Food additive perceptions and practices among young adults in four arab countries

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess consumer perceptions, purchasing behaviors, and consumption patterns related to food additives (FAs) across four Arab countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Oman. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a snowball sampling method, yielding 2351 participants: Egypt (n = 1181), Jordan (n = 414), Lebanon (n = 342), and Oman (n = 414). Statistical analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to validate scale structure, multi-group analysis to assess measurement invariance, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable methods to examine perceptions and practices. Results Risk perception was strongly correlated with better practice (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) and weakly with age (r = 0.09, p < 0.001). Better practice also showed a weak association with older age (r = 0.10, p < 0.001). In regression analysis, lower risk perception was significantly associated with being Egyptian (β = -4.88) and reading food labels (β = -0.55), while higher perception was associated with being Omani (β = 2.19), a nutritionist (β = 1.90), a healthcare professional (β = 0.66), having food allergies (β = 1.53), and older age (β = 0.03). Better practice was predicted by being Omani (β = 1.04), having food allergies (β = 0.65), and higher risk perception (β = 0.78), while being Egyptian (β = -2.17) or a healthcare professional (β = -0.43) were associated with poorer practice. Conclusions Findings reveal cross-country differences in FA perceptions and practices, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored food safety policies and communication strategies. Further research should explore underlying influences and evaluate targeted educational interventions.

keywords: Arab countries, Consumer behavior, Consumer perception, Food additives, Food consumption trends, Food label