Knowledge, Perception and Consumption of Organic Foods in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Now-a-days, food consumption patterns are rapidly changing. Consumers are concerned about issues related to the nutritional value of food and health. Raising awareness regarding the health implications of food is increasing for safe food consumption, which includes organic produces. Organic food is a relatively new phenomenon in developing countries like Bangladesh to get rid of chronic lifestyle diseases. The aim of this study is generally to comprehend the outlook of local consumers on their knowledge, perception, and consumption towards organic food products. Methodology: The study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select a total of 400 samples from four different areas in Dhaka city as 100 samples per area. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule including information concerning some selected parameters such as socio-economic conditions, knowledge about organic foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, egg, and meats, etc., perception about organic foods, the nutritional value of organic foods, consumption frequency and patterns of organic foods. Results: Our study findings indicate that although 70% of participants knew about organic foods, only 2% consumed those on a regular basis. About 48% of respondent's perception was organic food is mainly natural product, 29% respondent said they are higher in nutrient content, and 17% were said organic food is safer and more nutritious. Therefore, most of the consumers of organic food consume organic food due to health benefits and disease prevention; such as about 35% of respondents said organic foods protect from various diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc. 28% of the respondent said that organic foods could prevent skin diseases. We have also found significant correlations between organic food consumption and income level as well as educational status. Conclusion: Although the knowledge regarding organic food is satisfactory, the consumption and availability of organic food are not. Therefore, the cultivation of organic food should be encouraged, and the price, as well as the quality of organic food, should be monitored by the authorities.