Assessing impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on animal source food retailers and consumers in Vietnam and Cambodia

Objectives:
The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on business activities and food safety
practices of animal source food (ASF) retailers and consumers during the first wave of COVID-19
pandemic from February to April 2020 in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Materials and methods:
This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study using a face-to-face interview, after the first
wave of COVID-19 pandemic occurring in Vietnam and Cambodia. A total of 608 participants (n=300
ASF retailers and 308 consumers), represented both rural and peri-urban/urban areas, was
included.
Results:
Eighty-six percent (258/300) ASF retailers reported that their income deceased with average of
48.2%, 11% without changing, and 2.7% increased (by 32.5%) during the social distancing period.
While 54.3% (163/300) reported their decreased income at 37.7%, 36.0% (108/300) without
changing, and 9.3% increase (by 26.6%) after the first wave of COVID-19. There was no significant
difference in income decrease between rural and peri-urban/urban sellers either during social
(p=0.76, t.test) or after COVID-19 (p=0.53, t.test). During the social distancing, 27% retailers
revealed it was more difficult to source ASF to sell but facilitated increasing food safety practice
compliance. Seventy-four (228/308) consumers had income decreased from 20-35% mainly due to
reduced jobs, no significant difference was observed between rural and urban consumers. Almost
80% of consumers agreed that they had better practices in looking for a good hygiene practice shop
to buy ASF, washing hands and kitchen equipment as due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that COVID-19 pandemic affected negatively business activities and
incomes of ASF retailers and consumers. However, food safety behaviours were improved.
Relevant recommendations need to be formulated to support ASF retailing business and improve
food safety practices of both retailers and consumers because of COVID-19.