Food Fraud Conceptualization: An Exploratory Study with Portuguese Consumers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Costa, MJ (Author) Other; Sousa, I (Author) Other; Moura, AP (Author) Other; Teixeira, JA (Author) Other; Cunha, LM (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Food Protection

Vol. 87

ISSN: 0362-028X

Publisher: International Association for Food Protection

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-E6E

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100301

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12