청주지역 주부들의 수입식품에 대한 인식도 및 이용실태

Housewives’ Perception and Consumption of Imported Foods in Chungbuk Area

This study was conducted to investigate housewives’ perception and consumption of imported foods in Chungbuk area by 183 participants using questionnaire from March 1st to 15th 2003. Seventy percent of the subjects were 30 to 40 years of age and eighty-two percent had an educational background of high school graduate or more. More than ninety percent of subjects indicated that they look for the origins of foods when they buy food products and they consider whether the products are imported or domestic. Ninety nine percent preferred domestic over the imported foods because they thought domestic foods were healthier and safer and also to protect the domestic farming economy. The subjects indicated that domestic foods are better and safer while imported foods are cheaper. Over ninety percent of subjects responded that they have experience of buying imported foods and the major reason was easy to buy. The reason for not buying imported foods was not healthy. Seventy six percent of subjects have experience of buying imported food because they thought it was domestic. The reason for this misunderstanding was hard to distinguish (49.6%), and uncertain labels. Factors to influence on housewives’ perception and consumption of imported foods were their age, academic back ground and job. The results of this study suggest that the government should restrict the inspection system of imported foods to protect consumers and should provide education for consumers to make the right choice.