PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS ON PESTICIDE RESIDUE AND MICROBIAL SAFETY: AN ASSESSMENT OF PEELING PRACTICES FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of defensive food handling practices, specifically peeling, among consumers
in Sialkot, Pakistan, and investigate which demographic variables, "chemophobia," and awareness of microbial cross-
contamination risks, the "knife effect," are associated with peeling.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.
PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY: District Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. Six months: from 01-01-2025 to 30-06-2025.
SUBJECTS & METHODS: Through convenience sampling, a stratified sample of 385 adult consumers (N=385) was
taken from urban and rural localities of Sialkot. Using a structured instrument, the demographic profile and risk
perceptions regarding pesticide residues versus microbial pathogens were ascertained, together with knowledge on
systemic pesticides and particular household processing habits, peeling frequencies, washing methods, and utensil
hygiene. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were conducted to establish the relationship between education
and income with residence, and with safety behaviors.
RESULTS: The anxiety baseline was high, with 69.1% of the respondents being "Very Concerned" about food safety.
Peeling was the main mitigation strategy, and 60.0% of participants always peel fruits and vegetables, regardless of
the type of produce. This was positively related to education levels but inversely related to technical knowledge
about systemic residues. Crucially, a significant knowledge gap was identified in respect to the "knife effect"; while
94.4% of those aware of cross-contamination risks washed their knives, a significant portion of the population was
not aware, thus engaging in practices that act as vectors for pathogens.
CONCLUSION: Disproportionate chemophobia rather than evidence-based risk assessment is the driver of consumer
behavior in Sialkot. The universal practice of peeling imposes a severe nutritional penalty without addressing
systemic contaminants or microbial hazards. The need now is for public health interventions to shift from
generalized safety warnings to commodity-specific handling guidelines.