A consumer survey on food additives

Consumers knowledge and opinions on food additives were evaluated by using a combined questionnaire and interview study. A total of 400 consumers living in the metropolitan area of zmir from 8 groups covering medical doctors, housewives, students and academic personelle of Food Engineering Department of Ege University, other university students and kindergarten teachers were chosen as respondents. There weren't much differences between the groups related to opinions on food additives while students and academic personelle from Food Engineering Department seemed to have better knowledge on the subject. Major findings of the study were unawareness of most of the consumers about the functions and advantages of food additives and concerns about their health hazards. Some respondents described them as unnatural, toxic or carcinogenic substances, and suspicions about additives like MSG and food colors, were mentioned. Most of the consumers recognized additives on food labels and this effected their decision of buying the food negatively. Control programs on additives were found insufficient by majority of consumers and some respondents did not have any information about these activities. Data showed that consumer education on functions advantages, safety issues, label declaration and control programs of food additives is necessary. © 1995 Elsevier B.V