Traceability: Perception and attitudes of artisanal cheese producers in Brazil

摘要

This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions and attitudesof artisanal cheese producers (n = 40) in Brazilregarding the implementation of traceability. A questionnaireconsisting of 16 statements using a 5-pointLikert scale was applied, and descriptive statistics andfactor analysis were used for data analysis. The implementationof a traceability system can reduce the numberof consumer complaints and the loss of products,in addition to increasing supplier control and processsafety, thus protecting health and increasing consumerconfidence. However, we did not find consensus on therelationship between implementation of a traceabilitysystem and rapid recalls in crisis episodes, or on thereduction in recalls and their negative impact on consumers.Because of the costs that drive implementationof this technology, some artisanal cheese producers donot consider a traceability system as a current realityto monitor their production. We concluded that Brazilianartisanal cheese producers have limited awarenessof the impact of traceability implementation, whichrestricts investments in the system.