Expanded Literature Review on Consumer Behavior and Food Adulteration in Bangladesh

Introduction

Understanding consumer behavior is pivotal in addressing the issue of food adulteration in Bangladesh.
This literature review examines the intricate relationship between consumer purchasing practices,
awareness of food safety, and the role of government regulations in mitigating food adulteration.

Context and Importance

Food adulteration, involving the deliberate addition of harmful substances to food items, poses
significant health risks. It is a multifaceted issue influenced by consumer behavior, market dynamics, and
regulatory frameworks. The interplay of these factors shapes the landscape of food safety in Bangladesh.

Consumer Behavior and Purchasing Practices

1. Purchasing Decisions: Consumer buying behavior is influenced by various factors, including

product type, price, quality, and availability. Consumers often have to balance quality with
affordability, especially in low-income communities, where cost considerations may override
quality concerns.

2. Dynamics of Food Purchasing: Homemakers, particularly women, play a crucial role in food
purchasing decisions. Studies by Nimkar (1976) and Pande (2000) highlight the significance of
homemakers in selecting and buying food products, with financial constraints being a key factor
in these decisions.

Food Adulteration: Prevalence and Awareness

1. Commonly Adulterated Foods: In Bangladesh, a wide range of food products, including fruits,
vegetables, fish, meat, milk, spices, and grains, are subject to adulteration with harmful
substances like pesticides, chemicals, and artificial colors.

2. Awareness of Food Safety Risks: Despite the high prevalence of food adulteration, consumer
awareness of the associated health risks varies. While there is a general acknowledgment of the
dangers posed by adulterants, detailed knowledge about specific health impacts is often lacking,
particularly among low-income groups.

Government Interventions and Regulations

1. Food Safety Act 2013 and Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009: These legislative measures are
crucial steps towards addressing food adulteration. They provide a framework for regulating
food safety standards and protecting consumer rights. The Food Safety Act 2013, in particular,
replaces earlier legislation, offering a more comprehensive approach to food safety
management.

2. Enforcement Challenges: Despite the existence of these laws, enforcement remains a significant
challenge. The effectiveness of regulatory measures is often hampered by limited resources, lack
of consumer awareness, and the intricacies of food supply chains.

Methodology of Study
The study employed a questionnaire-based approach to gather data on consumer behavior, awareness
of food adulteration, and knowledge of consumer rights. The sample included 100 customers from
various grocery stores in Dhaka, providing insights into different consumer demographics.

Results and Discussion

1. Consumer Preferences and Practices: The study revealed a preference for packaged products
among consumers, with brand, price, and quality being the main parameters for product
selection. However, there were gaps in practices such as checking expiry dates and being aware
of the maximum retail prices (MRP).

2. Awareness of Adulteration Risks: A significant portion of consumers were aware of the health
risks associated with adulterated foods. However, this awareness did not always translate into
proactive purchasing behavior to avoid adulterated products.

3. Response to Adulteration and Duplication: While most consumers encountered adulterated or

duplicated items, their response varied. Some filed complaints or reported issues, but the
effectiveness of these actions was not consistent.

Limitations of the Study

The study faced challenges in gathering data due to time constraints and the reluctance of some
participants to engage in the survey. Additionally, the sample size and random selection of participants
may not fully represent the broader consumer population in Bangladesh.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The study concludes that while there is a baseline awareness of food adulteration among consumers in
Bangladesh, this awareness is not uniformly distributed, particularly among low-income groups. The
effectiveness of government measures is contingent on increased consumer vigilance and awareness.
There is a need for widespread public education campaigns to enhance understanding of food safety and
consumer rights. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is recommended to gain a
comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior and its impact on food adulteration.