FISH FOOD SECURITY AND CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF FISH CONSUMPTION

C. Savin, Elena Mocanu, Viorica Savin

Abstract
   This paper aims to analyze consumers' perceptions of food safety from the point of view of fish and fish products consumption using data obtained from 600 questionnaires completed annually in the 2017-2020 period, across the country. The analysis included the proportion of consumers, the frequency of consumption, the reasons for consumption and the criteria that are taken into account in choosing the product, these two after being analyzed in terms of gender and age. In Romania, 91% of the population are fish or fish products consumers, comparable to the other European state, but the kg per capita is still one third of the European average of 24,4 kg per capita. Between 21% and 25% of the population eat fish and fish products more than two times a month, especially fresh fish and roe salad, the main reason being that it is a much healthier food than other types of meat (79% of consumers). Women appreciate more than men the benefits of eating fish and fish products and associate this consumption with ensuring food safety, while by age the group of 29-40 appreciates the criteria related to food safety. Fish consumption remains a defining element of food safety in traditional areas, while the rest of the population needing information/awareness campaigns on the benefits of fish consumption.