Pre-packed foods: A study on consumer awareness on chemical exposure, health and environmental effects in Chennai.
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 0
Abstract
Background: Pre-packed foods consumption is a universal trend, a potential source of exposure to harmful chemicals to the consumers. Food additives and contaminant chemicals from food packaging are a potential hazard to human health as well as leading to environmental degradation. Objectives: In this study we aim 1. to assess the awareness on chemical exposure in pre-packed foods 2. to describe awareness about the health and environmental effects of pre-packed foods among consumers in Chennai. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among consumers at supermarkets, Chennai with a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered in MS Excel 2007 and analyzed. Results: Out of 251 respondents, 226(90%) were regular consumers of pre-packed foods. Respondents identified pesticide residue-108 (43.1%), misuse of food additives-126(50.4%) and food adulterants-125(50%) as common sources of chemical exposure in pre- packed foods. Only 32(13%) respondents identified Bisphenol as common Class II food preservatives used in canned foods. Only 98(39%) respondents checked food labels for any chemicals while purchasing. About 185 (74%) respondents identified obesity, cancer-154 (61.5%), food allergies-134 (53.4%) as common side effects of consumption of pre-packed foods. 129(51.4%) chose to minimize buying pre-packed food items while 87(34.6%) preferred to buy fresh produce and prepare home-made juices than packed beverages. Interestingly168 (67%) respondents were unaware of smartphone apps which scan barcode and display nutritional information. Conclusion: Wider consumption of pre-packed foods with poor awareness on chemical exposure through these foods is found among the consumers.
Authors and Affiliations
A. V. B. Roshan, Sree. T. Sucharitha
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP529038
- DOI 10.26727/NJRCM.2018.7.3i.39
- Views 111
- Downloads 0
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