Food Fraud Awareness and Perception in Nigeria

Objectives: The study's objectives was to ascertain consumers food fraud awareness and perception, and the tested hypothesis include; Ho: Null H1: There is a significant relationship between the demographic characteristics and food fraud awareness. H2: There is a significant relationship between the demographic characteristics and Are consumers responsible for food fraud in Nigeria. H3: There is a significant relationship between the demographic characteristics and food fraud as a threat in Nigeria. Methods: A nationwide consumer survey and interviews were conducted and the survey data were analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Science, while a thematic analytical method was employed in analyzing the interview data. Results: The study findings revealed that over 50% of the 527 participants were educated consumers who tend to purchase food product 1- 2 times a week and prepares food daily. Although 46.5% of the participants were aware of food fraud, 38.1% were unaware and 15.4% were unsure. Hypothesis 1 and 3, were accepted with a significant association between education X2(8)= 51.81 (p< 0.001), employment X2(6)= 13.492 (p< 0.036), and food fraud awareness (with 50% unaware consumers). In addition, a significant association was indicated between gender X2(6)= 27.976 (p< 0.01), age X2(12)= 21.356 (p< 0.045), and Is food fraud a threat in Nigeria. Furthermore, the consumers interviews findings showed a corresponding perception as financial benefits and the ease to commit food fraud were identified as the reasons for food fraud in Nigeria. Adulteration was indicated as the major type of food fraud act, with food packaging, and manufacturing as the most vulnerable food supply chain. Key vulnerable food products identified include alcoholic beverages, herbs and spices as well as fat and oils. Conclusions: Food fraud activities in Nigeria is a significant concern to the consumers, although the findings indicate that while some consumers are aware of food fraud, others are ignorant and victimized. Consequently, impacting on the consumers health, nutritional values, beliefs and trust. The study calls for collaborative efforts from the regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and the government to combat food fraud. Funding Sources: N/A.