Evaluation of society's perspective of the consumption of mediterranean mussel mytilus galloprovincialis lamarck, 1819 and its products

The consumption of high-quality food is an important issue in today's society, and research on seafood consumption, individuals' dietary habits, fisheries, and aquaculture provide valuable insights when conducted properly. In this study, the attitudes, perceptions, and approaches of consumers from different provinces in Türkiye toward mussels and mussel products were examined, and the responses to the prepared survey questions were evaluated through statistical analyses. The fact that no similar nationwide study on mussel consumption has previously been carried out in Türkiye enhances the originality and widespread impact of this research. The study was conducted between April and July 2024 with a total of 3,631 participants across 81 provinces, using both face-to-face and online methods. Findings revealed that 46% of participants consumed mussels, and the majority reported mussels as their most consumed seafood after fish. Taste, affordability, and accessibility were the main factors influencing mussel consumption, whereas hygiene concerns, religious beliefs, and lack of habit were cited as reasons for non-consumption. Statistical results indicated a significant relationship between mussel consumption and age groups (x²(4)=91.29, p<0.001), showing that consumption was higher among younger individuals and decreased with age. Similarly, occupation (x²(4)=153.88, p<0.001; Cramér's V=0.206) and income level (x²(3)=10.649, p=0.014) were found to be influential, while gender showed no significant difference. In terms of consumption frequency, men were found to consume mussels more often than women (x²(4)=22.301, p<0.001), and individuals living in coastal regions were more likely to consume mussels regularly (x²(4)=22.42, p<0.001). Higher income levels were associated with less frequent consumption, while occupational groups with an older population profile also showed lower consumption frequency. While some participants considered mussels sold on the streets unreliable, a significant proportion expressed the view that mussel aquaculture would become an industry of the future. In conclusion, the study revealed that socio-demographic factors influencing mussel consumption are multidimensional. In this context, increasing consumer awareness, strengthening food safety inspections, expanding reliable sales points, and implementing informative campaigns are recommended as key steps to support the development of the sector.