Analysis of Consumer Awareness and Perceptions about Food Safety in Tirana, Albania

ARBEN VERÇUNI¹, EDVIN ZHLLIMA^1*, DRINI IMAMI¹, BIZENA BIJO², XHULIETA HAMITI³, YLLI BICOKU⁴

¹ Faculty of Economics and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.

²Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.

³Natural Science Faculty, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.

⁴Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania.

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Abstract

This is an exploratory study based on a structured survey aimed at assessing Albanian consumer awareness about food safety assurance, standards and institutions. This paper analyzes the Albanian consumer perceptions, awareness and information about safety of food products. According to the research findings, about 30 percent of respondents perceive meat products as unsafe; meanwhile 20 percent of respondents perceive dairy products as unsafe. There is a much higher distrust in relation with salami products – about 80 percent of the respondents perceive salami as unsafe. Approximately 80 percent of consumers stated that they are not aware of HACCP, 56 percent are not aware of ISO, and 52 percent do not know the institution accountable for food safety (National Food Authority). Awareness, information and promotional programs can improve consumers’ behavior with regard to food safety and reduce the public health risk.