Factors related to the detection of adulteration with pharmaceutical substances in food products claiming weight loss or sexual-performance enhancement
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Abstract
This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine factors related to the detection of adulteration with pharmaceutical substances in food products that claimed to reduce weight or enhance sexual performance. Data were collected using a survey checklist and descriptive statistics, and multiple logistic regression was applied for data analysis. Pharmaceutical substances were detected in 36.7% of food products. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors significantly correlated with the detection of weight reducing or sexual-performance enhancing pharmaceutical substances in food products were the absence or miscommunication of ingredient information and indication claiming statements. The indication claiming statements significantly correlated to adulteration with weight reducing compounds in food products. In addition, the absence or miscommunication of ingredient information and the expiration date was associated with the finding of sexual performance enhancing drugs. These results could benefit the concerned department as educational information for raising consumer awareness before deciding to buy food products.
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