Percepção do consumidor em relação ao consumo de carne e produtos cárneos produzidos sob inspeção sanitária

Abstract

In Brazil, issues related to safety, quality and impacts of food consumption on human health have gained prominence. Regarding the criteria taken into consideration by consumers when purchasing meat, in different countries, are price, appearance, tenderness, ease of preparation and fat content. However, in Brazil, food safety, the impact on human health and the processes for meat production have been highly highlighted as purchasing criteria for consumers in the country. In view of these factors, this study conducted a closed questionnaire, i.e., with yes or no questions, with consumers in a supermarket chain in the city of Pelotas/RS, regarding the consumption of meat and its by-products inspected for health reasons, as well as its importance, in order to measure the level of information of these consumers about the importance of health inspection of products, as well as correlate this knowledge with factors such as gender, age and education. The sample calculation resulted in 384 interviewees, and the research had as inclusion criteria, men and women between 20 and 80 years old who consumed meat, regardless of the species. Data analysis was performed using the Epiinfo statistical program, version 7.2.6.0, and, as a result, a statistically significant association was obtained between the importance of consuming inspected meat and level of education, in addition to an association with the questions “Do you think that packaged meat guarantees origin?”, “Are you aware of the existence of specific legislation for all types of meat and meat products?”, “Are you aware of the role of veterinarians in inspecting meat production?” and “Do you know that there are waterborne and foodborne diseases due to lack of hygiene and inspection of products.