ROLE OF CONSUMER IN FOOD SAFETY REGULATION

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the factors considered while making decision regarding food safety in Mangalore City. The study also assesses the awareness and trust level among consumer regarding food safety regulation and information sources in India. Methodology: 395 respondents are selected for the study based on simple random sampling. For the analysis of the results, inferential analysis such as correlation and chi-square analysis were used to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The study found no association between consumers' exposure to food safety information through trusted media and their prioritization of food safety in purchase decisions, but identified age, gender, and place of domicile as significant predictors of food safety awareness. Originality/Value: The study offers novel insights by challenging the assumption that media exposure directly influences food safety decision-making, while simultaneously identifying demographic factors that significantly impact food safety awareness.