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Bai L, Li S, Zheng M, Zhang Z, Gong S. Consumer brand and category switching behaviors after food safety incidents: Factors and mechanisms. Appetite 2024; 195:107234. [PMID: 38272186 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The excessive mold found in Three Squirrels' nuts and the clenbuterol abuse of Shuanghui are two infamous food safety incidents in China. We adopted push-pull-mooring theory to conduct a model and examined the factors influencing consumer short-term or long-term brand-switching or category-switching behaviors following the two food safety incidents. We employed multinomial logistic regression and structural equation modeling as tools to analyze 1027 valid questionnaires. The results, for the first time, revealed that perceived risk, alternative selectivity, alternative attractiveness, controllability attribution, and habits were key push, pull and mooring factors influencing Chinese consumers' brand and category switching from food brands under food safety crisis, and most importantly, that their influential paths differed greatly under the two food safety incidents, suggesting a different influential mechanism across two product categories (i.e., utilitarian food and hedonic food). These findings throw light on the predictors and mechanisms that affect consumer brand and category switching from food brands under food safety crisis and help associated food businesses develop more targeted and powerful crisis management and public relations strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Bai
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Economics and Management, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Shiyu Li
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Economics and Management, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Manli Zheng
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Economics and Management, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Zhezhe Zhang
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Economics and Management, College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, PR China
| | - Shunlong Gong
- School of Business and Management, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, PR China.
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2
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Saulais L, Corcuff R, Boonefaes E. Natural and healthy? Consumers knowledge, understanding and preferences regarding naturalness and healthiness of processed foods. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2023.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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3
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Osaili TM, Obaid RS, Alkayyali SAI, Ayman H, Bunni SM, Alkhaled SB, Hasan F, Mohamad MN, Cheikh Ismail L. Consumers' knowledge and attitudes about food additives in the UAE. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282495. [PMID: 36877679 PMCID: PMC9987778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of food additives (FAs) in food manufacturing is a well-accepted practice worldwide. Inadequate knowledge concerning their safety may cause negative attitude surrounding their use. This would potentially impact the purchase of foods that the consumer perceives as containing FAs. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of consumers towards the use and safety of FAs in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed via social media platforms (n = 1037). Less than one-third of the participants (26.7%) in this study stated that they knew what FAs are. About half the respondents believed that organic products did not contain FAs. The proportion of respondents who reported that the purpose of adding FAs is to extend shelf life, better the taste and aroma of food, enhance nutritional value, improve consistency and texture, and boost appearance and color was 92.1%, 75.0%, 23.5%, 56.6%, and 69.4%, respectively. Around 61% believed that all FAs were harmful to human health. The level of FA knowledge increased with age and education level. About 60% of the respondents reported that food labels did not provide sufficient information about FAs. The most preferred platforms for consumers to receive information about FAs were social media (41.1%), followed by brochures (24.6%). Overall, the UAE population had inadequate knowledge and a hesitant attitude concerning FAs. The municipalities and food industry should play an active role in educating the public to prevent and reduce any possible adverse attitudes towards processed food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq M. Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- * E-mail:
| | - Reyad S. Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sanaa A. I. Alkayyali
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hind Ayman
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sara M. Bunni
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shaema B. Alkhaled
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fayeza Hasan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), United Arab Emirates
| | - Maysm N. Mohamad
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Zoll F, Kirby CK, Specht K, Siebert R. Exploring member trust in German community-supported agriculture: a multiple regression analysis. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2022; 40:709-724. [PMID: 36373154 PMCID: PMC9638179 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Opaque value chains as well as environmental, ethical and health issues and food scandals are decreasing consumer trust in conventional agriculture and the dominant food system. As a result, critical consumers are increasingly turning to community-supported agriculture (CSA) to reconnect with producers and food. CSA is often perceived as a more sustainable, localized mode of food production, providing transparent production or social interaction between consumers and producers. This enables consumers to observe where their food is coming from, which means CSA is considered suitable for building trust in food (production). However, it remains unclear how exactly members' trust in 'their' farmers is built. To determine the factors that predict members' trust in CSA and its farmers, and the importance of these factors when compared to each other, we conducted a quantitative study among CSA members in Germany and applied a multiple regression model (n = 790). The analysis revealed that trust in CSA and its farmers is influenced by "reputation", "supply of information", "direct social interaction" and the "duration of CSA membership". Other factors such as the "certification status of the CSA farm" and "attitudes toward organic certification" did not significantly predict trust. We conclude that producers' willingness to be transparent already signals trustworthiness to CSA members and is more important to members than formal signals. Other actors within the food system could learn from CSA principles and foster a transition toward a more regionalized value-based food system to help restore agriculture's integrity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10460-022-10386-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Zoll
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Caitlin K. Kirby
- Michigan State University, 354 Farm Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Kathrin Specht
- ILS – Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development, Brüderweg 22–24, 44135 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Siebert
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
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Consumer Cognition Analysis of Food Additives Based on Internet Public Opinion in China. Foods 2022; 11:foods11142070. [PMID: 35885313 PMCID: PMC9325181 DOI: 10.3390/foods11142070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Food additives play an important role in the food supply, and it has been a food safety topic of great concern to the public. There has been no systematic research on Chinese consumers’ concerns, attitudes, feelings, or opinions on supervision and media coverage of food additives in the past decade, which is an area worth exploring. This study was carried out to deeply understand consumers’ cognition of food additives and formulate food safety risk communication strategies of food additives in China. Big data of consumers’ online public opinion of China on food additives from 2011 to 2020 was collected and cleaned up using Haina Network Public Opinion Monitoring System version 2.0 (HNPOMS V2.0), followed by data analysis and visual display with the Ansi Food Safety Risk Communication System version 2.0 (AFSRCS V2.0). The results showed that the types of food additives of concern to the public have changed from 2011 to 2020, but the amount of food additives has always been of concern. The type of incident that the public is most concerned about is the illegal addition or abuse of additives. The public’s confidence in food production enterprises has been insufficient, but the functions of market supervision are becoming clearer and clearer, and their expectations are constantly increasing. Consumers’ cognition level increases with the strengthening of publicity and popular science, but the influence of “self-media” on public cognition is increasing day by day, and there is cognitive deviation, making it easy to mislead the public. Consumers’ cognition of food additives is the basis of risk communication. Combined with the research results, this paper puts forward corresponding suggestions on the market and social supervision measures, network media guidance strategy and risk communication strategy of China, respectively.
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Factors Influencing Consumers' Purchase Intention on Cold Chain Aquatic Products under COVID-19: An Investigation in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084903. [PMID: 35457770 PMCID: PMC9032540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Following the detection of COVID-19 in cold chain aquatic products (CCAP) at Xinfadi Produce Wholesale Market in Beijing, China, in June 2020, novel coronavirus positive tests of CCAP have been reported in such markets of Dalian, Xi’an, Qingdao, Taiyuan, and other places, which has aroused the concern of Chinese consumers. The CCAP outbreak puts tremendous pressure on public health management and threatens customer well-being. This article uses the theoretical model of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate Chinese consumers’ purchasing intentions of CCAP under this circumstance. A total of 783 questionnaires were administered in China with empirical analysis through a structural equation model. The results show that attitudes (ATT) towards the safety of CCAP and subjective norms (SN) have significant positive effects on customers’ purchasing behavior intention (BI); the emotional response to the health concern (EM) of CCAP has a significant positive impact on SN, ATT, and BI; and BI of CCAP is significantly affected by individual characteristics. The BI of CCAP for those married consumers living in cities and towns with a low monthly consumption frequency is more likely to be affected by the new coronavirus epidemic events. This paper is one of the first studies that contribute to the literature by exploring the influencing factors of the consumption behavior intention over the COVID-19 pandemic in China from a public health perspective. The findings provide significant implications for cold chain operators, market managers, and policymakers to develop guidelines and offer a framework to initiate and support the produce market and boost consumer health confidence in CCAP at the practitioner level.
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Brown SM, Nguyen-Viet H, Grace D, Ty C, Samkol P, Sokchea H, Pov S, Young MF. Understanding how food safety risk perception influences dietary decision making among women in Phenom Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054940. [PMID: 35338057 PMCID: PMC8961151 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine women's perception of the risk of food safety and how it relates to diet, health and decision making as part of formative research for a market-based intervention that aims to improve the safety of animal-source foods sold in informal markets. DESIGN Qualitative study including in-depth personal interviews with 24 caregivers were conducted and complemented with a second follow-up PhotoVoice interview, which allowed the women to photograph their meals and perceptions of food safety and nutrition. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA. Participants were purposively sampled from a larger Safe Food, Fair Food for Cambodia study, conducted from May to August 2018. SETTING Urban and periurban neighborhoods of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. PARTICIPANTS 24 female caregivers (mothers and grandmothers) of children under age 5, each interviewed twice. FINDINGS A primary food safety concern expressed was that chemicals (pesticides and other agricultural additives) in animal-source foods, fruits and vegetables may impact the health of their families by causing diarrhoea and problems during pregnancy. This fear created a lack of trust in markets, which influenced their food purchasing behaviours and strategies for making the food safer for their families. These mitigation strategies, including food selection and cleaning, vary among the women but are perceived as important to be able to provide their families with what they define as safe meals. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that wish to decrease rates of foodborne illness and increase animal source food consumption should also address the belief that the food system has been compromised by the addition of pesticides and agricultural additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Morgan Brown
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Delia Grace
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chhay Ty
- Livestock Development for Community Livelihood-LDC (CelAgrid), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Pok Samkol
- National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Huy Sokchea
- Livestock Development for Community Livelihood-LDC (CelAgrid), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Son Pov
- Livestock Development for Community Livelihood-LDC (CelAgrid), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Melissa F Young
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Zanetta LD, Mucinhato RMD, Hakim MP, Stedefeldt E, da Cunha DT. What Motivates Consumer Food Safety Perceptions and Beliefs? A Scoping Review in BRICS Countries. Foods 2022; 11:432. [PMID: 35159583 PMCID: PMC8833883 DOI: 10.3390/foods11030432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to map the main evidence in the existing literature regarding consumer perceptions and beliefs regarding food safety in the context of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries. Articles were searched in the Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases. The last search was performed on November 2021. Only the studies conducted within BRICS countries were included. The synthesis aimed to group similarities in consumer beliefs and perceptions of food safety. After screening, 74 eligible articles were included in the study. Of the 74 studies analyzed, 49 (66.2%) were carried out in China, 14 (18.9%) in Brazil, 5 (6.8%) in India,4 (5.4%) in South Africa, and 2 (2.7%) in Russia. Thirty-three motivators of perceptions and beliefs regarding food safety were identified. Food safety motivators were grouped into three categories: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) cognitive aspects, and (3) other. In the "sociodemographic characteristics" category, the motivator with the highest number of corresponding results was education level (results = 22), followed by income (results = 22), both positive drivers for food safety perceptions. The "cognitive aspects" category comprised the majority of the identified motivators. Concern for food safety (results = 32) and risk perception (results = 30) were the motivators with the highest number of results among all categories and motivators. Finally, the main motivator in the "other" category was place of consumption/purchase (results = 8), focusing on consumers underestimating the risk of having a foodborne disease when eating away from home. China and Brazil are leading the way in studies on this topic. Consumers' perceptions are influenced by socioeconomic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education level, income), cognitive aspects (e.g., knowledge, risk perception, food concerns, previous experience with food safety incidents) and other situational factors (e.g., price, place of purchase, traceability).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis D’Avoglio Zanetta
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira 13484-350, Brazil; (L.D.Z.); (M.P.H.)
| | | | - Mariana Piton Hakim
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira 13484-350, Brazil; (L.D.Z.); (M.P.H.)
| | - Elke Stedefeldt
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 11015-020, Brazil;
| | - Diogo Thimoteo da Cunha
- Multidisciplinary Food and Health Laboratory, School Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira 13484-350, Brazil; (L.D.Z.); (M.P.H.)
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Xu G, Sarkar A, Qian L, Shuxia Z, Rahman MA, Yongfeng T. The impact of the epidemic experience on the recovery of production of pig farmers after the outbreak-Evidence from the impact of African swine fever (ASF) in Chinese pig farming. Prev Vet Med 2022; 199:105568. [PMID: 35008013 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The African swine fever (ASF) has triggered considerable shocks to the pig farming industry, which has become a significant animal disease epidemic. The study explores the effect of epidemic experience on post-outbreak production recovery from resilience and risk perception based on 340 micro-survey data from Sichuan, Henan, and Shandong provinces. Epidemic experience has been shown to impact the degree of post-outbreak production recovery positively, and farmers who have endured epidemics are more likely to recover their production after outbreaks. The mechanistic study indicates that past epidemics in African swine fever shocks can effectively improve farmers' cognitive resilience and management capability, enhance recovery, and reduce risk perception in the aftermath of production recovery. In order to alleviate the endogenous problems caused by selection bias, missing variables, and two-way causality. This paper uses factor analysis to comprehensively measure production recovery capacity and production risk perception, and uses propensity score matching(PSM), instrumental variable method and replacement measurement methods to conduct robustness tests, and find the conclusions are still robust. The empirical analysis shows that the experience of the epidemic will promote the recovery of farmers after the outbreak; the experience of the epidemic will significantly impact the recovery of production after the outbreak for both free-range and professional farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Apurbo Sarkar
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Lu Qian
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Zhang Shuxia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Md Ashfikur Rahman
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Tan Yongfeng
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
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Hsu SC, Huang YF, Mahmudiono T, Chen HL. Food Traceability Systems, Consumers' Risk Perception, and Purchase Intention: Evidence from the "4-label-1-Q" Approach in Taiwan. J Food Prot 2022; 85:155-163. [PMID: 34547100 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many food safety issues have arisen in Taiwan during the past decade. Therefore, in 2016, the Taiwan government proposed the "five rings of food safety" policy to comprehensively protect consumer food supply. Among these policies, the "4-labels-1-Q" approach was adopted to ensure the selection of foods with traceable labels for retrospective study. Hence, this study investigated the association between the degree of familiarity with the 4-labels-1-Q food traceability system and risk perceptions and also investigated whether a consumer's purchase intention toward fresh foods with food labels changed after viewing an educational film on food labels. This study defined subjects as the main food purchasers for their families; 290 valid questionnaire interviews were administered and educational films shown in Tainan markets and stores. Results showed that knowledge about labels significantly affected risk perception for labeling. Age, educational level, and degree of risk perception influenced purchase intention. Results also showed that after viewing the video, subjects' label knowledge and purchase intention increased significantly. However, after adjustment for age, educational level, income, and purchase places, the effect of film education on risk perception was insignificant, especially for those who had lower educational levels, including those older than 65 years. Public trust can be boosted through label education among age groups using different channels and methods, and encouraging the sale of labeled foods in traditional markets would be a useful strategy. Age, educational level, income, and risk perception of participants significantly affected purchase intention. This study can be a reference for designing risk communication strategies and promoting traceable agricultural products. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chen Hsu
- Bachelor's Degree Program in Environment and Food Safety Laboratory Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City 711, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fu Huang
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Trias Mahmudiono
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Hsiu-Ling Chen
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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11
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Fortifying wellbeing: How Chinese consumers and doctors navigate the role of functional foods. Appetite 2021; 164:105296. [PMID: 33964395 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
China's rapidly developing economy has seen an increase in medical problems commonly associated with affluent lifestyles such as increases in metabolic diseases and digestive issues. One response to this problem is an increase in the amount of functional foods currently available, which may take a Western food form, or be more closely associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This research seeks to understand how functional food and wellbeing intersect in order to better understand how consumers perceive the complex construct of wellbeing, and their agency in its creation. Interviews and Focus Group Interviews were undertaken in Shanghai, China; with consumers who self-identified as having health concerns, and with Doctors trained in Western Medicine and in TCM. Using an iterative process, the primary objective was to holistically examine how consumers navigate the role of functional foods in relation to their wellbeing. Our findings reveal three broad intersecting themes: (1) self-managed therapy using functional foods; (2) building trust with knowledge sharing; and (3) the importance of functional food heuristics. Functional food was not simply considered to be food with an added benefit, but also a cultural symbol of agency over one's wellness. These findings are discussed and implications for both policy makers and marketers are deliberated.
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The effects on European importers' food safety controls in the time of COVID-19. Food Control 2021; 125:107952. [PMID: 33584020 PMCID: PMC7869612 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.107952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has highlighted the fragility of the global economic system. In just a few months, the consequences of the pandemic have left their mark on the affected countries at all levels and without exception. This article analyses the profile of food safety notifications reported by European countries in the first five months of 2020. The aim was to detect possible changes in food safety regulations imposed by control authorities that could aggravate the economic impacts of the pandemic. While COVID-19 does not appear to be a foodborne disease, some outbreaks have been linked to imported food, which might have affected the food control behaviour of importing countries. In this study, contingency tables and clustering were used to assess differences between years and notification characteristics and to detect homogeneous groups to help identify how the reported notifications might have changed. In the period considered in this study, the volume of notifications on most imported foodstuffs decreased considerably. This decrease was a direct consequence of the fall in international trade, which might have increased countries' reliance on domestic sources. The COVID-19 crisis has not caused a substantial change in the profile of European countries’ in terms of the characteristics of reported notifications (product category and risk decision). However, the worst affected countries have replaced border rejections with alerts, which may indicate greater reliance on intra-EU markets.
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Li J, Ren Y, Ma W, Yu T. Food Safety and Rural Parents in China: Investigating an Effective Path for Risk Communication. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:1762-1771. [PMID: 31496294 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1663467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of the effects of improvements in single communication elements (audience, channel, message, etc.) to promote risk and health communication effectiveness have been widely studied; however, whether a combination of optimum communication elements always leads to successful communication has rarely been discussed. In this study, we investigated communication with 909 rural parents in China to explore how these carefully selected communication elements worked together to contribute to the effectiveness of food-related risk communication. Specifically, two sets of communication strategies were designed with different combinations of optimum communication elements and were applied to parents segmented by perception biases. The outcomes show that the effectiveness of communication did not necessarily depend on the combination of optimum elements, but rather on the key element that the audience cared most about. The finding of this research also underscores the need for increased awareness and the importance of both the investigation of the socio-demographic and dimensional perception characteristics of the segmented cluster, and the outcome evaluation procedure in the identification of the key element. Our study develops quantitative exploration of risk communication effectiveness and provides new insight regarding risk/health communication in rural China. An effective path and methodology for risk communication in the rural area of China has been proposed, which would not only provide a practical reference for Chinese practitioners to launch real risk communication campaigns in rural areas, but also methodologically contribute to successful efforts to identify the key element and improve effective communication practices for a larger range of health-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Li
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China
| | - Yanan Ren
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China
| | - Wanzhen Ma
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China
| | - Tongtong Yu
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China
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14
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Thermodynamic analysis of albumin interaction with monosodium glutamate food additive: Insights from multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Siegrist M, Árvai J. Risk Perception: Reflections on 40 Years of Research. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2020; 40:2191-2206. [PMID: 32949022 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies and practical experiences with risk have demonstrated the importance of risk perceptions for people's behavior. In this narrative review, we describe and reflect upon some of the lines of research that we feel have been important in helping us understand the factors and processes that shape people's risk perceptions. In our review, we propose that much of the research on risk perceptions to date can be grouped according to three dominant perspectives and, thus, approaches to study design; they are: the characteristics of hazards, the characteristics of risk perceivers, and the application of heuristics to inform risk judgments. In making these distinctions, we also highlight what we see as outstanding challenges for researchers and practitioners. We also highlight a few new research questions that we feel warrant attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Siegrist
- Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Árvai
- Department of Psychology and Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Decision Research, Eugene, OR, USA
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Kang HJ, Kim S, Kim JW. Trends in Korean parents' perceptions on food additives during the period 2014-2018. Nutr Res Pract 2020; 15:346-354. [PMID: 34093975 PMCID: PMC8155220 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2021.15.3.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES While the use of food additives in food processing has become a common practice worldwide, consumers' worry about potential hazards has not diminished. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in South Korean parents' perceptions about food additives by analyzing the results of surveys conducted from 2014 to 2018. SUBJECTS/METHODS We conducted an off-line survey in Korea annually between 2014 and 2018 on perceptions about food additives. The numbers of survey respondents in each year from 2014 to 2018 were 381, 426, 301, 519, and 369, respectively. Our consumer respondents were parents of elementary-school-aged children. RESULTS The ratios of respondents perceiving “food safety” as the most important factor in purchasing processed foods and “food additives” as the biggest threat to food safety have decreased over the years. However, most consumers still have negative perceptions of food additives. Additionally, among consumers lower confidence in or trust of the Korean government continued throughout the study period and appeared to be the main problem that needs to be overcome. CONCLUSIONS This study found that Korean parents are still troubled by food additives. Consumers' confidence in the government needs to be increased through public communications. More multifaceted educational programs communicating scientific knowledge of food additives are needed in order to correct consumers' misperceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jin Kang
- Department of Nutrition Education, Graduate School of Education, Myongji University, Seoul 03674, Korea
| | - Suna Kim
- Division of Food and Nutrition in Human Ecology, Korea National Open University, Seoul 03087, Korea
| | - Jeong-Weon Kim
- Department of Science & Technology Education for Life, Seoul National University of Education, Seoul 06639, Korea
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Siegrist M, Bearth A, Hartmann C. Food disgust sensitivity influences the perception of food hazards: Results from longitudinal and cross-cultural studies. Appetite 2020; 153:104742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Lin P, Tsai H, Ho T. Food Safety Gaps between Consumers' Expectations and Perceptions: Development and Verification of a Gap-Assessment Tool. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6328. [PMID: 32878088 PMCID: PMC7503573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, food safety has become a major concern due to frequent food safety incidents in many countries. This may lead to increased health risks associated with low quality food consumption, thereby reducing consumer trust in food safety. A better understanding of consumer perceptions of food safety can improve indicators that do not meet consumer expectations. We propose a food safety gap model with four gap-construct based on consumer expectations and perceptions. The model was empirically tested through a survey of 25 items, and then assessed for gaps through the importance-performance analysis (IPA). From a sample of 697 Taiwanese consumers, we found a huge gap between consumer expectations and perceptions related to food safety. More importantly, the results of the IPA indicate that most items must be immediately improved, which is vital in order to mitigate the risk of food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paohui Lin
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-sen University No. 70, Lien-Hai Rd., Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; (P.L.); (H.T.)
| | - Hsientang Tsai
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-sen University No. 70, Lien-Hai Rd., Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; (P.L.); (H.T.)
| | - Tzuya Ho
- Business School, Shantou University, 243 Daxue Rd., Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
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Food Safety Risk Assessment of γ-Butyrolactone Transformation into Dangerous γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Beverages by Quantitative 13C-NMR Technique. J FOOD QUALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/8846214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Food safety remains a matter of great concern in most countries and the composition in food is crucial to food safety. It is very important to make sense of the quality and change of food ingredients. In this research, the change of γ-butyrolactone (GBL), one kind of food additive in beverage, had been evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. The 1H-NMR results of seven beverages covering various kinds with spiked GBL indicated that GBL was transformed into dangerous γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in six popular beverages under certain conditions which could happen during transportation and storage. Further results of quantitative 13C-NMR showed that pH and temperature were two key factors affecting the transforming degree of GBL to GHB. Lower pH and higher temperature will increase the degree of transformation. GHB was a neurotransmitter on the chemical control list, which was absolutely forbidden to be added to food. This nondestructive NMR detecting technology which did not need the complex pretreatment method to directly determine food ingredients can be useful for identifying the risk of food safety from the changes of food composition during transport and storage.
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Food Safety Trust, Risk Perception, and Consumers' Response to Company Trust Repair Actions in Food Recall Crises. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041270. [PMID: 32079171 PMCID: PMC7068368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Food recalls have severe impacts on the operation, reputation, and even the survival of a recalling company involved in a crisis, with consumer trust violation being the immediate threat to the recalling firm. The involved firms adopt trust repair strategies and release messages relevant to these actions to the public. In this research, we developed a conceptual model to analyze consumers’ general responses to the food recall, and we then compared the effect of two types of consumer trust repair strategies, i.e., self-sanction and information-sharing. The results show that consumer food safety trust has negative impacts on consumers’ protective behavioral intention during a food recall crisis. In the scientific-evidence sharing group, consumers have a higher risk perception, coping appraisal efficacy, information-seeking tendency, and protection behavioral intention. However, consumers’ food safety trust fails to predict protection behavioral intention because scientific-evidence actions can either be regarded as an explanation and self-serving, or as useful facts and solutions. Self-sanction actions overcome the disadvantages of information-sharing actions, but consumers still require information on facts of and solutions to the crisis. Therefore, it is recommended that recalling firms combine these two strategies in the case of consumer trust repair in food recall crises. Furthermore, the involved firms are encouraged to employ a third party to release the scientific evidence.
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Chiu YC, Yu SH. Everyday strategies for handling food safety concerns: a qualitative study of distrust, contradictions, and helplessness among Taiwanese women. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2019.1685658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chan Chiu
- Department of Bio-Industry Communication and Development, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Han Yu
- Department of Media and Communications, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Wen X, Sun S, Li L, He Q, Tsai FS. Avian Influenza-Factors Affecting Consumers' Purchase Intentions toward Poultry Products. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4139. [PMID: 31661764 PMCID: PMC6862125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, continuing outbreaks of avian influenza in China have not only caused great loss to the agricultural sector but also brought fear and distrust to consumers, seriously undermining consumer confidence in chicken products. We investigated consumers' purchase intentions during avian influenza outbreaks by examining a regionally representative sample of 330 consumers in Guangzhou. With respect to 7 kinds of attributes, the ordered logit analysis indicated that possible health threat and uncertainty of the origin of poultry products may cause concern among consumers and cause them to avoid purchasing chicken products. Media reports have a great influence on consumers' intentions to purchase chicken products during avian influenza outbreaks. Overall, this study suggests establishing an effective mechanism of public knowledge (of chicken products' safety and quality) enhancement, in order to curb misleading media reports during avian influenza outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wen
- College of Economics and Management, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Sangluo Sun
- College of Economics and Management, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Youth Volunteers' Guidance Center of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qinying He
- College of Economics and Management, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Fu-Sheng Tsai
- Department of Business Administration, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan.
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan.
- Super Micro Mass Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University; Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan.
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Association of Internet Use with Attitudes Toward Food Safety in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214162. [PMID: 31661944 PMCID: PMC6862109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research has shown that people’s attitudes toward food safety is affected by their availability and accessibility to food risk information. In the digital era, the Internet has become the most important channel for information acquisition. However, empirical evidence related to the impact of Internet use on people’s attitudes towards food safety is inadequate. In this study, by employing the Chinese Social Survey for 2013 and 2015, we have investigated the current situation of food safety perceptions and evaluations among Chinese residents and the association between Internet use and individuals’ food safety evaluations. Empirical results indicate that there is a significant negative correlation between Internet use and people’s food safety evaluation in China. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis shows that Internet use has a stronger negative correlation with food safety evaluation for those lacking rational judgment regarding Internet information. Specifically, the negative correlation between Internet use and food safety evaluations is more obvious among rural residents, young people, and less educated residents. Finally, propensity score matching (PSM) is applied to conduct a robustness check. This paper provides new evidence for studies on the relationship between Internet use and an individuals’ food safety cognition, as well as additional policy enlightenment for food safety risk management in the digital age.
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Degreef F. “What’s the deal with these strange substances in our food?” The representation of food additives by Belgian consumer organizations, 1960–1995. FOOD AND FOODWAYS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/07409710.2019.1591625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Degreef
- Research Group for Social & Cultural Food Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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27
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Szűcs V, Szabó E, Guerrero L, Tarcea M, Bánáti D. Modelling of avoidance of food additives: a cross country study. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 70:1020-1032. [DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1597837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erzsébet Szabó
- National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, Food Science Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Monica Tarcea
- University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu-Mures, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | - Diána Bánáti
- International Life Sciences Institute Europe, Brussels, Belgium
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Cembalo L, Caso D, Carfora V, Caracciolo F, Lombardi A, Cicia G. The "Land of Fires" Toxic Waste Scandal and Its Effect on Consumer Food Choices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16010165. [PMID: 30626169 PMCID: PMC6339117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present study focused on an environmental scandal that occurred in Italy, the Land of Fires toxic waste scandal, which caused consumer concerns related to the safety of food produced in the affected region, as well as massive market reduction in products associated with the polluted area. Based on a representative sample of Italian households (N = 1134), this study applied an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to analyze consumer purchases of regional food products after this environmental hazard. In addition to attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, the model included risk perception, trust, and actual purchases. Using a structural equation model, our results provided support to the hypothesis that consumer perceptions of risk negatively impacted their purchase behaviors and suggested that increasing Italians' trust in government information could reduce their perceived risk and, consequently, increase their intention to purchase regional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cembalo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy.
| | - Daniela Caso
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy.
| | - Valentina Carfora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.
| | - Francesco Caracciolo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy.
| | - Alessia Lombardi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy.
| | - Gianni Cicia
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy.
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29
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Zhong Y, Wu L, Chen X, Huang Z, Hu W. Effects of Food-Additive-Information on Consumers' Willingness to Accept Food with Additives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2394. [PMID: 30380630 PMCID: PMC6266858 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study tested whether information on positive food additives and negative food additives had an effect on consumers' risk perception and their willingness to accept (WTA) food with additives. Consumers' WTA was examined via a random nth-price auction of exchanging freshly squeezed orange juice without additives for orange juice with additives. Results show that consumers' WTA differs with the order in which information was provided. Consumers are generally more sensitive to negative than positive information on additives. Female, middle-educated consumers are more susceptible to additive information and their WTA is more likely to change, while postgraduate-educated consumers are less sensitive to additive information. Consumers with higher food-safety satisfaction have lower WTA than those who are not satisfied with food safety. However, their satisfaction is easily affected by the negative-information intervention. Interestingly, consumers with relatively good knowledge of additives had higher WTA than those with no such knowledge. This study provides insight on how to establish effective food-safety-risk communication. Government and non-government agencies need to timely and accurately eliminate food-safety scares through the daily communication and disclosure of food-safety information, as well as prevent the misguidance of negative food safety-risk information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Zhong
- School of Economics, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Linhai Wu
- Institute for Food Safety Risk Management & School of Business, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Institute for Food Safety Risk Management & School of Business, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zuhui Huang
- China Academy of Rural Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Wuyang Hu
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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An Augmented Risk Information Seeking Model: Perceived Food Safety Risk Related to Food Recalls. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091800. [PMID: 30134606 PMCID: PMC6165319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Food safety is of worldwide concern. As an effective mechanism governing food safety, food recalls are widely applied around the world. Though it is well known that food recalls can have substantial, negative impacts on corporate reputation and marketing, we know relatively little related to what factors motivate people to seek related information after the recall announcement. This study attempts to elucidate the determinants of information-seeking intention in the context of food safety in food recalls by using an augmented risk information-seeking model. A survey of 631 Chinese residents was used to explore the proposed framework. The results show that current knowledge, risk perception, perceived channel beliefs, and perceived information-gathering capacity (PIGC) are all significant predictors of information need and information-seeking intention. It was also confirmed that risk perception has a positive correlation with seeking need. These findings are important for policymakers, recalling manufacturers, and retailers to develop strategies for better risk communication in food recall announcements.
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31
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Liu X, Liao X, Ren Q, Luo M, Yang L, Lin J, Chang J. Concerns regarding complementary feeding practices among urban Chinese mothers: a focus group study in Xi'an. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2018; 37:20. [PMID: 30041700 PMCID: PMC6056920 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-018-0151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of infant growth and development. However, CF practices are influenced by caregivers' perceptions and knowledge. This study aimed to describe perceptions and factors that potentially influence CF practices among Chinese mothers living in Xi'an, a rapidly developing city in China. METHODS This focus group study included three discussion groups. Topics related to practices and concerns regarding CF were discussed among women with at least one child aged 4-36 months. A brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic information for mothers and their children. RESULTS Among study participants, the timing of starting CF for their children varied from age 4 to 8 months. Grain was ranked as the top food for CF, and homemade food was preferred to commercial CF products. Food additives and preservatives were the priority concerns when purchasing commercial baby food, particularly regarding uncertainty about their safety. In terms of nutrition, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins were of major concern. The issue of bio-availability of added nutrients in baby food was also raised during the discussions. Participants showed a strong reliance on information obtained from the Internet via computers or smartphones as their main source of CF knowledge, but felt this information lacked expertise. CONCLUSIONS Participating mothers from Xi'an prefer homemade food for CF to commercial products. More scientific knowledge of CF and related food safety issues should be available, perhaps via Internet-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Liao
- Department of Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 227 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiannan Ren
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 157 West 5 Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 157 West 5 Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 157 West 5 Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
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32
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Wang S, Adhikari K. Consumer perceptions and other influencing factors about monosodium glutamate in the United States. J SENS STUD 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/joss.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shangci Wang
- Department of Food Science and Technology; University of Georgia-Griffin Campus; Griffin Georgia
| | - Koushik Adhikari
- Department of Food Science and Technology; University of Georgia-Griffin Campus; Griffin Georgia
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33
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Acceptance of Food Technologies, Perceived Values and Consumers’ Expectations towards Bread. A Survey among Polish Sample. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10041281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Mohammadzadeh-Aghdash H, Sohrabi Y, Mohammadi A, Shanehbandi D, Dehghan P, Ezzati Nazhad Dolatabadi J. Safety assessment of sodium acetate, sodium diacetate and potassium sorbate food additives. Food Chem 2018; 257:211-215. [PMID: 29622200 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of sodium acetate (SA), sodium diacetate (SDA), and potassium sorbate (PS) was tested on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC). Cytotoxicity was investigated by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis, while genotoxicity was evaluated using DNA fragmentation and DAPI staining assays. The growth of treated HUVECs with various concentrations of SA, SDA and PS decreased in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The IC50 of 487.71, 485.82 and 659.96 µM after 24 h and IC50 of 232.05, 190.19 and 123.95 µM after 48 h of treatment were attained for SA, SDA and PS, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that early and late apoptosis percentage in treated cells was not considerable. Also neither considerable DNA fragmentation nor DNA smear was observed using DAPI staining and DNA ladder assays. Overall, it can be concluded that the aforementioned food additives can be used as safe additives at low concentration in food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mohammadzadeh-Aghdash
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Sohrabi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Dehghan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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35
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Carocho M, Morales P, Ferreira IC. Antioxidants: Reviewing the chemistry, food applications, legislation and role as preservatives. Trends Food Sci Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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36
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Asioli D, Aschemann-Witzel J, Caputo V, Vecchio R, Annunziata A, Næs T, Varela P. Making sense of the "clean label" trends: A review of consumer food choice behavior and discussion of industry implications. Food Res Int 2017; 99:58-71. [PMID: 28784520 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 436] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Consumers in industrialized countries are nowadays much more interested in information about the production methods and components of the food products that they eat, than they had been 50years ago. Some production methods are perceived as less "natural" (i.e. conventional agriculture) while some food components are seen as "unhealthy" and "unfamiliar" (i.e. artificial additives). This phenomenon, often referred to as the "clean label" trend, has driven the food industry to communicate whether a certain ingredient or additive is not present or if the food has been produced using a more "natural" production method (i.e. organic agriculture). However, so far there is no common and objective definition of clean label. This review paper aims to fill the gap via three main objectives, which are to a) develop and suggest a definition that integrates various understandings of clean label into one single definition, b) identify the factors that drive consumers' choices through a review of recent studies on consumer perception of various food categories understood as clean label with the focus on organic, natural and 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products and c) discuss implications of the consumer demand for clean label food products for food manufacturers as well as policy makers. We suggest to define clean label, both in a broad sense, where consumers evaluate the cleanliness of product by assumption and through inference looking at the front-of-pack label and in a strict sense, where consumers evaluate the cleanliness of product by inspection and through inference looking at the back-of-pack label. Results show that while 'health' is a major consumer motive, a broad diversity of drivers influence the clean label trend with particular relevance of intrinsic or extrinsic product characteristics and socio-cultural factors. However, 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products tend to differ from organic and natural products. Food manufacturers should take the diversity of these drivers into account in developing new products and communication about the latter. For policy makers, it is important to work towards a more homogenous understanding and application of the term of clean label and identify a uniform definition or regulation for 'free from' artificial additives/ingredients food products, as well as work towards decreasing consumer misconceptions. Finally, multiple future research avenues are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Asioli
- Consumer and Sensory Science, Division of Food Science, NOFIMA AS, Ås, Norway; School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States.
| | | | - Vincenzina Caputo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Resources Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
| | - Riccardo Vecchio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Azzurra Annunziata
- Department of Economic and Legal Studies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Tormod Næs
- Consumer and Sensory Science, Division of Food Science, NOFIMA AS, Ås, Norway; Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Varela
- Consumer and Sensory Science, Division of Food Science, NOFIMA AS, Ås, Norway
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Charlebois S, Juhasz M, Foti L, Chamberlain S. Food Fraud and Risk Perception: Awareness in Canada and Projected Trust on Risk-Mitigating Agents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/08974438.2017.1331149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Chen MF. Modeling an extended theory of planned behavior model to predict intention to take precautions to avoid consuming food with additives. Food Qual Prefer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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A concept mapping study on organic food consumers in Shanghai, China. Appetite 2017; 108:191-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Du X, Zhang X, Tang Y, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang X. How public reporting of prescription quality indicators influence prescribing practices? A survey of general practitioners. J Eval Clin Pract 2015. [PMID: 26202749 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Public reporting of performance data is one of the most popular topics in health care field. The aim of this study was to investigate the transparency mechanism, that is, how public reporting influenced general practitioners' (GPs) prescribing practices. METHOD GPs who had the license to prescribe medicine of all 10 primary care institutions were surveyed. Data were collected by an instrument, which exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7; average variance extracted > 0.5; composite reliability > 0.7). Data analysis was conducted by structural equation model. RESULTS The results showed that GPs' perceived value (GP's overall assessment of the worth of the public reporting) and attitude (the psychological reaction to public reporting) had a significantly direct effect on behavioural intention (r = 0.28; r = 0.36), and were affected by information accessibility (r = 0.63; r = 0.32). Attitude had a significant effect on perceived value(r = 0.45). Perceived risk (the perceptions of the possible loss due to public reporting, e.g. decreasing their income) did not have a significant relationship with information accessibility, attitude and behavioural intention(r = -0.09; r = 0.01; r = -0.07). CONCLUSION The information accessibility, perceived value and attitude have strong effects on prescribing practices of GPs, whereas perceived risk did not play a role in influencing the prescribing practices. Policymakers need to improve the accessibility of prescription quality indicators and pay attention to the perceived values and attitudes of GPs. Policymakers also need to strengthen the risk education of GPs and attach incentives to transparent regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Du
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinping Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuqing Tang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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