The present study was conducted in Durg district of Chhattisgarh to assess the consumption, processing pattern and hygienic outlook of consumers through contact survey studies. The objectives were achieved through a designed questionnaire (28 questions) on various categories of preference and processing patterns viz. likeness of type of meat, cooking and processing methods, hygienic practices etc. The district was divided in three zones and 200 respondents from each zone were selected purposively to constitute a total sample size of 600 respondents for the study and two indices based on questions were constructed. Analysis of data revealed that in general, consumers had shown higher preference to poultry meat than sheep/ goat meat, pork or other meat irrespective of zone of sampling. It could be depicted from the study that most of the consumers preferred fresh meat over packed meats. It was found there was significant variation (p<0.05) of responses based on zone of sampling between three zones. The findings indicate majority of respondents were unaware of Food Safety and Standard Act of India (FSSAI) in meat production and Indian Government policies for meat products and transport. 96.1% respondents were unaware of slaughter of animal by humane slaughter method. The microbial load from fresh meat differed significantly amongst zones. It can be concluded from the study that for the success of meat processing sector, consumers need to be aware, educated about processing pattern and value addition in meat products.

Highlights

• Consumption, processing pattern and awareness of hygienic outlook of the consumers through contact survey studies.
• Consumers need to be aware, educated about hygienic processing pattern of meat products.