Pork sausage market: marketing, labeling and consumer characterization

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the sanitary-hygienic conditions of establishments selling pork sausage, the labeling of such products aiming the compliance of existing legislation, and the characterization of the consumer profile. The study was conducted in 17 commercial establishments of Solânea-PB, using pre-established sanitary inspection sequence. Labels of 25 pork sausages samples (weenie sausages, pork sausages, ham sausages and bologna) were recorded and evaluated. In order to characterize the profile of consumers, 71 individuals were randomly interviewed at the time of purchasing the sausage products. It was found that the establishments surveyed had inadequate sanitary-hygienic conditions. The products had labels and nutritional information, however, they still have to meet the norms of National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance. Consumers have few information about nutritional qualities of meat and sausages of pork, but when purchasing those products they are concerned about quality, appearance, cleanliness and hygiene. Thus, it is suggested the establishment of municipal specific norms, labor training and more effective controls to ensure food safety for consumers.