Consumer attitudes, perceptions and motivations towards buying open milk in turkey

Abstract

Open milk is subject to adulteration and threatens public health. Despite the health experts' warnings, many consumers in Turkey still prefer milk sold by street vendors. This study investigated families' open milk (street milk) and packaged milk consumption habits and the reasons for consuming open or packaged milk in Bursa, Turkey. The data were obtained through a face-to-face survey of 478 families. Research revealed that 34.6% of adults and 66% of children regularly consume milk. Participants who consumed milk consumed it for bone development (38.1%) and a rich protein source (22.7%). Half of those (45%) who did not drink milk were not accustomed to drinking milk. %13.8 did not like the taste, and %13.5 is allergic to dairy products. People primarily bought milk from markets (41.1%) and street vendors (21.1%). They preferred whole milk (29.7%) and semi-skimmed milk (29.%). Reasons for purchasing open milk were freshness (31.1%) and no additives (24.0%). Reasons for not buying open milk were unhygienic (40.7%) and not being subject to quality control (41.7%). Although its sales are decreasing, open milk purchases continue. Open milk sales should be restricted, and packaged milk options offered to consumers should be increased.