The domestic swine industry is currently facing a threat due to the recent increase in pork imports. This study aims to determine what factors influence consumers' intention to consume imported pork and suggest measures to support the domestic pork industry. To achieve this, we analyzed data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute's Food Consumption Behavior Survey using a binary logistic regression model. The results revealed that a higher intention to consume imported pork is linked to a higher intention to consume imported rice, purchasing meat online, frequent purchases of HMR, and procuring U.S. beef, especially among urban residents. On the other hand, a lower intention to consume imported pork is associated with a higher awareness of animal welfare certification, frequently dining out, and older age. Based on these findings, we propose the following response measures for the domestic swine industry: implementing educational programs, marketing, and advertising specifically targeting urban residents to improve their perception of domestic agricultural products; enhancing price competitiveness through distribution optimization; and developing policies to promote the use of domestic pork as an ingredient in processed foods.

This study was conducted to investigate whether there were differences in eco-friendly food, home meal replacement (HMR) purchases, and eating-out behavior according to the level of agri-food consumer competence. The data for the study were extracted from main food consumers (n=3,321) in the 2022 Food Consumption Behavior Survey. The competence index was divided into awareness-attitude-practice items, and three groups were classified by competence level. The results showed an agri-food consumer competency score of 70.62, with the highest score for awareness (73.96), followed by practice (69.28) and attitude (66.18). The frequency of purchasing eco-friendly food was higher in the excellent group compared to other groups, and quality and price satisfaction was higher with higher competency (p<0.001). Regarding HMR, the results showed that the shortage group had the lowest HMR consumption rate, and satisfaction decreased as competence decreased (p<0.001). The main reason for eating-out was to enjoy food in all groups (59.0%), followed by a lack of cooking time in the excellent group (15.7%) and hassle with food preparation in the moderate and shortage groups (17.3%, 16.6%) (p<0.001). In short, agri-food consumption competency showed differences by contents and components, and differences in food purchases and eating-out behavior by competency level were found.

In Korea, from January 2023, the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Food was revised to reflect the use-by-date rather than the sell-by-date. Hence, the purpose of this study was to establish a system for calculating the safety factor and determining the recommended use-by-date for each food type, thereby providing a scientific basis for the recommended use-by-date labels. A safety factor calculation technique based on scientific principles was designed through literature review and simulation, and opinions were collected by conducting surveys and discussions including industry and academia, among others. The main considerations in this study were pH, Aw, sterilization, preservatives, packaging for storage improvement, storage temperature, and other external factors. A safety factor of 0.97 was exceptionally applied for frozen products and 1.0 for sterilized products. In addition, a between-sample error value of 0.08 was applied to factors related to product and experimental design. This study suggests that clearly providing a safe use-by-date will help reduce food waste and contribute to carbon neutrality.

This study examined the determinants of healthy food purchases before and after COVID-19 in Korea. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were applied to Korea Rural Economic Institute's Food Consumer Behavior Survey data from 2019 to 2021. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in the non-intake of healthy food in 2021 compared to 2019, suggesting the impact of COVID-19 on healthy food consumption. Consumption patterns also changed, with a decrease in direct purchases and an increase in gift-based purchases. Several variables showed significant effects on healthy food intake. Single-person households exhibited a higher probability of eating healthy food after COVID-19. The group perceiving themselves as healthy had a lower likelihood of consuming healthy food pre-COVID-19, but this changed after the pandemic. Online food purchases, eco-friendly food purchases, and nut consumption showed a gradual decrease in the probability of non-intake over time. Gender and age also influenced healthy food intake. The probability of eating healthy food increased in the older age group compared to the younger group, and the probability increased significantly after COVID-19. The probability of buying gifts was significantly higher in those in their 60s, indicating that the path to obtaining healthy food differed by age.

In this research, we examined the shifts in determinants influencing the frequency of eco-friendly food purchases pre- and post-COVID-19. Our analysis utilized filtered 2019-2021 Consumption Behavior Survey data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute Food, excluding any irrational responses. Given the nature of the dependent variable, a multinomial logistic regression model was employed with demographic factors, variables pertaining to food consumption behavior, and variables concerning food consumption awareness as predictors. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an individual's level of education was observed to positively influence the frequency of eco-friendly food purchases. In contrast, income level and fluctuations in food consumption expenditure did not appear to have a discernible impact on the purchasing frequency of such eco-friendly products. Irrespective of the advent of COVID-19, variables such as the frequency of online food purchases, the utilization of early morning delivery services, dining out frequency, and the intake of health-functional foods consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with the propensity to purchase eco-friendly foods. Overall, consumers prioritizing safety, quality, and nutrition over price, taste, and convenience in their procurement decisions for rice, vegetables, meat, and processed foods exhibit an increased inclination toward the acquisition of eco-friendly food products.

Food upcycling has emerged as an effective approach to sustainably utilize the food waste generated within the food supply chain. This review article examines upcycled food with respect to its definition, consumers’ knowledge and perception on it, and the process by which by-products from the food supply chain are utilized for the creation of upcycled food products. The definition of upcycled food varied among manufacturers, research institutions, and the Upcycled Food Association, depending on the specific values and objectives of each sector. This has resulted in the use of different keywords to highlight the distinctive characteristics of their respective interpretations of upcycled food. This review also summarizes the various consumer traits that can influence the awareness and acceptance of upcycled food, encompassing functional, empirical and emotional, symbolic and self-expressive, and economic benefits. Additionally, the review presents strategies to utilize by-products produced in large quantities in Korea, while also addressing the control of hazardous components to ensure biological or chemical safety and the changes in nutritional value that may occur during the utilization of these byproducts.

As the demand for ready-to-eat foods continues to grow, concerns about the sodium in processed foods are also growing. In this study, a survey was conducted on the perception of low-sodium products and diffusion plans according to the type of employee (manufacturer, retailer, distributor). Of the 191 responses collected, 189 valid responses (98.9%) were analyzed. The results showed that the employees were aware of the health contribution of a low-sodium diet, labeling for low-sodium, and the promotion of low-sodium food to increase its consumption. Furthermore, retailers recognized the positive contribution of low-sodium products in terms of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management. The use of sodium substitutes was preferred as the best way to reduce sodium in ready-to-eat foods. With regard to sodium reduction in readyto- eat foods, we found that the technical factors involved were clustered by the type of business. Specifically, distributors showed a similar performance but had a lower perception of importance than retailers. Manufacturers had a lower perception of both importance and performance. In this study, we collected perceptions from employees who were working at food companies, which differed from previous research. We sought to examine the differences in the perception of sodium reduction and consumption of ready-to-eat foods across various types of employment. Furthermore, we provided specific approaches to reduce perception gaps and enhance understanding among employees.

This study analyzed the determinants that affect the purchase of ready-to-cook seafood products using the “Consumer Attitude Survey on Processed Foods” from 2018 to 2021. Dietary lifestyle, food awareness and preference survey questions were categorized, and factors affecting the purchase probability of ready-to-cook seafood were identified through a binomial logit model. The main research findings are as follows. First, consumers had higher preference for quality, safety, and new taste factors than health and price factors when purchasing HMR (Home Meal Replacement). Second, through binomial logit model analysis, the probability of purchasing ready-to-cook seafood products was low in the group pursuing taste and economy. On the other hand, the purchase probability was high in the group seeking convenience. Third, the purchase probability of ready-to-cook seafood products was higher in households with two or more persons than in single-person households. These results suggest that differentiated product development and marketing strategies should be needed for each consumer groups in the seafood convenience food market

The influence of the food value consumption type of MZ generation on food choice attribute and sustainable food consumption behavior was studied using structural equation modeling. A survey was conducted on April 11~17, 2022, among panels aged 20 to 39. A total of 350 valid replicates (100%) were analyzed using statistical program SPSS The validity of the measurement instrument was verified through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The data reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The hypothesis was verified by performing path analysis through structural equation modeling using AMOS. Regarding the influence of food choice characteristics on sustainable food consumption behavior, health has a significant positive (+) effect on the selection consumption behavior of certified food and local food. Among food value consumption categories social value consumption has a significant negative (－) influence on the consumption behavior of certified food and the choice of local food. Ethical value consumption has a significant positive (+) influence on the selection consumption behavior of certified food and local food. This study is significant because it has identified sustainable food consumption behaviors that domestic consumers can adopt daily. It can use as baseline data for preparing political and institutional measures.

This study aims to investigate protein consumption market trends in Korea. Protein consumption was divided according to the protein source into meat, fishery, and plant-based protein. To accomplish the goal of this study, food purchase data from 525 households panels collected by the Rural Development Administration over the last 10 years were used. The results of the study showed an increase or decrease in protein consumption by protein type over the last 10 years, and a reason to explain this change has been suggested. Specifically, this study found a dramatic increase in the consumption of several proteins, including beef sirloin, beef tenderloin, seasoned beef & steak, pork belly, pork shoulder, pork neck, seasoned pork, pork cutlet, sweet and sour pork, canned ham, chicken drumstick, chicken breast, dak gangjeong, Chinese fried chili chicken, salmon, eel, abalone, squid, octopus, webfoot octopus, octopus minor, canned whelk, tofu, cold bean soup,and plant-based milk. Some items showed no increase in consumption (such as beef jerky, pork rib, sausage, bacon, whole raw chicken, cutlass fish, oyster, fish cake, crab stick, surimi sausage,and canned fishery), whereas a few items showed decreased consumption (e.g., mackerel, pollack, cod,and canned tuna)

This study investigated whether there is a correlation between the occurrence of hazardous substances such as vibrio, norovirus, radioactivity, shellfish posion, hepatitis A, etc. and media reports, and whether the occurrence of hazardous substances and media reports affect the production, distribution and consumption of aquatic products. The main research results are as follows. First, it can be seen that there is a difference in the relationship between the occurrence of hazardous substances and media reports according to hazardous substances. Second, it suggests seen that the occurrence of hazardous substances and media reports can have a negative effect on the production and the prices of aquatic products. Third, it was found that the occurrence and reporting of hazardous substances had different effects on the distribution margin of aquatic products due to the complexity and rigidity of the distribution structure. Fourth, consumers feel a threat to aquatic products safety and significantly reduce consumption when hazardous substances occur. There is a possibility that concerns about one item may lead to a decrease in consumption of domestic and imported aquatic products that are not related at all to the occurrence of hazardous substances. In conclusion, aquatic products are exposed to various hazardous substances such as vibrio, norovirus, radioactivity, shellfish posion, and hepatitis A. It was found that the occurrence of hazardous substances and its media reports could cause damage to the fishery sector.

식용곤충 함유 반려동물 식품 시장의 성장 요인을 확인하기 위하여, 반려동물 식품시장 규모가 가장 큰 국가가 미국임을 고려하여 미국인 소비자를 대상으로 식용곤충 함유 반려동물 식품에 대한 인식과 태도를 분석하였다. 연구는 반려견을 키우는 재한 미국인 16명을 두 그룹으로 나누어 심층토론 방식으로 다음과 같은 세 가지 상황에서 진행하였다. 먼저 식용곤충 함유 반려동물 식품에 대한 자유 연상 인식을 관찰하였고, 이후 식용곤충 함유 반려동물 식품 관련 언론 정보를 제공한 후 이에 대한 태도를 분석하였으며, 마지막으로 실제 제품을 제시하여 구매 맥락에서의 소비자 태도를 확인하였다. 분석 결과, 참여자들은 식용곤충 원료에 대해 자유 연상 시 ‘친환경적인’, ‘지속가능한’과 같은 환경적 가치에 대한 인식이 높고 이와 관련한 구체적 언론 정보에 대해서도 긍정적인 태도를 보였지만, 구매 맥락에서는 오히려 환경적 가치보다 ‘저 알레르기’, ‘고단백질’, ‘피부/모질 개선’ 등과 같은 영양 및 건강기능적 가치를 중요하게 여기는 것으로 나타났다. 한편, ‘식용곤충 원료에 대한 거부감’은 일반 식품과 마찬가지로 반려동물 식품에서도 여전히 가장 중요한 부정적 요소로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 미국인 소비자들을 대상으로 세 가지 상황에서 식용곤충 함유 반려동물 식품의 환경적, 영양적, 건강기능적 가치에 대한 인식과 태도를 조사함으로써 식용곤충 원료 산업에서 시도하고 있는 반려동물 식품 시장 진출 전망에 대한 가능성을 확인한 것에 의의가 있다.

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for future research and suggest product development and market segmentation strategies by identifying the perceptions and consumption behaviors of vegetarians in each segment of the vegetarian market. According to food consumption value, a total of three market segments were derived, and the markets were named based on their characteristics, including ‘environment and animal protection’, ‘multiple consideration’ and ‘low interest’. As a result of analyzing the perception of vegetarian-based food, “environment and animal protection” and “multiple consideration” presented positive perceptions of a vegetarian food product. Conversely, the group stating low interest expressed negative perceptions of the vegetarian food product. An analysis of the requirements for development for vegetarian-based foods products (eg. aquafaba), indicated that the development requirements for all products, except cultured and processed meats, were high.?Considerable demand was observed for vegetarian menus and vegetarian restaurants. As a result of the analysis on the necessity of the elements of the vegetarian restaurant menu, the subjects that stated “multiple consideration” had significantly higher awareness of issues related to vegetarian foods than others.

본 연구에서는 신선편의식품을 구매한 뒤 집으로 귀가해서 냉장고에 보관하거나 섭취하는데 소요되는 시간과 그에 따른 신선편의식품 내.외부의 온도변화와 미생물학적 변화를 관찰하였다. 시판 중인 신선편의 식품에 대해 위생 지표세균인 일반세균, 대장균군 및 대장균, 병원성 미생물 인 B. cereus, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes를 분석하였다. 설문조사 결과 신선편의식품을 구매 후 귀가 또는 섭취에 소요되는 시간이 최대 3시간 소요되는 것으로 확인되어, 차량 트렁크 내에서 최대 3시간 동안 보관 한 결과 차량 트렁크 내부 최고 온도가 봄(3월) 19oC, 여 름(7월) 44oC, 가을(9월) 31.3oC, 겨울(2월) 17.6oC로 각각 확인되었으며, 차량 트렁크에서 보관한 신선편의식품의 품온은 최대 봄 18.5oC, 여름 42oC, 가을 29.2oC, 겨울 16.8oC 로 확인되었다. 차량 트렁크에 최대 3시간 보관한 신선편의식품의 일반세균수는 봄 3.41 log CFU/g, 여름 4.32 log CFU/g, 가을과 겨울은 각각 3.81 log CFU/g, 3.36 log CFU/g으로 확인되었다. 그 외의 대장균군 및 대장균, B. cereus, Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes균은 검출되지 않았지만 S. aureus는 여름과 가을철에는 신선편의식품을 1시간만 차량에 보관하더라도 검출되었고, 봄과 겨울은 2시간 이상 차량 트렁크에 보관하였을 때 검출되었다. 이동 용기로 흔히 사용되는 종이박스와 스티로폼 박스 내부가 알루미늄필름으로 코팅된 종이 박스를 이용하여 얼음 첨가 여부에 따른 이동용기 온도변화 실험과 이동 중 S. aureus 의 증식여부를 확인한 결과 스티로폼 박스에서 내부 온도 변화가 가장 낮게 유지되었고, 시간 경과에 따른 미생물의 증식도 가장 적게 나타남을 확인할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과로 볼 때 신선편의식품 소비자들에게 구매 후 안전한 섭취를 위해 보관 온도나 시간에 대한 가이드라인과 이동용 기를 이용한 신선편의식품의 온도관리에 대한 정보를 제공 하여 식품의 안전성을 높이는 홍보가 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

This study examined the factors influencing the purchase intention of meat substitutes. A survey was conducted on 589 consumers in Korea (297 people) and China (292 people). The perception of meat substitute foods was lower in Korean consumers than in Chinese consumers, but there was no significant difference. The purchase intention of meat substitute foods was lower in Korean consumers than in Chinese consumers (p<0.01). Korean consumers’ perception of meat substitute foods was higher in males than in females (p<0.01). The purchase intention of meat substitute foods also showed the same trend (p<0.001). Chinese consumers’ perception of meat substitute foods was higher in males than in females. The overall purchase intention of meat substitute foods was significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.05). The perception of meat substitute foods by Korean consumers’ was higher in their 40s and 50s than in their 20s and 30s. The purchase intention of meat substitute foods was also high in their 40s and 50s (p<0.01). On the other hand, the perception of meat substitute foods by Chinese consumers’ was higher in their 20s and 30s than in their 40s and 50s (p<0.01). The purchase intention of meat substitute foods also showed the same trend (p<0.01). Korean consumers’ perception of meat substitute foods had a significant positive effect on the purchase intention of meat substitutes (p<0.001). Chinese consumers’ perception of meat substitute foods also had a significant positive effect on the purchase intention of meat substitute foods (p<0.001). Overall, food technology neophobia has a significant negative effect on the purchase intention of meat substitutes (p<0.05).

이 논문의 목적은 빅데이터 분석기법의 하나인 연관규칙 분석법을 이용하여 소비자가 구매하는 신선식품 간의 상호 연관성을 살펴보는 것이다. 농촌진흥청의 「농식품 소비자 패널조사」에서 가공식품을 제외한 신선식품의 구매내역 정보를 이용하여 전통시장, 대형마트, 기업형 슈퍼마켓에서 나타나는 연관규칙을 계절별로 분석하였다. 소비자를 2011년을 기준년도로 하여 30, 40, 50대로 구분한 후에, 연령대･구입장소별로 도출된 연관규칙 을 매년 등장한 규칙, 빈번하게 나타난 규칙, 새로 생성된 규칙 세 가지로 구분하였다. 또한 각 연도별로 나타난 공통된 연관규칙에서 향상도의 변화를 분석하여 장바구니에서 나타나는 연관 구매의 동태적인 변화 패턴을 살펴보았다. 분석결과는 소매점포가 묶음상품을 개발하거나 매대를 구성할 때 또는 소비자에게 발송할 상품 홍보용 전단지를 만들 때 유용하게 사용될 것이다.

In this study, biotin (vitamin B7) contents of frequently consumed foods in Korea were determined by using immunoaffinity column in conjunction with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biotin contents of 24 foods of plant origin and 27 foods of animal origin were selected. The highest biotin contents in frequently consumed foods of plant origin were found in red beans (Huinguseul; 11.475 μg/100 g). On the other hand, biotin was not detected in any varieties of sorghum. For frequently consumed foods of animal origin, salted pollack roe (7.486 μg/100 g) showed the highest biotin content. However, beef and fish contained less biotin. All biotin analyses were conducted under analytical quality control. The limits of detection and limits of quantification of biotin were 0.007 and 0.023 μg/100 g, respectively, and the accuracy/recovery percentage was 95.35-105.02%. The precision values were 4.041% (repeatability) and 3.835% (reproducibility). Taken together, our data provide reliable data on the biotin contents of frequently consumed foods in Korea.

최근 할랄 시장의 규모는 매우 커지고 있으며, 전세계적으로 연구 및 발전되어야되는 가장 진보된 사업 중 하나로 주목 받고 있다. 이러한 배경으로 한국과 같은 무슬림 소수 국가들은 지역 경제를 활성화하기 위해 할랄 식품 산업에 진출하여 주도권을 잡으려는 계획을 진행하고 있다. 하지만 할랄 산업 연구에 대한 중요성과 학술 자원에 제한적인 가용성으로 인한 지식 격차는 여전히 남아 있는 실정이다. 본 연구는 할랄 식품 소비자의 구매행동을 고려하여 점점 증가하고 있는 할랄 시장 규모에 대한 정부의 진행방향에 도움을 줄 수 있는 할랄 연구의 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있다. 이를 위해 본 연구의 목적은 한국의 무슬림 소비자들 할랄 식품 구매 의도에 영향을 줄 수 있는 요인 조사를 목적으로 하였다. 본 연구를 위해 477명의 설문참여자를 통해 데이터를 수집하였으며, 한국의 행정구역에서 설문참여자를 모으기 위해 목적표본추출법이 사용 되었다. 이 연구의 가설 결과는 할랄 인증, 종교적 신념 및 할랄 브랜드 등 이 세가지 변수가 무슬림 소비자들 사이에서 할랄 구매 의도와 크게 관련이 있음을 확인하는 것이다. 본 연구의 결과는 제조업체들이 무슬림 소비자들의 할랄 구매 의도를 이해하는데 유용할 뿐만 아니라 소비자들이 일상 생활에서 할랄의 의미를 인지하는데 도움이 될 것으로 예상된다.

Food traceability (FT) is being developed while food traceability system (FTS) has become the hot topic for the food safety of the food supply chain (FSC), government regulations, and customer’s satisfaction. This survey explored the Korean consumer’s awareness, preferred information, and willingness to pay for the traceability of processed food. 35.2% of the respondents were not aware of FT whereas 77.5% did not know about FTS. The customer’s perception on the purpose of FT was as a consumer's right to know (51.8%), rather than as one enhancing food safety. The customers’ awareness of FT on processed and functional food was lower than that on agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products. The important stage of FSC that the consumers perceive was manufacturing and importing (51.5%), and the preferred information was related with raw materials. Only 7.2% of the respondents perceived FT as food safety-related certifications, which is much lower than HACCP (62.9%) and GMP (17.6%). The consumers had willingness to pay for FT at a premium of 5-10% higher than the regular price. Consumers are paying attention to food safety and quality but they are still unfamiliar with FT. Stakeholders in FSC should work together to increase consumer awareness of FT/FTS and improve consumers’ behavior.