Consumer knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards meat adulteration in Kilosa, Tanzania
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Date
2025-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation
Abstract
Meat adulteration refers to the intentional or unintentional substitution, mislabeling, or contamination of
meat products with lower-quality or undeclared animal species, additives, or non-meat substances. This
practice can lead to serious consequences, including food safety risks, economic fraud, loss of consumer
trust, and potential health hazards such as allergic reactions or exposure to harmful contaminants. The
fight against meat adulteration in most developing countries is still hindered by a lack of consumer
awareness of the concepts of meat adulteration and a clear description that constitutes a legal case of this
fraudulent act. Limited studies on consumer awareness, perception and buying practices regarding meat
adulteration in Tanzania made this study particularly interesting. From December 2023 to March 2024, a
survey of 384 individuals in Kilosa District revealed that 95.1% of consumers had a low knowledge of meat
adulteration (mean score: 4.8 ± 1.4). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed five significant predictors
of consumers’ knowledge: age (31–45 years), education level (tertiary), occupation (butcher and business),
employment status, and residency time (1–10 years). Notably, 65.4% were unaware of legislation
addressing meat adulteration in Tanzania, and 87.7% linked the upsurge of adulteration practices to
economic incentives. Additionally, consumer meat purchasing decisions were primarily influenced by
price (86.2%) and appearance (52.9%) of the meat. This study highlights a critical lack of knowledge and
practices of identifying adulterated meat in most of the consumers in Kilosa district. Therefore, the urgent
need for targeted consumer education and stricter regulatory enforcement to combat meat adulteration in
Tanzania is suggested.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Attitudes, Buying practices, Consumer knowledge, Kilosa District, Meat adulteration
Citation
Dule et al., (2025). Consumer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding meat adulteration in Kilosa, Tanzania. East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation 6(2)