A Study on the Consumption Pattern of Meat in a Rural Locality of North Kerala

A study was undertaken with the objective to identify the meat consumption patterns of the population in a rural locality of the state of Kerala. The study was carried out through an ex post facto research design. The data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule from 80 households of 4 Gram Panchayats in Malappuram district of Kerala. All the respondents consumed at least one kind of animal product namely meat/fish/egg. The most preferred meat types were chicken followed by beef and chevon. Pork was preferred by none. The respondents valued taste over cost or availability. There was no significant relationship (P < 0.05) between the type of meat consumed and religion or with family income. The findings of the study revealed that the consumption of meat/animal source foods is on a rise in the state. This necessitates stringent food safety and quality measures to cater for the increased consumer demand.