ANALYSIS OF CONSUMERS' PERCEPTION OF INSECTICIDAL PRESERVATIVES AND ITS RESIDUES IN RICE AND WHEAT FROM SELECTED MARKETS IN PORT HARCOURT

Abstract: A market survey involving 100 grain consumers who were randomly selected in two markets, was conducted to examine their awareness of chemical preservatives in the study. The respondents in the two markets, Choba and Wokem in Port Harcourt was interviewed to examine their awareness of chemical preservatives in pulse crops, addressing growing concerns about food safety and health implications. The study utilized primary data which was collected through the use of questionnaire from the respondents and personal observation by the researchers. A semi structured standardized questionnaire was administered to the respondents to gather information about their socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude of the traders/consumers on nutrition and food preservation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, percentages, mean score and correlation coefficient. However, questionnaires administered to farmers revealed that above 40% regularly employed chemical pesticides, notably Methylbromide and Phostoxin, with a preference for metal containers in grain storage and the seller/consumers above 36 years old consumes more of the grains. Only 65% of respondents are aware that grains bought are usually preserved with banned chemicals (gammalin 20, carbide etc) and health risks associated with consuming the treated grains. Binary logistic regression of factors results shows that the only significant factor in this model is education status (p = 0.028), which shows that respondents with higher education are significantly more likely to be aware of health risks associated with consuming treated goods (B = 1.402). With the global rise in agricultural pesticide use to maximize crop yield, consumers and regulatory bodies have raised alarms over potential health risks mainly cancer from pesticide accumulation in food. These results highlight the need for stricter pesticide application guidelines and regular monitoring to ensure consumer safety and food quality.