The effects of imitation and adulteration in food products on consumers in Turkey: The case of Hatay province

The use of fraudulent products in the world and in Turkey is increasing day by day. In this study, it is aimed to examine the effects of imitation/adulteration practices on consumers, which are commonly seen in food products in Turkey, in Hatay province and to reveal the problems and solution suggestions that consumers encounter in this regard. The research data were obtained from 150 consumers living in Hatay city center and districts through face-to-face interviews in July-August 2020. The research data were evaluated by cross-tabulations, percentage ratios, Likert scale, t-test and ANOVA according to four different income groups of consumers. The average age of the consumers whose data were used was 41 years, 80 of whom were women and 70 were men, while 53% were married individuals. The proportion of individuals educated at high school and lower levels is 73%, and the income range is the highest between 3000-5000 ₺/month (58%). 42% of the participants stated that they knew the concept of imitation/adulteration in food products, and 37% stated that they knew it partially. When purchasing a food product, consumers primarily pay attention to production and expiration dates (50%). The proportion of consumers who stated that they consider the health and safety features of food products is at the level of 71%, while 31% of consumers have experienced a health problem caused by the foods they consume. It has been observed that consumers act more consciously due to the increase in income level and are less affected by the negativities arising from fraudulent products. However, there is a risky situation in relation to imitation/adulterated products for various demographic and socio-economic groups of consumers. The fact that consumers prefer such foods due to the low price and that there is not enough supervision by the authorities are seen as the main risks in the sector. The perception that they are unhealthy in the society about fraudulent food products and the announcement of health problems arising from these products to the public by the press and authorized bodies have been seen to be an opportunity to combat them.