Caracterização e percepção dos consumidores de leite em três cidades de diferentes portes de Minas Gerais

Abstract

In Brazil the use of raw milk and dairy products is a common habit easily detected. In order to profile consumers regarding the consumption of dairy products and to assess the importance given to health quality with the socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with use of raw milk was placed a cross-sectional study. Therefore, an interview form previously tested was made for data collection. Descriptive analyzes were performed and made multivariate linear regression. As a result, it was found that the raw milk consumption rate found in cities surveyed was 20 %. The income was associated (p ≤ 0.05) to the consumption of raw milk. Consumers of raw products classify the raw milk as the best in quality, considering this beneficial to health. The reliability in industrial products is reduced due to media coverage about the fraud that occurred in dairy products. The vast majority of respondents have incorrect opinions on UHT milk, believing that this product has preservatives. We conclude that: 1. there are differences in consumption and knowledge about milk and milk products between cities, and the less qualified indicators were the city of Ijaci ; 2. the prevalence of illegal milk consumption showed a trend contrary to the size of the city; 3. income was a factor associated with consumption of raw milk, individuals with lower family income consume more raw products and 4. the raw milk consumers are those who have a more assertive perception of the product . Consequently, the results reinforce the need for effective measures to control the raw milk trade and develop consumer awareness programs on dairy consumption risks regarding raw milk, clarifying the importance of a conscious consumption of products secured by the health and agriculture authorities.