Fruit and Vegetable Consumption during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Serbia: An Online Survey

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced individuals' dietary choices and food-buying behavior. Present research specifically delves into the alterations in fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among consumers in Serbia during the pandemic. The study employs an extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), incorporating the construct of consumers' knowledge to comprehensively explore behavioral changes. Conducted in the first half of 2020, the study engaged 479 participants from Serbia, using an online questionnaire for data collection. Structural equation modelling was employed for a thorough analysis of the gathered responses. The main outcome revealed a noteworthy connection between consumers' knowledge and their attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions regarding F&V consumption. Subjective norms significantly influenced consumers' desire to increase F&V intake during and after the outbreak. These intentions aligned with actual behavior changes, indicating a shift toward higher F&V consumption. Consumer knowledge also notably shaped attitudes and behaviors regarding F&V intake. Notably, the TPB proved valuable in predicting and understanding these dietary shifts during global crises like the pandemic. These insights not only bolster healthier eating habits but also have broader implications for public health. Understanding consumer behavior dynamics during crises like COVID-19 is crucial for crafting effective strategies to promote overall human health and well-being.

Antioxidative, Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Properties of Honey Types from the Western Balkans

This paper presents the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidative, antibacterial and antiproliferative effects of nineteen samples of different honey types (acacia, linden, heather, sunflower, phacelia, basil, anise, sage, chestnut, hawthorn, lavender and meadow) collected from different locations in the Western Balkans (Republic of Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Macedonia). Physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF]) were analysed. Based on the obtained results, all tested honey samples were in agreement with EU regulation. The antioxidant potential of honey samples was assessed by determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and evaluation of scavenging activity towards diphenilpicrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH·). The highest phenolic content was found in basil honey (101 ± 2.72 mg GAE/100 g), while the lowest was registered in rapeseed honey (11.5 ± 0.70 mg GAE/100 g). Heather, anise, phacelia, sage, chestnut and lavender honey samples were also rich in TP, containing 80−100 mg GAE/100 g. DPPH scavenging activity varied among the samples being the highest for lavender honey (IC50 = 88.2 ± 2.11 mg/mL) and the lowest for rapeseed honey (IC50 = 646 ± 8.72 mg/mL). Antibacterial activity was estimated in vitro using agar diffusion tests and measuring minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Among investigated bacterial strains following resistant potencies were determined: Escherichia coli > Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 > Enterococcus faecalis > Proteus mirabilis > Staphylococcus aureus > Staphylococcus epidermidis. The linden honey from Fruška Gora (MIC values of 3.12% and 6.25% against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively) and phacelia honey (MIC values of 6.25% and 3.12% against S.Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively) showed the strongest antibacterial activity. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using the colorimetric sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The highest antiproliferative activity was obtained from linden honey sample 1 (IC50MCF7 = 7.46 ± 1.18 mg/mL and IC50HeLa =12.4 ± 2.00 mg/mL) and meadow sample 2 (IC50MCF7 = 12.0 ± 0.57 mg/mL, IC50HeLa = 16.9 ± 1.54 mg/mL and IC50HT−29 = 23.7 ± 1.33 mg/mL) towards breast (MCF7), cervix (HeLa) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. Active components other than sugars contributed to cell growth activity.

Does application of naphthenic acids in early fruit development stage result in prolonged effect on cold storage and shelf life of apricot fruit?

In this experiment, the effects of the application of naphthenic acids (NAs) on apricots in the early fruit development phases on fruit morphological properties, composition and postharvest properties were investigated. Two concentrations of NAs (1 mg/L and 3 mg/L) were applied at two development stages in the apricot cultivar NS-4. The application of NAs at the beginning of the petal fall development phase resulted in the reduction of fruit dimensions at harvest while the application 7 days later increased fruit dimensions. Although there were no significant differences in the most investigated characteristics between fruits treated with NAs and untreated control at harvest or in the postharvest period during 20 days of cold storage (1 ± 1 °C, RD 80%) and particularly after 3 days of shelf life at room temperature. However, compared to the untreated control, apricots treated with NAs were characterized by higher total soluble solids content accompanied by higher fructose content, and lower titratable acidity accompanied by higher succinic acid content. Apricots treated with NAs showed trends towards improved sensory properties: sweeter and less sour taste, with more expressed apricot aroma accompanied with decreased gumminess and crispiness and more intensive tissue breakdown, but without expressed notes of inappropriate taste.

Modeling fruit and vegetable consumption in Serbia

Although regular intake of fruits and vegetables has an essential role in a healthy diet and well-being, a majority of consumers in Serbia have a suboptimal intake of these groceries. To understand the main determinants of this unsatisfactory situation, the study tested an extended model of the theory of planned behavior intending to suggest necessary steps for improving fruits and vegetables daily intake. This theory, extended for the role of knowledge, was tested using structural equation modeling. Fit indices confirmed the utility of this extended model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining consumers' behavior as well as the mediating role of behavioral intentions. Serbia, as one of the central developing countries in the Balkans, was chosen to test the model with the possibility of applying it to other developing countries facing malnutrition. Data were collected in North Serbia, through an online survey (n=688). Despite consumers' high awareness of fruits and vegetables' beneficial health effects, the influence of consumers' knowledge only is not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes. Consumers' intentions and behavior should be influenced indirectly, by changing their attitudes and subjective norms. All custom-made activities promoting a higher fruit and vegetable intake should consider the present findings to achieve a bigger effect on behavioral changes among consumers.

Modeling fruit and vegetable consumption in Serbia

Although regular intake of fruits and vegetables has an essential role in a healthy diet and well-being, a majority of consumers in Serbia have a suboptimal intake of these groceries. To understand the main determinants of this unsatisfactory situation, the study tested an extended model of the theory of planned behavior intending to suggest necessary steps for improving fruits and vegetables daily intake. This theory, extended for the role of knowledge, was tested using structural equation modeling. Fit indices confirmed the utility of this extended model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining consumers' behavior as well as the mediating role of behavioral intentions. Serbia, as one of the central developing countries in the Balkans, was chosen to test the model with the possibility of applying it to other developing countries facing malnutrition. Data were collected in North Serbia, through an online survey (n=688). Despite consumers' high awareness of fruits and vegetables' beneficial health effects, the influence of consumers' knowledge only is not sufficient to trigger behavioral changes. Consumers' intentions and behavior should be influenced indirectly, by changing their attitudes and subjective norms. All custom-made activities promoting a higher fruit and vegetable intake should consider the present findings to achieve a bigger effect on behavioral changes among consumers.

Does application of naphthenic acids in early fruit development stage result in prolonged effect on cold storage and shelf life of apricot fruit?

In this experiment, the effects of the application of naphthenic acids (NAs) on apricots in the early fruit development phases on fruit morphological properties, composition and postharvest properties were investigated. Two concentrations of NAs (1 mg/L and 3 mg/L) were applied at two development stages in the apricot cultivar NS-4. The application of NAs at the beginning of the petal fall development phase resulted in the reduction of fruit dimensions at harvest while the application 7 days later increased fruit dimensions. Although there were no significant differences in the most investigated characteristics between fruits treated with NAs and untreated control at harvest or in the postharvest period during 20 days of cold storage (1 ± 1 °C, RD 80%) and particularly after 3 days of shelf life at room temperature. However, compared to the untreated control, apricots treated with NAs were characterized by higher total soluble solids content accompanied by higher fructose content, and lower titratable acidity accompanied by higher succinic acid content. Apricots treated with NAs showed trends towards improved sensory properties: sweeter and less sour taste, with more expressed apricot aroma accompanied with decreased gumminess and crispiness and more intensive tissue breakdown, but without expressed notes of inappropriate taste.

Correspondence analysis of fruit and vegetable waste among consumers in Vojvodina

Fresh fruit and vegetables contribute to almost 50% of food wasted by households in the EU. To understand the main reasons for wasteful behaviour among the consumers in Vojvodina (Serbia) cross-sectional data were collected through a self-administrated online survey of 711 correspondents. The questions presented in the study focused on the method of preserving the fruits and vegetables in domestic conditions before their consumption. Self-estimation of wasteful behaviour in the household and socio-demographic factors, including the respondents' self-estimated health status, were analysed using the correspondence analysis. The results showed that the first two dimensions explained for 95.06% of the total per cent of inertia (statistically significant at p<0.001 level) indicating the strong relationship among variables. According to the survey, the fruit and vegetables are most likely used fresh (54.43% and 48.95%, respectively), whereas the use of fruits and vegetables after storage in a refrigerator (17.16% and 29.96%, respectively) or in a deep freezer (2.81% or 5.20%, respectively) is significantly lower. Most of the survey correspondents claimed that they regularly discard the fruits and vegetables to waste (53.02% and 39.66%, respectively). The results pointed out that the storage and the amounts of discarded waste are affected by gender, income, and health conditions of the respondents'. Also, the study emphasized the growing need for educating and better planning of fresh fruit and vegetable management to reduce waste production.

Correspondence analysis of fruit and vegetable waste among consumers in Vojvodina

Fresh fruit and vegetables contribute to almost 50% of food wasted by households in the EU. To understand the main reasons for wasteful behaviour among the consumers in Vojvodina (Serbia) cross-sectional data were collected through a self-administrated online survey of 711 correspondents. The questions presented in the study focused on the method of preserving the fruits and vegetables in domestic conditions before their consumption. Self-estimation of wasteful behaviour in the household and socio-demographic factors, including the respondents' self-estimated health status, were analysed using the correspondence analysis. The results showed that the first two dimensions explained for 95.06% of the total per cent of inertia (statistically significant at p<0.001 level) indicating the strong relationship among variables. According to the survey, the fruit and vegetables are most likely used fresh (54.43% and 48.95%, respectively), whereas the use of fruits and vegetables after storage in a refrigerator (17.16% and 29.96%, respectively) or in a deep freezer (2.81% or 5.20%, respectively) is significantly lower. Most of the survey correspondents claimed that they regularly discard the fruits and vegetables to waste (53.02% and 39.66%, respectively). The results pointed out that the storage and the amounts of discarded waste are affected by gender, income, and health conditions of the respondents'. Also, the study emphasized the growing need for educating and better planning of fresh fruit and vegetable management to reduce waste production.

EXPLORING CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION

The consumers’ preferences and their reasons for vegetable consumption were examined with the aim to provide useful information to increase the consumption of these food items.  Consumers’ general viewpoints about vegetable consumption were examined using an online questionnaire. The study was conducted on a sample of 711 respondents chosen randomly and obtained data were analyzed by the correspondence analysis. Results suggest that consumers consider vegetables as tasty, easy to use and healthy for consumption. The main drawbacks for vegetable consumption are safety issues, short shelf-life and high price. In order to increase the consumption of these foodstuffs, each type of fresh and processed vegetable should have a specifically designed campaign, emphasizing its specific attribute. Obtained results might provide an insight into the current state of consumers’ behavior in Serbia and might be useful for creating specific promotional programs and more appropriate communication strategies aiming to increase consumers’ knowledge about the importance of regular vegetable consumption. They should raise consumers’ awareness by emphasizing the importance of adequate daily vegetable consumption. This, in turn, should improve public health and reduce the health and economic costs of massive chronic diseases caused by inadequate diet.

Exploring consumer preferences and factors associated with vegetable consumption

The consumers' preferences and their reasons for vegetable consumption were examined with the aim to provide useful information to increase the consumption of these food items. Consumers' general viewpoints about vegetable consumption were examined using an online questionnaire. The study was conducted on a sample of 711 respondents chosen randomly and obtained data were analyzed by the correspondence analysis. Results suggest that consumers consider vegetables as tasty, easy to use and healthy for consumption. The main drawbacks for vegetable consumption are safety issues, short shelf-life and high price. In order to increase the consumption of these foodstuffs, each type of fresh and processed vegetable should have a specifically designed campaign, emphasizing its specific attribute. Obtained results might provide an insight into the current state of consumers' behavior in Serbia and might be useful for creating specific promotional programs and more appropriate communication strategies aiming to increase consumers' knowledge about the importance of regular vegetable consumption. They should raise consumers' awareness by emphasizing the importance of adequate daily vegetable consumption. This, in turn, should improve public health and reduce the health and economic costs of massive chronic diseases caused by inadequate diet.