preservatives and colouring agents in foods which is viewed as something negative, and this outweighed any perceptions about the positive functions that additives can perform, including improving the safety and extending the shelf life of foods. Conclusion: Most concerns regarding the use of additives in processed foods were related to long term health effects which include development of allergies, hyperactivity, asthma, hay fever and cancer.

Keywords: Consumer concerns, health effects, food additives, questionnaire survey

References:

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