Research Article - Journal of Food Technology and Preservation (2017) Volume 1, Issue 3

A study on the consumer awareness of food additives in packaged food and their effects on health in Abha region, Saudi Arabia

Sachithananthan V^*

Faculty of Public health, College of Applied Medical sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushayat, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author:

Sachithananthan V
Faculty of Public health
College of Applied Medical sciences
King Khalid University
Khamis Mushayat
Saudi Arabia
Tel: 00966 553243155
E-mail: dr_vedavalli@yahoo.com

Accepted Date: December 05, 2017

Citation: Sachithananthan V. A study on the consumer awareness of food additives in packaged food and their effects on health in Abha region, Saudi Arabia.. J Food Technol Pres 2017;1(3):14-27.

Abstract

Background: This study will be useful to create an awareness of consumers about the packaged food, study consumers’ attitude towards packaged food and their knowledge about health problems arising from use of packaged food among Abha community and the use of this information and food labeling information in the purchasing of packaged food. Objectives: To study the socioeconomic background of the study subjects and to study the consumer knowledge and attitude towards use of packaged food. Methods: A validated semi structured questionnaire was prepared to elicit information on socioeconomic background, knowledge and attitude of consumers towards the use of packaged food. It was administered to 407 subjects in three different malls in Abha, Saudi Arabia. The responses were coded into SPSS 22 software and the Chi square significance was studied among different variables. Results: Within the high income group, 90.3% of the female subjects did not like packaged food (p<0.05) due to the reason that they like fresh food. Also within the low income group, 87% of the female subjects within the family members did not like the packaged food, whereas (53.1%) of the male subjects liked the packaged food. The reason may be that packaged foods are expensive. A significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects within the family or individual income, belonging to low (72.2%), average (89.9%) and high income group (87.2%) felt fresh food was better. Overall all the subjects felt that packaged foods are expensive. Of the total, around 25.1% of the subjects read the labels sometimes of which female constituted 18.7%. This gender difference was not due to income or educational level; but may be due to level of exposure. Of the total 89.2% of the subjects disposed while 10.8% of the subjects used the expired products. A significant (p<0.05)majority of subjects (54.3%) of the average income group did not find any fungus or adulterants in the packaged food, while 25.8% of the subjects of the same group found adulterants and fungus in the packaged food. From the above results it is evident that education, sex and income levels play an important part in purchasing attitudes in the use of packaged food. Conclusion: Creating awareness and knowledge about the packaged food will go a long way to educate consumers on the use of packaged food giving significant importance to the labels.

Keywords

Consumer awareness; Packaged food; Health problems; Like or dislike

Introduction

Current trends show that increasing technology and consumption of packaged foods in the diets of modern society lead to increase in the use and need of food additives [1]. Food additives are substances that are used in the production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation or storage of food [2]. It is justified that maintaining food distribution and transportation would be impossible without the use of food additives in the present rapid urbanization and increasing population [3].

Almost all the food additives currently in use have been found to cause health problems in consumers. This has raised health concerns to consumers and government. However, regardless of the increasing incidence and range of health problems of additives in packaged foodstuffs, awareness of consumers is not as such significant [4]. Despite this, the issue of consumer awareness about usage of food labeling information has attracted little research attention in developing countries [5] and little is known about consumer expectations and their response to such food label information [6].

Although law permits the use of food additives, excessive consumption of these leads to myriad side effects [7]. Increased consumption of fast food, high or rich in food preservatives and flavoring agents among adolescents has been directly correlated with obesity [8]. High levels of Nnitrosodimethylamine in diet have a possible role in high incidence of gastrointestinal cancers [9]. It has been seen that the food preservatives sodium benzoate and propionic acid and colorant curcumin suppress Th1-type immune response in vitro [10]. Regular soda intake independent of weight status is associated with asthma among US high school students [11]. Research has confirmed a link between attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder and food additives [12]. Children are suffering the most from food additives because they are exposed to food chemicals from infancy and human bodies are not meant to be exposed to the degree of food chemicals and food additives that we are currently consuming. These additives may include side effects such as food allergies, increased waist lines, decreased absorption of minerals and vitamins and more [13]. With the current trends of increased consumption of packed food in the diet, the incidence and range of such ill effects has also increased [14]. Studies which explore the knowledge and perceptions of the people about these chemicals are necessary as they give inputs for planning intervention strategies [15].

Many surveys conducted have established that the consumers are unaware of the function, role and advantages of such additives and that many of them perceived the additives to be unhealthy and therefore approach them negatively [16]. Consumers with lower levels of education are more likely to trust government institutions to regulate food additives [17].

People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. The information about nutrition labeling and the health benefits of the food is one of the important factors that influence decision making. The modern package label has taken the responsibility for educating the consumer about the product by multitasking such as attracting, promoting and motivating at the point of purchase through the information on the label. The labels should be closely observed for nutrient content declaration on calories, fat, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and mineral content either as percentage daily value or recommended dietary intake (RDI) or per 100 g or 100 ml or per serving size [18]. Low awareness of food labeling, low level of education, low health consciousness, products attributes, food labeling format, influence of media, perceived role of regulatory authorities and non-availability of consumer guidelines on the use of food labeling have been reported by studies from various countries as factors related to consumers not reading and using food labeling information in purchasing food [19].

While compliance with legal requirements is fundamental to food safety, consumers also have a responsibility in handling and preparing food to do what is within their own control to protect themselves. By demanding improved standards, consumers can act as a powerful influence on the food industry as a whole [20].

Important food hazards which affect food safety are microbial hazards, pesticide residue, misuse of additives, chemical contaminants including biological toxins and adulteration. Although microbial contamination and chemical hazards have received most attention, it is recognized that food adulteration and food fraud should not be neglected considering their role in public health [21].

Different people have different food and nutritional requirement, choices and preferences. Some people have health problems that require a certain amount of nutrients and need to avoid certain types of foods or ingredients. Some foods have specific instructions for preparation and use; some require specific storage conditions, etc. Also the production and expiry date on the label indicates the shelf life of different foods. All these suggest the need for consumers to be well informed about the above characteristics of packaged food before purchase and this information is expected to be found on the food label [22].

Rationale of the study

Findings from this study will provide information on:

The awareness of consumers of the health problems arising from use of packaged food among Abha community and the use of this information in purchasing packaged food. This information will bring to the attention of the policy makers on the need to have programs to improve consumer awareness of food labeling information as well as the use of such information in the purchase of food. Also manufactures will understand the need to improve food labeling regulations and food label formats and provide wholesome and unique packaged foods to the consumers.

Food purchasing practices and consumer behavior regarding to packaged food.

Objectives of Research

• To study the socioeconomic background of the selected subjects.

• To assess the degree of knowledge and awareness on the use of labeled packaged food.

Review of Literature

The literature for this study has been reviewed under the following headings:

• Food additives used in packaged food

• Importance of food labeling in packaged food

• Consumer awareness of food labeling in packaged food.

Food additives used in packaged food

Food additives are important for our food supply and food quality and shelf life cannot be maintained without the use of food additives [23]. Their use brings many benefits including greater safety and greater choice of food products [24]. Many food additives may produce side effects such as food allergies, increased waist lines, and decreased absorption of minerals and vitamins, cancer and more [13]. For a variety of reasons, some consumers might regard the use of food additives, especially artificial ones with suspicion and food additives are considered unnatural, unhealthy or even a public health risk [25]. Food preservatives which enhance the shelf life of various food items and flavoring agents which increase the palatability are plentiful in number. Their use in food products is increasing day by day. Some of the commonly used class II food preservatives in packed or canned foods include benzoic acid, sulphurous acid, nitrates and nitrites of sodium and potassium, methyl or propyl para hydroxy benzoates, sodium diacetates, propionates of calcium or sodium, lactic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts and acid calcium phosphates [26].

In a study [27], it was found that there was a significant correlation between having sufficient knowledge about food additives and the profession of respondents. Also a significant relationship existed between education of respondents and knowledge of food additives. In another study [15], it was found that only 40.6% of the subjects were aware of food preservatives and 49.6% had good knowledge about flavoring agents. The gaps in the knowledge need to be addressed by public awareness campaigns.

Importance of food labeling in packaged food

Nutrition labeling refers to the standardized presentation of the food. The food label is one of the most important and direct means of communicating the product information between buyers and sellers. The Codex guidelines insist that a food label should contain energy, protein, fat, transfat and carbohydrate content [18].

Consumption of packaged food has grown very fast in the recent years. When consumers need to make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming food products, food labeling becomes handy. In a study conducted in India, it was found that females gave priority to the brand (93.33%) than to the price (70%) and taste (53.33%) of the product. In the same study, it was found that the usage of the information printed on the packaged food was relatively high amongst the consumers while buying packaged food. However, increasingly more importance was given to expiry date [5].

With the change in lifestyle and consumption pattern, food safety standards, transparency in dissemination of information related to food product and legal regulations are becoming important on food labels. The expenditure on labeling will be of use only if consumers are aware of and are able to understand, comprehend and purchase based on information given in the labels [5].

In another study conducted in South India, it was found that a majority of subjects (52.5%) were aware of the food additives and their harmful effects on health. However around 38.3 per cent did not know anything about a food label [15]. The requirement of consumers to reduce additives in food products has led to the removal of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives in many food categories so as to obtain cleanlabel products [28].

Consumer awareness of food labeling in packaged food

In a study in supermarkets in India, it was found that 22.5% of the people had awareness about labeled food products, while the remaining 77.5% did not have any awareness about labeled food products [18]. In another study in Turkey, around 70.3% of consumers had the habit of reading the label on food products. There was a statistically significant difference between genders in reading food labels. More ladies (76.4%) and significantly less men (61.5%) had the habit of reading labels. Twenty per cent of the respondents stated that they never understood food labels in packaged food [27]. The level of consciousness about food safety of women increased with increasing education and income level [29].

In a study conducted in India, it was found that 90% of the consumers gave importance to expiry date of the products, followed by 76.7% who chose manufacturing date as important. Also nutritional information is considered very important by 56.7% of the consumers, ingredients by 53.33% of the consumers and direction of use by 53.33% of the consumers. Consumers perceived different kinds of information on the food label as important, but inspite of that they don’t use this information during purchase [5].

In a study conducted in Tanzania by Samson, [29] it was found that 88% of the consumers checked for expiry dates, followed by list of ingredients (63.9%), manufacturing date (25.5%) and nutrition information (25%). Price was the least factor which was sought for in the label (2.9%). Both male and female consumers felt that food labeling provides very important information to the consumer.

In a study in India, it was found that 86.7% of the study participants reported to read labeling information prior to purchase of packaged food. However, only one third of the consumers were very much informed about food labeling based on computed awareness scores. A majority of the respondents mentioned price of food as the factor for motivating them to read the food label before purchase of the food item. Today, consumers in one hand have more access to new food products and more information about food; on the other hand there are increasing concerns about the potential for consumers to be misled by food labels. This necessitates consumers to be enlightened with the knowledge and ability to read, understand and interpret food labeling and use such information in decision making during purchase of packaged food [30].

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in the following steps:

• Study design

• Selection of the area

• Selection of the subjects

• Preparation of the tool

• Conduct of the study

• Analysis of the results.

Study design

This was a questionnaire based cross sectional study done online in Google forms.

Selection of the area

Abha city was selected for the study. Participants filled an online questionnaire that was made through Google forms; the Link of the questionnaire was distributed through social Apps like: (WhatsApp groups, Snapchat groups, telegram groups etc.).

Selection of subjects

Inclusion criteria: Sample will be collected electronically.

• Random sample

• Age ranged from less than 18 to above 40 years.

• Both male and female who purchase packaged food.

Preparation of the tool

A pilot survey was used to collect information on sociodemographic variables, awareness of food labeling information, format and language of food labeling information, nutritional information and product attributes such as price, appearance and packaging design. Level of awareness on food labeling was obtained by asking the respondents about their familiarity with the information on the labels and whether they read the food labels or not, and asking about the circumstances under which they skip reading labels and the difficulties they encounter in understanding food labels.

Conduct of the study

Based on the above tool, the information was collected from the respondents.

Analysis of the results

Data were uploaded on SPSS 22 platform and Chisquare was performed to assess the statistical significance between demographic variables and food labeling information variables.

Results

The results of the study are presented in the following tables and figures:

A majority of the subjects 53.3% were in the age range of 18-24 years followed by 25-39 years (33.7%). Of these a majority of 47.2% and 24.3% were females respectively. Only 4.9% of the subjects were less than 18 years (Table 1).

Table 1: Age and sex wise distribution of subjects.

A majority of subjects who were educated were in the age range of 18-24 years and were educated up to college level (42.8%). Only 0.7% of the subjects in the same age group had gone up to higher education level (Table 2).

Table 2: Age wise distribution of the subjects according to level of education.

A highly significant (p<0.01) majority of the females (79.4%) were significantly more educated than the males (20.6%). In all age groups 66.1% of the total subjects were educated up to the college level (Table 3).

Table 3: Age and sex wise distribution of subjects according to level of education count.

In the age group of 18-24 years, a highly significant (P<0.01) majority of the subjects had high income followed by 33.3% of the individuals who had high income within age group of 40 years. Of the total a significant majority of 80.1% had an average income followed by 8.8% with low income (Figures 1, 2 and Table 4).

Figure 1: Age wise distribution of subjects according to level of education (Male).

Figure 2: Age wise distribution of subjects according to type of education (Female).

Table 4: Age wise distribution of subjects according to family income.

Within the high income group, 90.3% of the female subjects did not like packaged food, whereas 42.9% within the family members liked the packaged food (p<0.05). Also within the low income group, 87% of the female subjects within the family members did not like the packaged food, whereas (53.1%) of the male subjects liked the packaged food (Table 5).

Table 5: Income and sex wise distribution of subjects according to packaged food liking.

A majority of the subjects within the family or individual income, belonging to low (72.2%), average (89.9%) and high income (87.2%) felt fresh food was better (Table 6).

Table 6: Income wise classification according to which food is better packaged/fresh.

In subjects within the family members’ income, a majority of high (55.6%), average (66.9%) and low income (66.7%) groups state that packaged foods are expensive. Overall all the subjects feel that packaged foods are expensive (Table 7).

Table 7: Income wise classification according to feel of expensiveness of packaged food.

With respect to liking of soft beverages or energy drinks, a highly significant (p<0.01) majority of female subjects within the soft drink group (84.4%) disliked the soft beverages, whereas 54.8% of the male within the gender group liked the soft beverages. Overall, a majority of the subjects (60%) disliked the soft beverages (Table 8).

Table 8: Gender wise distribution of subjects according to likeness of soft beverages including energy drinks.

A significant (p<0.05) majority of the females within the gender (76.2%) stated that there were no health problems with respect to packaged food, followed by 63.1% of the males. Of the total 73.5% of the subjects within the gender group stated that they did not have any health problems with respect to packaged food (Table 9).

Table 9: Gender wise distribution of subjects according to their opinion about packaged food.

Within the family income group, a significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects in the low (61.1%), average (75.2%) and high income (77.8%) groups, stated that there were no health problems with respect to packaged food (Table 10).

Table 10: Income wise classification of subjects according to why they think packaged food did not have health problems.

A majority of the subjects within male gender knew how to read the labels on the packaged food (42.9%), whereas only 31.6% of females within female gender were able to read the labels (Table 11).

Table 11: Gender wise distribution of subjects according to knowledge about reading of labels in packaged food.

Within family income group, a significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects in all levels of income felt that packaged food will not cause diabetes (low-69.4%, average-63.5%, high-46.7%) (Table 12).

Table 12: Income wise distribution of subjects according to opinion about incidence of diabetes due to packaged food.

A majority of the female subjects (56.3%) did not read the labels on the packaged food, followed by 43.8% of male subjects did not read the labels (Table 13).

Table 13: Gender wise distribution of subjects according to reading of labels before purchasing packaged food.

A significant majority (p<0.05) of the female subjects (57.5%) read the production and expiry date on the labels of packaged food. Only 11.5% of the male subjects read the labels. Of the total around 25.1% of the subjects read the labels sometimes of which female constituted 18.7% (Table 14).

Table 14: Gender wise distribution of subjects according to reading of labels.

A significant majority (p<0.05) of college going subjects (59.7%) disposed of expired foods while only 0.5% of middle school subjects used expired foods (Table 15).

Table 15: Education wise distribution of subjects according to usage of expiry date foods.

A highly significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects (73.7%) belonging to average income group disposed of expired foods, whereas 6.4% of them used the products. Of the total 89.2% of the subjects disposed while 10.8% of the subjects used the expired products (Table 16).

Table 16: Income wise distribution of subjects according to usage of expiry date foods.

A significant (p<0.05)majority of subjects (54.3%) of the average income group did not find any fungus or adulterants in the packaged food, while 25.8% of the subjects of the same group found adulterants and fungus in the packaged food (Table 17).

Table 17: Income wise distribution of subjects according to finding of fungus or adulterants in packaged food.

Discussion

There are no reported studies from Abha with which the findings of this study can be compared. In this study majority of them had awareness about the presence of ‘Food Preservatives’ and ‘Flavouring Agents’ in the packed foods that they buy. But they lacked any specific knowledge about the effects of these chemicals. Similar results have been reported from South Korea [31]. One study from USA reported low levels of consumer awareness cannot be compared with our study as they explored the consumer awareness attitudes on genetically modified foods, irradiated foods, chemical & microbiological contamination [32].

Within the high income group, 90.3% of the female subjects did not like packaged food (p<0.05) due to the reason that they like fresh food. Also within the low income group, 87% of the female subjects within the family members did not like the packaged food, whereas (53.1%) of the male subjects liked the packaged food. The reason may be that packaged foods are expensive. A majority of the subjects within the family or individual income, belonging to low (72.2%), average (89.9%) and high income (87.2%) felt fresh food was better. Overall all the subjects feel that packaged foods are expensive. Overall, a majority of the subjects (60%) disliked the soft beverages, canned juices, canned soups etc.

Of the total 73.5% of the subjects within the gender group stated that they did not have any health problems with respect to packaged food. A majority of the subjects within male gender knew how to read the labels on the packaged food (42.9%), whereas only 31.6% of females within female gender were able to read the labels. Of the total, around 25.1% of the subjects read the labels sometimes of which female constituted 18.7%. This gender difference was not due to income or educational level; but may be due to level of exposure. Within family income group, a significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects in all levels of income felt that packaged food will not cause diabetes (low-69.4%, average-63.5%, high-46.7%). A significant majority (p<0.05) of college going subjects (59.7%) disposed of expired foods while only 0.5% of middle school subjects used expired foods. A highly significant (p<0.01) majority of the subjects (73.7%) belonging to average income group disposed of expired foods, whereas 6.4% of them used the products. Of the total 89.2% of the subjects disposed while 10.8% of the subjects used the expired products. A significant (p<0.05)majority of subjects (54.3%) of the average income group did not find any fungus or adulterants in the packaged food, while 25.8% of the subjects of the same group found adulterants and fungus in the packaged food. From the above results it is evident that education, sex and income levels play an important part in purchasing and using of packaged food. Also illiteracy about packaged food holds back a significant majority of people from enjoying the benefits of packaged food.

Conclusion

An awareness program about the benefits of packaged food is the need of the hour. Also the product expensiveness should be brought down so that all strata of the population can enjoy packaged food due to its palatability, safety and time saving features.

Recommendations

Especially in the case of working women, knowledge about packaged food should be popularized. It is the knowledge about packaged food which will lead to better usage of the product. Also awareness on reading food labels before purchasing packaged food is important and is the need of the hour.

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