Globally, food trade is expanding and providing consumers with different types of packed and processed food. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shift in consumer focus toward packed and processed food products owing to the changing lifestyles. Soon after the announcement of lockdown, there was panic buying amongst consumers and increase in consumption of packaged food products. One of the main reasons for the shift in this consumer behavioral pattern was people�s concern regarding food safety and hygiene. At this time of social distancing, they thought packed and processed food requires minimum physical touch, and thus are safe and hygiene. For better marketability, additives are used to accentuate the organoleptic characteristics of food & beverage products. Packaged products are also enhanced with preservatives to improve their shelf-life. With the increase in preference for convenience foods, the need for food certification to ensure food safety is growing.
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