CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR SWINE OFFALS AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN KUMASI, GHANA

Global meat consumption rate had doubled in most countries over the last five decades. In Ghana, total animal production has also increased over the last decade with consumption of pork and its offals becoming prominent. Therefore this study aims to evaluate factors that influence consumer preference for pig offals and the associated public health risks. One hundred (100) respondents in the Kumasi Metropolis were randomly selected through structured questionnaires and samples of offals randomly collected, sectioned, processed and examined for any histopathological indicators. Data collected were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistical tools. The results showed that edible offal preferential consumption exist within the increasing demand and value supply chain with the liver (32%) and stomach (23%) being the most preferred offal. Factors such as nutritional value, delicacy, availability, cost and level of education are noted to influence the purchasing power and preference of consumers. The consumers are less conscious regarding the risks stemming from the common zoonotic diseases and health concerns. Histological assessment of the most preferred offals (liver) showed no remarkable histopathological changes. Based on this, the preference for pig livers may not be associated with considerate health risk.