Abstract

Ayat Abdelgader Fakhr Eldin, Nahid T. Fawi*, Ahmed D. A. Biraima, Adil M. A. Salman, Hamad Iman M.

ABSTRACT

A consumer survey (n=150) was carried out to assess the consumer's perception purchase behavior, awareness, and consumption of processed meat products as a tool of protection and safety during the year 2021 in Khartoum State, Sudan. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics on packaging and labeling of meat product was also examined. The study was based on primary data collection using a scientifically structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to obtain a frequency of distributions and Chi-square tests. The ranking index was also calculated. The results showed that sausages were the most purchased (74.1%) followed by burgers (59.4%), meatballs (39.2%), and then pastrami (3.5%). Almost two thirds (66.43%) of the consumers preferred purchasing meat products of specific companies. Of this category, 46.36% of the consumers said YES because they trust product food safety, while almost half (54.55%) of those who said NO was because they believe that all companies are the same. Product information and data were highly ranked (0.31) by participants followed by manufacturer information (0.29) packaging durability (0.19) easy to open and close (0.15) and then the colors used (0.11). Production date and validity most frequently received a top ranking (0.37), followed by product content (0.27), ways to use the product (0.18), and then packaging weight (0.18). The result showed that education level increased (P < 0.05) as the awareness of consumers on purchases decision and reflection on the company's strategies for applying food safety regulations increased. Intermediate respondents had the lowest (50%) effect (P < 0.05) of packaging and labeling on the consumer purchases decision and reflection on the company's strategies for applying food safety regulations. It could be conclude that consumers showed good awareness of meat product packaging and labeling, including quality and safety knowledge perception associated with meat products.