Page 40 - Demo

1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202539The Perception of Consumers in Timor-Leste Regarding the Risk of Frozen Chicken MeatNoemia A. Ruas and Lizia C. OsorioFaculdade de Medicina e Ci%u00eancias da Sa%u00fade, Universidade Nacional de Timor%u2013Lorosa%u2019e, Dili, Timor-LesteAbstractThe low production of chicken meat in Timor-Leste%u2019s poultry sector, combined with changes in consumer meat consumption habits, has led to an increased demand for frozen meats. According to data from the National Directorate of Quarantine and Biosafety in Timor-Leste, between 2018 and 2020, frozen chicken meat accounted for 88% of the total consumption of imported frozen meats of animal origin (including beef, lamb, pork, and turkey). The main objective of this research was to evaluate consumer perceptions in Timor-Leste regarding the risks associated with frozen chicken meat. The specific objectives were to (a) identify and profile consumers of frozen chicken meat, (b) analyze consumption patterns, and (c) understand consumer perceptions of the risks involved in consuming frozen chicken. To achieve this, an online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 1,066 individuals across the 13 municipalities of Timor-Leste. The respondents were predominantly female, aged between 18 and 58, and possessed higher education qualifications. The results showed that consumer perception of frozen chicken meat is influenced by socio-demographic factors such as gender, occupation, monthly income, education level, and municipality of residence. Additionally, consumers%u2019 awareness and reflection on potential risks associated with frozen chicken meat were found to shape their perception of those risks. The risks most commonly associated with frozen chicken meat by consumers include bacterial contamination, low quality, improper storage, and incorrect thawing. However, the perception of health risks does not appear to influence the decision to purchase frozen chicken. Instead, the most significant factors driving consumption are the availability of frozen chicken meat and its more affordable price.Keywords: frozen chicken meat, risk perception, consumer, eating habits, food safety