Title
Consumer perceptions of risks of chemical and microbiological contaminants associated with food chains: A cross-national study
Author
Kher, S.V.
de Jonge, J.
Wentholt, M.T.
Deliza, R.
de Andrade, J.C.
Cnossen, H.J.
Lucas Luijckx, N.B.
Frewer, L.J.
Publication year
2013
Abstract
The development and implementation of effective systems to identify vulnerabilities in food chains to chemical and microbiological contaminants must take account of consumer priorities and preferences. The present investigation attempted to understand consumer perceptions associated with chemical and microbiological contaminants in four specific food chains (drinking water, farmed salmon, chicken and milk powder). To this end, ten focus group discussions were held in five different countries (Poland, Ireland, the Netherlands, France and Brazil). Consumers expressed higher concerns about chemical, as compared with microbial, contaminants. Chemical contaminants were more strongly associated with the potential for severe consequences, long-term effects and lack of personal control. Traceability was considered by consumers as a useful tool that offers the potential to improve consumer confidence in food safety. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Subject
Life
QS - Quality & Safety
EELS - Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences
Food and Nutrition
Healthy Living
Consumers
Contaminants
Focus groups
Food chains
Risk perceptions
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:ce3a0d6a-5981-4c15-b44c-1987eb6087cb
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2011.01054.x
TNO identifier
469524
ISSN
1470-6423
Source
International Journal of Consumer Studies, 37 (1), 73-83
Document type
article