Why consumers behave as they do with respect to food safety and risk information

In recent years, it seems that consumers are generally uncertain about the safety and quality of their food and their risk perception differs substantially from that of experts. Hormone and veterinary drug residues in meat persist to occupy a high position in European consumers’ food concern ranking...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytica chimica acta 2007-03, Vol.586 (1-2), p.2-7
Main Authors: Verbeke, Wim, Frewer, Lynn J., Scholderer, Joachim, De Brabander, Hubert F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical chemistry
Attitude
Behavior
Chemistry
Consumer
Consumer Product Safety
Exact sciences and technology
Food
Food Analysis - methods
Food Handling
Hormones - analysis
Humans
Legislation, Food
Meat
Perception
Public Opinion
Risk
Risk Assessment
Safety
Traceability
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In recent years, it seems that consumers are generally uncertain about the safety and quality of their food and their risk perception differs substantially from that of experts. Hormone and veterinary drug residues in meat persist to occupy a high position in European consumers’ food concern rankings. The aim of this contribution is to provide a better understanding to food risk analysts of why consumers behave as they do with respect to food safety and risk information. This paper presents some cases of seemingly irrational and inconsistent consumer behaviour with respect to food safety and risk information and provides explanations for these behaviours based on the nature of the risk and individual psychological processes. Potential solutions for rebuilding consumer confidence in food safety and bridging between lay and expert opinions towards food risks are reviewed. These include traceability and labelling, segmented communication approaches and public involvement in risk management decision-making.
ISSN:0003-2670
1873-4324
DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2006.07.065