Consumer perception of sanitary inspection and food safety in meat consumption in southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

In Brazil, issues related to food safety, food quality, and the impact of diet on human health have gained increasing attention. Rising urbanization and improved living standards have led to greater consumer demands, influencing meat production and quality. While factors such as price, appearance, sensory attributes, ease of preparation, and fat content are commonly considered in meat purchasing decisions worldwide, Brazilian consumers have shown growing concern regarding food safety, health impacts, and production processes. This study aimed to evaluate consumers’ self-reported awareness regarding the importance of sanitary inspection of meat and meat products, as well as its association with sociodemographic factors. A structured questionnaire was applied to 384 consumers in a supermarket chain in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Inclusion criteria comprised men and women aged 20 to 80 years who consumed meat. Multivariable analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between self-reported awareness and age and educational level. Older participants and those with higher educational attainment demonstrated greater self-reported awareness. Additionally, self-reported awareness was significantly associated ( p < 0.05) with awareness of legislation, knowledge of the veterinarian’s role in inspection services, knowledge of different inspection levels, and awareness of foodborne diseases related to poor hygiene and lack of inspection. Despite these findings, important gaps in specific aspects of food safety and sanitary inspection knowledge persist among the study participants, highlighting the need for effective educational strategies to improve awareness of food safety and sanitary inspection.