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Accurate food labelling is of utmost importance for fair trade and empowering consumers to make knowledgeable choices. Quantitative assessment of the meats is one of the most important factors in authentication of this meat product. Therefore, the purpose of this research was the efficiency of the stereological method for detection of the percentage of meat used in raw (Hamburger) and heat-treated (Sausage) meat products. In this study, three samples of beef burger (containing 30, 60 and 90 % meat) and sausage (containing 40, 60 and 90 % meat) were prepared. Each sample was flattened, and then fractionator sampling using a perforated plate as a cutting guide was used for getting systematic uniform random blocks. Totally, 12 blocks were taken from each sample. Each block was fixed in 10 % neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin. The obtained samples, after preparation of tissue sections and staining using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), were studied by a light microscope. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical method and t-test was used to compare significance difference between groups. Stereological analysis showed that the estimated meat percentages in beef burger in different percentages (30, 60 and 90%) did not have a significant difference with the real percentages of meat. In the case of sausage, there was significant difference between the estimated meat percentages and the real percentages of meat in different samples of sausage. Stereology method can be a suitable complementary method to detect the amount of meat used in raw meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Labelling is a communication tool between the manufacturer/ distributor and customer which includes all optional and mandatory information about a product. Awareness and education are the primary steps in forming a positive attitude toward food labels. The purpose of this study was structural equation modeling in awareness and attitude of consumers about food labels in Sari, north of Iran. Materials and methods: This survey research was performed in 2019. The research population included all food consumers in Sari, of whom 167 were selected as the study sample based on Cochran's formula. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. According to the average variance extracted (0.501 >AVE< 0.621) and composite reliability (0.823 >CR < 0.941), the questionnaire had a convergent validity and appropriate reliability. SPSS V16 and SmartPLS 2.0.M3 were used to analyze the data. Results: The study showed that characteristics of the products and food labels, and consumer’s age, and educational level had significant effects on their awareness of food labeling (P<0.01). The awareness of the consumers about food labels and consumer’s age were found to significantly influence their attitude toward food labels (P<0.01). Conclusion: Efforts should be done to increase consumers awareness about food labeling which consequently improves their ability to interpret food labels and their attitude towards food labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]