Consumer Confidence Research Articles

Analysis of Food Additives in Chocolate

Chocolate, because of its delicate appearance, sweet flavor and silky texture is very popular with the majority of today s population and has a broad market, occupying a place in the food industry and also promoting the development of the food processing industry. The additives used therein can enhance the storage properties of chocolate while mai ntaining its aesthetics, but if they are not used properly, they can cause many adverse effects. This paper mainly explores the widespread use of food additives in chocolate, to analyze the benefits and drawbacks that these additives bring to chocolate, and to reveal a profound link between the use of additives and their effects on chocolate and, despite reservations about their potential health risks, the need to standardize the use of additives and to rebuild consumer confidence in the safety and quality of chocolate. This paper is also important for the food industry to contribute to the development of knowledge on the application of additives in the production of chocolate and to provide ideas for future research and development of chocolate and its products and the use of food additives in them.

Identification of meat adulteration in minced meat samples labeled as beef and mutton in Tehran stores using duplex PCR.

Food fraud and profiteering are becoming increasingly common in the meat industry. Therefore, it is essential to identify such practices to prevent consumer deception and maintain food safety. This study aimed to determine the contents of minced meat samples labeled as beef and mutton in retail stores across Tehran province, Iran, to identify instances of meat adulteration. To this end, this study randomly collected 300 minced meat samples labeled as beef and mutton from Tehran stores over 4 years (2018-2022) and analyzed them using duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results revealed that more than 95% of the samples only contained beef, while only 5% of the samples matched the label and contained a mixture of beef and mutton. This discrepancy between the label and actual contents could be attributed to the price difference between beef and mutton, providing a financial incentive for producers to maximize profits. Given the potential for meat adulteration, increased monitoring of meat products is necessary, including detailed tests such as PCR, which is a fast, easy, sensitive, specific, and highly effective method for detecting meat adulteration. The findings of this study can assist in developing effective strategies to prevent meat adulteration and maintain consumer confidence in the meat industry.

Awareness and Acceptability of Pre-Certified Halal Foods to Non-Muslim Students among Secondary Schools

Multiculturalism is increasingly shaping contemporary societies, yet food, a fundamental human necessity, often becomes a point of cultural and belief-based contention. The halal food industry has grown significantly, garnering support both locally and internationally. However, this burgeoning sector faces challenges related to establishing standardized regulations that acknowledge its role in nation-building and promote cultural diversity. This study aimed to assess the awareness and acceptance of pre-certified halal food among non-Muslim students across secondary schools in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 350 students selected through simple random sampling from seven identified schools in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Findings indicated that despite Lambayong's diverse population, most respondents demonstrated awareness and positive perceptions of pre-certified halal food. However, some community elders and church leaders expressed reservations about allowing younger generations to consume such food. The study also observed that while many vendors and proprietors were Muslim, not all adhered to the practice of wearing hijab (for Muslim women), and some lacked necessary cooking equipment like gloves and hairnets. Furthermore, certain halal establishments were found to have inadequate sanitation and pest control measures. Ultimately, the study concluded that there exists a moderate relationship between respondents' awareness and their acceptance of halal food. Recommendations include schools collaborating with barangay and local government units to monitor the hygiene of nearby restaurants and canteens. Additionally, halal food establishments should prioritize enhancing their sanitation practices and hygiene protocols to ensure compliance and consumer confidence.

The Impact of Brand Value Perception on Consumer Adoption Behavior of Distributed Energy Systems (DERs)

Consumer perceptions of brand value significantly influence the adoption of Distributed Energy Systems (DERs), a topic often overlooked due to insufficient information. This study investigates the impact of brand value perception on consumers' intention to adopt DERs using regression equations. It involves a comprehensive analysis considering factors like popularity and quality of service. Data was collected through structured surveys, and results indicated that higher consumer confidence and acceptance of DERs are directly linked to positive brand valuation. The SEM technique helped identify both direct and indirect consequences, revealing a strong relationship between brand value perception and DER adoption behavior, with a path coefficient of 0.65 and a p-value of less than 0.01. This statistically significant relationship underscores the critical role of brand perception in consumer behavior. Additionally, the model accounts for 54% of variations in customer acquisition behaviors, highlighting the importance that DERs place on their brand values. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing consumer adoption strategies by emphasizing brand strength and trust in renewable energy solutions.

Use of distinct projective techniques in investigating participants' perception of a clean label dairy product: A study on the presence of additives/stabilizers in Ultra high temperature processing milk's label in Brazil

AbstractUsing an online questionnaire, the perception of additives/stabilizers in ultra‐high temperature (UHT) milk was investigated using different projective techniques. Clustering data on the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) identified two groups of participants, Moderates and Judicious, with the latter assigning significantly higher agreement scores for all FCQ items. In the Word Association task, clean label UHT milk was more associated with “Nutrients and Constituents” by the Moderates and less by the Judicious, suggesting that for part of the interviewed participants, the absence of stabilizers increases the general quality of the product. In the Product Personality Profiling task, the same product was related to “young people” and a “balanced diet” by the Moderates. At the same time, the Judicious was designed for a stereotype of healthy living. Finally, the methodologies used provide valuable insights into the dairy sector, holistically highlighting the nuances in consumer preferences and expectations, offering a significant strategic opportunity for developing and promoting new clean‐label products in the segment.Practical ApplicationInvestigating consumer perceptions regarding the absence of additives offers valuable insights for marketing strategies and product development aimed at different consumer market segments, especially the dairy sector, and contributes to consumer psychology and behavioral research. At the same time, the food industry can use these findings to improve attribute communication, build consumer confidence, and adapt products to identified preferences, reflecting a practical intersection between academia and the industry.

The Impact of Affective Repair Strategies on Brand Trust: The Mediating Role of Positive Emotions

As online brand transactions surge, trust crises are increasingly common, posing significant challenges to brand-consumer relationships. This study investigates the impact of affective repair strategies on brand trust mediated by positive emotions. Specifically, the research focuses on four common affective repair strategies: apology, denial, promise, and their combinations. Through empirical analysis, it was found that apology and promise combinations exhibit the strongest positive effect on brand trust, surpassing the impact of singular strategies. Conversely, reliance on denial alone weakens consumer trust in the brand over time. In addition, positive emotions emerge as a critical mediator in trust restoration, particularly evident in denial combined with promise strategies. Based on these findings, managerial recommendations advocate for prioritizing apology and promise combinations, caution against the exclusive use of denial, and highlight the importance of fostering positive emotions to rebuild brand trust. This study provides actionable insights for brands seeking to effectively navigate trust crises and restore consumer confidence in the digital marketplace.

Machine learning-enabled fatty acid quantification and classification of pork from autochthonous breeds using low-field 1H NMR spectroscopic data

Traditional pig breeds, known for their sustainability and superior meat quality, are experiencing growing consumer preference. The lipid fraction composition of these meats plays a fundamental role in their health benefits and excellent organoleptic properties. Accordingly, accurate characterisation of intramuscular fat is crucial for maintaining quality standards and combating fraudulent practices. This study employs benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to delineate the lipidic profiles of various cuts from two emblematic Spanish autochthonous pig breeds. The implementation of chemometric and machine learning models enabled the classification of pork samples based on cut and breed of origin. Moreover, this investigation pioneers the coupling of benchtop NMR with machine learning models for quantitative purposes, achieving precise quantification of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids in intramuscular fat. This novel approach holds promise for enhancing the traceability and authentication of traditional pig products, fostering consumer confidence and promoting sustainable livestock practices.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Strategi Pemasaran Gerilya Dan Online Customer Review Terhadap Peningkatan Minat Beli Konsumen ( Studi Kasus UMKM Fashion Muslim Wnj.Id)

This study aims to determine the impact of guerrilla marketing strategies on WNJ ID, how influential guerrilla marketing strategies and online customer reviews are on increasing consumer buying interest. The research method used in this study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, and the data collected came from interviews and direct observation. The results showed that the synergy between guerrilla marketing strategies and online customer reviews can strengthen the influence on increasing consumer buying interest. When businesses implement guerrilla marketing strategies that create memorable experiences, and are supported by positive online customer reviews, consumers tend to be more confident and interested in buying products or using these services. WNJ ID has implemented guerrilla marketing and online customer reviews to increase consumer buying interest. From the results of the interview, the influence of guerrilla marketing strategies and online customer reviews has a significant influence on increasing consumer buying interest. The use of creative and unique guerrilla marketing strategies can generate consumer buying interest by creating memorable experiences. Meanwhile, positive online customer reviews can build consumer trust and confidence in the product.

Legal Awareness of Micro and Small Enterprise Operators Regarding Halal Certification: A Maslaha Perspective

The halal certification of food products is essential for consumer protection and should be harmonized with the practices of small-scale micro-producers to ensure security and mutual benefits in accordance with Islamic teachings. However, micro-businesses have been observed to possess varied perceptions toward the certification program. Based on this understanding, the present study aims to categorize awareness of the benefits and legal aspects of digitalizing the process of obtaining the certification using a theoretical legal system approach. In order to achieve the stated objective, qualitative data was gathered from different sources such as micro-business owners, halal certifiers, and beneficiaries of halal-certified food products. The obtained results showed that micro-businesses in serang-Banten often register for halal certification due to regulatory requirements and potential sanctions, rather than a deep understanding of the benefits of halal-certified products. This finding emphasized the persistence of a lack of significant awareness among micro-businesses regarding the advantages of obtaining halal certification. Accordingly, during the course of the investigation, the dominant challenges experienced include administrative complexities in the self-declaration process and the availability of qualified halal certifiers for high-risk food ingredients. To address these issues, there is an essential necessity for the development of a streamlined certification system that supports micro-businesses, facilitates application processes, and monitors the potential misuse of fake halal logos. Lastly, following the observations made, it can be inferred that digitizing the process of halal certification for both the registration and labeling of food products would improve consumer confidence and ease supervision.

Bacteriophages: Natural antimicrobial bioadditives for food preservation in active packaging

Developing innovative films and coatings is paramount for extending the shelf life of numerous food products and augmenting the barrier and antimicrobial properties of food packaging materials. Many synthetic chemicals used in active packaging and food storage have the potential to leach into food, posing long-term health risks. It is imperative for active packaging materials to inherently possess biological protective properties to ensure food quality and safety throughout its storage. Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are bacteria-eating viruses that serve as promising natural biocontrol agents and antimicrobial bioadditives in food packaging materials, specifically targeting bacterial foodborne pathogens. These phages are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities for food safety applications. They exhibit targeted action against various Gram-positive and -negative foodborne pathogens, including Bacillus spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Vibrio spp., associated with foodborne spoilage and illness without affecting the beneficial microbes. Phage cocktails can be applied directly on food surfaces, incorporated into food packaging materials, or utilized during food processing treatments. Unlike chemical agents, phage activity increases proportionally with the rise in pathogenic bacterial populations. Researchers are exploring various packaging materials to deliver phages with broad host range, stability, and viability ensuring their effectiveness in safeguarding various food systems. The effectiveness of phage immobilization or encapsulation on active food packaging materials depends on various factors, including the characteristics of polymers, the choice of solvents, the type of phage, and its loading efficiency. Factors such as the orientation of phage immobilization on substrates, pH, temperature, exposure to carbohydrates and amino acids, exopolysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, and metals can also influence phage activity. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the various active packaging systems utilizing bacteriophages as natural biocontrols and antimicrobial bioadditives to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness and enhance consumer confidence in the safety of food products.

Halal Certification for MSMEs: Navigating Perceptions and Implementations Through the Lens of Maslahah Mursalah

Halal certification has become a must to be implemented by MSME business actors in Indonesia. Moreover, economic activities in Indonesia have been dominated by the MSMEs industry. This study will explain the perception and application of halal certification by MSME business actors in Indonesia in terms of the principle of Maslahah Mursalah. The research method used in this study is a literature review focusing on journal articles published between 2018 and 2022. A total of 15 journal articles were reviewed. Research utilizing the literature study method shows that most business actors already know the importance of halal certification for the sustainability of their business, whether it can increase consumer confidence or increase their sales turnover. However, the results of the application implementation still need to be improved compared to the number of MSMEs in Indonesia. There are still many MSMEs business actors who still need to be halal certified. For this reason, the principle of maslahah has not been appropriately implemented, seeing that the level of halal certification is still minimal.

Pendampingan Pembuatan Legalitas Usaha dan Inovasi Kemasan dalam Upaya Peningkatan Penjualan Bakso Sapi Frozen

This community service activity was carried out with the aim of increasing sales of Omasan Taste frozen beef meatballs through assistance in the business licensing process and updates in product packaging design. Small businesses like Omasan Taste often experience difficulties in obtaining official licenses and creating attractive and safe packaging. Through training, consultation, and assessment, this mentoring aims to assist in the setup and management of business licenses, such as P-IRT licensing and halal certification, as well as improved packaging design. The results showed that having a complete business license can increase customer confidence, while attractive and informative packaging design succeeded in increasing interest in the product. This is reflected in increased purchases and market expansion. In this way, the assistance successfully boosted Omasan Taste's sales through strategies to increase consumer confidence and product competitiveness in a larger market.

Design of Consumer Confidence Prediction Index Model based on DEGWO Algorithm

Based on the CCI index released by China Economic Information Network, combined with the DEGWO difference algorithm and BP neural network regression; Constructed a DEGWO-BP synthesis algorithm under machine learning mode to predict and fit consumer confidence index; The empirical results show that the cumulative error of the consumer confidence index using the DEGWO-BP algorithm is the lowest, only 37.8273; The average absolute error of the model is the lowest, and the model has the minimum level of deviation; The model with the minimum extreme deviation value has the strongest stability.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase Dysphagia Compliance in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to optimize conditions that increase dysphagia compliance after stroke-a measure recognized by The Joint Commission in designating institutions as primary or comprehensive stroke centers and by the American Heart Association that promotes stroke treatment adherence and bestows achievement and quality awards. Failure to meet stroke measures, including medication documentation, may produce poor patient outcomes that directly affect consumer confidence and choice of treatment facility. Stroke patient care requires multidisciplinary team collaboration to manage multiple factors; variations in practice create fallouts that need correction, the absence of which jeopardizes standards for maintaining stroke center designation. PURPOSE: Aims were to determine the nature of dysphagia fallouts in our quaternary academic teaching hospital, assess multidisciplinary workflows and barriers to success, and develop strategies to enhance dysphagia compliance. DESCRIPTION: We used a multidisciplinary approach using James Reason's Swiss cheese model to examine compliance. The clinical nurse specialist interviewed physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), nurses, and informaticists to ascertain discipline-specific success barriers, targeting top issues for each discipline to develop solutions. Unit educators unified their dysphagia reduction strategies; physicians, pharmacists, and informaticists collaborated to clarify standardized medication route orders and to increase electronic health record swallow screen visibility to multidisciplinary users; and SLPs adjusted workflow and documentation. EVALUATION: Outcomes included reinforcing correct nursing charting, pharmacy oral-to-feeding tube conversion order revision, optimization of delivery and awareness of medication routes, electronic health record system enhancements, and SLPs aligning documentation with nursing medication administration. The multidisciplinary approach proved successful and increased dysphagia compliance by 9.6% ( P = .001). These outcomes contributed to a successful The Joint Commission survey, redesignation as a comprehensive stroke center, and American Heart Association Gold Plus achievement award.

Direct Democracy and Funding for Public Park and Recreation Services: Consumer Confidence and Support for Greenspace Ballot Initiatives

Maintaining or increasing tax-based allocations is a strategic imperative for many public park and recreation agencies. Some agencies have the capacity to do so by sponsoring ballot initiatives proposing property tax increases in support of operational and capital expenses. In this manuscript we investigate the role of beliefs about the economy in shaping perceptions of such “greenspace ballot initiatives.” Specifically, we examine whether attitudes toward, and support for, greenspace ballot initiatives vary according to an individual’s willingness to buy—operationalized as their consumer confidence. Our results indicate that—independent of income—voters with higher levels of consumer confidence feel more positively toward ballot initiatives that would raise their property taxes to support public parks and recreation, and are more likely to vote in favor of them. We conclude by discussing potential implications for decision makers and future research efforts.

<p>Legal Protection of Surface Waters in Spain</p>

A systematic study of water regulations in Spain within the legislative framework of the EU and the use and management of this resource in agriculture is carried out. In this context, the aim is to analyse whether the most recent regulations increase the confidence of consumers and farmers in this circular approach to water use, guaranteeing water security and reducing pressures on increasingly scarce water resources, under EU and national policies that promote the safe use of reclaimed water in agriculture and guarantee the protection of human and animal health and the environment, as well as being a tool that contributes to protecting biodiversity.

Development of a Freshness Indicator for Assessing the Quality of Packaged Pork Products during Refrigerated Storage.

A pH-sensitive dye-based freshness indicator has been developed to monitor the quality status of pork neck through distinct color transitions, addressing a crucial need for improved food safety and real-time monitoring within the food industry. This system aims to boost consumer confidence and improve shelf-life estimates by offering transparent and immediate quality indicators. Aerobically packaged pork neck samples underwent accelerated testing at 25 °C for 36 h, followed by refrigeration experiments at typical distribution temperatures of 4 and 8 °C over 10 days. Measured pork neck quality parameters included total bacterial count (TBC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and pH levels. Visual observation and colorimetric analysis were used to assess the chromatic variations of the freshness indicator, which showed a significant shift from orange to green in response to the presence of TVB-N in the headspace of the pork packaging. The chromatic parameters of the freshness indicator exhibited a significant correlation with the pork quality values throughout the storage periods. The results highlight the ability of the freshness indicator to effectively convey quality information about pork through noticeable colorimetric changes.

The consumer purchase motivation of Organic Food in Online Retail

Organic food relies on consumer confidence as the driver of its buying process. Generally, consumers purchase it directly to ensure its organic guarantee. The increasing purchase of agricultural products and organic food online in Indonesia shows consumer confidence in organic products sold in e-commerce. These studies aimed to determine the driving factors of purchasing organic food through online retailing, the types of organic food purchased, and the relationship between consumer motivation and purchasing decisions. This study uses a cross-sectional method with a purposive sampling technique, and the data is processed using SPSS with General Linear Model analysis. The results from 102 respondents in Indonesia showed that convenience, practicality, and time efficiency as the biggest motivation of consumers (85.30%). On the other hand, pleasure is the slightest consumer motivation (1.0%). Vegetables and processed seeds/nuts are widely purchased as fresh and processed organic foods. The relationship between consumer motivation and online purchasing decisions is that both variables affect one another. The consumer motivation driving factors are diverse product variants, attractive packaging, organic labels, nutritional value, discounts, time efficiency in purchasing, easy-to-find online stores, and advertising. Affordable prices do not motivate consumers to purchase organic food online. Therefore, organic food consumers in Indonesia purchase products through online retailing for convenience.

Addressing food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria: Insights and recommendations

Nigeria faces significant challenges in ensuring the quality control of both food and medication, which directly impact public health and safety. This review provides insights into the prevailing issues and offers recommendations to address these pressing concerns. Firstly, regarding food quality control, Nigeria grapples with issues such as contamination, adulteration, and inadequate monitoring along the supply chain. These problems lead to widespread instances of foodborne illnesses and undermine consumer confidence. Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates the situation, allowing substandard products to proliferate in the market. Similarly, the medication quality control landscape in Nigeria is riddled with challenges including counterfeit drugs, poor storage conditions, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Counterfeit medications not only fail to treat illnesses effectively but also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, posing a grave threat to public health. Moreover, the absence of robust pharmacovigilance systems hampers the detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions, further compromising patient safety. To address these multifaceted challenges, a comprehensive approach is imperative. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing surveillance systems, investing in laboratory infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and education initiatives are vital to empower consumers with knowledge about safe food and medication practices. In conclusion, tackling food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria demands concerted efforts from various stakeholders. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Nigeria can safeguard public health, mitigate economic losses, and foster sustainable development.

Analysis of The Accountability of Business Actors to Consumers Who are Disadvantaged for Damage to an Item in The Context of Consumer Protection

This study aims to analyze the implementation of accountability from business actors to consumers who are harmed by damage to an item based on the Consumer Protection Act conducted using the literature study. The problem in this study is related to violations of rights rather than consumers for damage to an item purchased related to accountability rather than a business actor that causes these losses. The purpose of the implementation of this research is to analyze the conditions of accountability of business actors to consumers dynamics of their conditions in the territory of Indonesia. Literature study method as a method used to investigate scientific works, reports on the accountability of business actors and official documents that have a connection with the research conducted. The results showed that the accountability of business actors included compensation in the form of refund or returns to the same or equal value, but accountability still had an impact on the decline in consumer confidence in business actors. Conclusion this study states that the permeasun of legal protection efforts given to consumers for losses caused by business actors. The renewal of this research lies in the comprehensive approach used on the issues that occur and conduct in -depth research and not only look on the one hand.