The College of Agriculture at the University of Basra organized a specialized scientific workshop on "Food Marketing and its Impact on Consumer Perception and Food Choices," as part of its efforts to promote health and nutrition awareness in the community.

The workshop, presented by Dr. Zeina Tariq Naama, aimed to review the most prominent food marketing strategies, focusing on the use of health and nutritional claims that may contribute to an inaccurate picture of the actual nutritional value of products.

The workshop also addressed the relationship between these practices and food processing and preservation techniques, which rely on the use of sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives, and artificial colors to enhance consumer acceptance and promote products.

The workshop demonstrated that some food products may contain added sugars, salts, or minerals in specific proportions to improve sensory characteristics and extend shelf life. This can affect the nutritional quality of the product, despite it being marketed as a healthy option.

The workshop also highlighted the methods used to manipulate consumers through marketing slogans targeting specific segments of society, which can mislead consumers and negatively influence their food choices.

In conclusion, the workshop emphasized the importance of raising consumer awareness and enhancing their ability to read food labels and understand their ingredients, thus contributing to informed and healthy food decisions. It also stressed the role of academic institutions in disseminating sound nutritional knowledge.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture