DETERMINING CONSUMER BEHAVIORS ABOUT FOOD SAFETY (BINGÖL CITY CENTER EXAMPLE)

Abstract

This work was conducted in order to determine the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of individuals, to reveal the status of food expenditures by determining monthly consumer expenditures, and to determine consumer behaviors about food safety and characteristics that are considered when purchasing food products living in the city center of Bingol. The primary data of this study were obtained from the surveys conducted in March-May 2020 from consumers in Bingol city center. According to the study findings; average monthly income of consumers 3661.4, average monthly rent expenditure 622, average monthly food expenditure 503.2, average monthly health expenditure 241.7, average monthly clothing expenditure 349.5, average monthly transportation expenditure 267.2, average monthly education expenditure 329.4 TL and the average monthly entertainment expenditure was calculated as 357.6 ?. The share of monthly food expenditure in monthly income was calculated as 13.7%, and the ratio of monthly food expenditure in total monthly expenditure was calculated as 18.8%. While it was determined that consumers consider features such as price, appearance, traditional production and expert recommendations important when purchasing food products, they consider characteristics such as brand, quality, health and freshness very important. It was concluded that the surveyed consumers had information about food safety and could define its basic characteristics. As a result; In ensuring food safety, it is extremely important that all actors in the sector be conscious and act with a sense of responsibility.