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Smyth SJ, Charlebois S. Agricultural chemical use and the rural-urban divide in Canada. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:32-39. [PMID: 38375857 PMCID: PMC10880490 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2318876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Innovation is of fundamental importance for improving food production, as well as sustainability food production. Since 1960, food production has benefited from innovations in plant breeding technologies, fertilizer, chemicals and equipment. These innovations have dramatically increased food production, while the amount of land used has minimally increased. However, future food production increases are jeopardized from widening knowledge gaps between rural food producers and large urban food consuming populations. Over time, that gap has fueled disinformation. The development of disinformation business models contributes to urban consumers receiving inaccurate information about the importance of inputs essential to food production, resulting in political pressures being applied that are targeted at reductions in the use of many food production inputs. The use of chemicals are a frequent target of disinformation campaigns. This article examines how the lack of government clarity about the safe use of chemicals contributes to a lack of public information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J. Smyth
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sylvain Charlebois
- Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Hlaifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Costa MJ, Sousa I, Pinto Moura A, Teixeira JA, Cunha LM. Food Fraud Conceptualization: An Exploratory Study with Portuguese Consumers. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100301. [PMID: 38740141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Food fraud refers to deceptive practices conducted for economic gain, and incidents of such fraud are often reported in the media and scientific literature. However, little is known about how European consumers perceive food fraud. To address this gap, a study explored Portuguese consumers' knowledge and perceptions of food fraud using qualitative methods such as free word association and semi-structured interviews. For this research, 340 participants were recruited, providing 911 valid words, classified into categories, major categories, and dimensions. Differences between consumers' previous exposure to food fraud and sociodemographic characteristics were explored. Additionally, other thirty-six participants were selected and interviewed, following a semi-structured guide. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure. The results suggest that Portuguese consumers view food fraud as a morally reprehensible deception and are aware of its causes and impacts. However, not all consumers know the different forms of food fraud or the types of products vulnerable to fraud. Among the most repeated words were "deception", "expiration date", and "falsification". Despite this food fraud awareness, most consumers believed they were not exposed to food fraud and stated that they do not conduct daily practices to reduce exposure to it. Following the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were identified between participants exposed and not exposed to food fraud. The study also found that consumers with higher education and self-reported exposure to food fraud had a better understanding of the issue. This study provides insights for quantitative research on consumer perceptions and beliefs about food fraud to explore further vulnerable food categories and types of food fraud in real-world scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Costa
- GreenUPorto- Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/INOV4Agro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Sousa
- GreenUPorto- Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/INOV4Agro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS -Associated Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Pinto Moura
- GreenUPorto- Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/INOV4Agro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; DCeT, Universidade Aberta, Porto, Portugal
| | - José A Teixeira
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS -Associated Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Cunha
- GreenUPorto- Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/INOV4Agro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; DGAOT, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Anagaw YK, Ayenew W, Limenh LW, Geremew DT, Worku MC, Tessema TA, Simegn W, Mitku ML. Food adulteration: Causes, risks, and detection techniques-review. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241250184. [PMID: 38725924 PMCID: PMC11080768 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241250184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Food adulteration is the intentional addition of foreign or inferior substances to original food products for a variety of reasons. It takes place in a variety of forms, like mixing, substitution, hiding poor quality in packaging material, putting decomposed food for sale, misbranding or giving false labels, and adding toxicants. Several analytical methods (such as chromatography, spectroscopy, electronic sensors) are used to detect the quality of foodstuffs. This review provides concise but detailed information to understand the scope and scale of food adulteration as a way to further detect, combat, and prevent future adulterations. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes, risks, and detection techniques associated with food adulteration. It also aimed to highlight the potential health risks posed by consuming adulterated food products and the importance of detecting and preventing such practices. During the review, books, regulatory guidelines, articles, and reports on food adulteration were analyzed critically. Furthermore, the review assessed key findings to present a well-rounded analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with combating food adulteration. This review included different causes and health impacts of food adulteration. The analytical techniques for food adulteration detection have also been documented in brief. In addition, the review emphasized the urgency of addressing food adulteration through a combination of regulatory measures, technological advancements, and consumer awareness. In conclusion, food adulteration causes many diseases such as cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nervous system-related diseases. So, ensuring food safety is the backbone of health and customer satisfaction. Strengthening regulations, taking legal enforcement action, enhancing testing, and quality control can prevent and mitigate the adulteration of food products. Moreover, proper law enforcement and regular inspection of food quality can bring about drastic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeniewa Kerie Anagaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Wondim Ayenew
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Liknaw Workie Limenh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Derso Teju Geremew
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Minichil Chanie Worku
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Ayalew Tessema
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Legesse Mitku
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia
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Djekic I, Smigic N. Consumer Perception of Food Fraud in Serbia and Montenegro. Foods 2023; 13:53. [PMID: 38201081 PMCID: PMC10778550 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate how food fraud is perceived among consumers in Serbia and Montenegro. A total of 1264 consumers from the two countries participated in an online survey during the second half of 2022, using Google forms®. In the Serbian population, older or highly educated respondents are aware of different types of fraudulent activities such as substitution, mislabeling, concealment, and counterfeiting. Dilution is mostly recognized by women, the younger population, and students. Consumers believe that trust is the most important factor when purchasing food. The highest level of agreement regarding food fraud is that such activities may pose serious health risks to consumers, and that food inspection services are the most responsible actors in the food chain continuum. When it comes to purchasing food, open green markets are most trustworthy, followed by hypermarkets. Concerning the types of food, fish is most susceptible to fraud, followed by olive oil. This study builds upon existing knowledge of food consumers about food fraud in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilija Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Vatin G, Théolier J, Dominguez S, Godefroy SB. Fraud or cross-contamination? The case of small-scale meat processors in Quebec, Canada. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Understanding the main factors that influence consumer quality perception and attitude towards meat and processed meat products. Meat Sci 2022; 193:108952. [PMID: 36049392 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Meat and meat products consumer behaviour is becoming less predictable. The objective of this review was to determine the attributes associated with the consumer's perception of quality and identify factors influencing the perception and consequent attitude. In conclusion, the findings showed that factors impacting nutritional quality, chemical and biological hazards, animal welfare, beliefs, and fraud could affect consumers' perception of how safe meat products are. Consumers positively perceive sensory attributes and recognize meat's nutritional value, still concerned with fat. Animal welfare and environmental impact have become significant drivers of consumer perception. The presence of chemical additives is a severe concern. Information received by consumers through media strongly influences perception and behaviour. The negative stigmatization of meat and meat products and beliefs often not scientifically-based shapes consumer perception. Their sensory impact and price frame the acceptance of animal production or processing modifications.
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Abstract
Food safety is a fundamental right in modern societies. One of the most pressing problems nowadays is the provenance of food and food-related products that citizens consume, mainly due to several food scares and the globalization of food markets, which has resulted in food supply chains that extend beyond nations or even continent boundaries. Food supply networks are characterized by high complexity and a lack of openness. There is a critical requirement for applying novel techniques to verify and authenticate the origin, quality parameters, and transfer/storage details associated with food. This study portrays an end-to-end approach to enhance the security of the food supply chain and thus increase the trustfulness of the food industry. The system aims at increasing the transparency of food supply chain monitoring systems through securing all components that those consist of. A universal information monitoring scheme based on blockchain technology ensures the integrity of collected data, a self-sovereign identity approach for all supply chain actors ensures the minimization of single points of failure, and finally, a security mechanism, that is based on the use of TinyML’s nascent technology, is embedded in monitoring devices to mitigate a significant portion of malicious behavior from actors in the supply chain.
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Manning L, Kowalska A. Considering Fraud Vulnerability Associated with Credence-Based Products Such as Organic Food. Foods 2021; 10:1879. [PMID: 34441656 PMCID: PMC8393577 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic foods carry a premium price. They are credence-based foods, i.e., it is difficult for consumers to evaluate the premium aspects of organic food under normal use. In global supply chains, organic food is purchased on institutional trust (certification, logos, standards) rather than on relational trust. Relying on institutional trust makes consumers vulnerable to criminals who intentionally label conventional product as organic or develop sophisticated organized crime networks to defraud businesses and consumers. The aim of this research is to explore cases of organic fraud that are emergent from academic and gray literature searches to identify ways to strengthen future capabilities to counter illicit activities in a globalized food environment. Each case is considered in terms of perpetrator motivations (differentiated as economic, cultural, and behaviorally orientated drivers), the mode of operation (simple or organized), the guardians involved/absent, and the business and supply chain level vulnerabilities the cases highlight. The study finds that institutional trust is particularly vulnerable to fraud. Supply chain guardians need to recognize this vulnerability and implement effective controls to reduce the likelihood of occurrence. However, in some cases considered in the study, the guardians themselves were complicit in the illicit behavior, further increasing consumer vulnerability. Future research needs to consider how additional controls can be implemented, without increasing supply chain friction that will impact on food trade and supply, that can ensure consumers are purchasing what they believe they are paying for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Manning
- School of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS, UK
| | - Aleksandra Kowalska
- Institute of Economics and Finance, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
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