Study on Consumer Perception towards Quality of Spices Powder Available in Bangladesh

Abstract

This was a survey-based study and conducted to analyze the findings of questionnaires about the consumer opinion towards the quality of few selected spices powder (turmeric, coriander, chili, cumin and mixed spices) available in Bangladesh, the health effect of low-quality spices powder and the preventive measures as well. From the survey, it was found that on average 90.70% people believed that the spices powders are not of good quality. Study on the types of adulterants added in the spices powder according to consumers’ suspect revealed that addition of low-grade raw spice with high grade was at the top position which was followed by brick dust and sand. Based on consumers’ opinion, cancer, chronic nephritis and high blood pressure were the top possible diseases which may associate due to consumption of adulterated spices powder. Implication of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) standards, enforcing law and imposing punishment and social motivation of food consumers could be the best preventive measures according to the people’s opinion. Finally, this study revealed that the people suspect that the quality of spices powder in Bangladesh is not up to the mark and expect necessary actions against adulteration if found in spices powder.