Study on the level of knowledge among consumers in Osmaniye province regarding seafood safety and consumption

This study aims to identify the fish consumption behavior and preferences, and the approach towards seafood with regards to food safety among inhabitants of Osmaniye province. The material for this 2015 study is comprised of the data collected as a result of a survey conducted with a total of 399 people living in Osmaniye province. According to analysis results, 78.4% of the survey participants in Osmaniye province stated that they consume fish. Frequency of fish consumption is mostly on a monthly basis, and it centers around winter months. The annual amount of fish consumption in the province was found out to be 6.1 kg per person, which is below the national average of Turkey. In the province where 82.4% of the participants consume fish when it is fresh, their preferred cooking methods are grilling (32.3%) and frying (65.2%). The rate of consumption of processed seafood was recorded as 12.1%. Anchovy is the preferred saltwater fish of 63.9% of participants, while 33.2% prefer trout as freshwater fish. It was observed that 86.3% of married consumers and 13.7% of single consumers consume fish. The highest rate of fish consumption was observed in the 32-38-year-old age group (31.7%) with regards to age, and in participants with an associate degree (47.8%) with regards to level of education. Concerning food safety, it was found out that consumers always check the expiry date when buying seafood. Participants indicated radio and television shows as their principal source of information about food safety. Majority of survey participants believe that Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock bears the main responsibility in ensuring food safety. With this study, it was found out that consumers have a high level of awareness regarding food safety.