Consumer perceptions of risks of chemical and microbiological contaminants associated with food chains: a cross-national study |
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| Authors: | Swaroop V Kher Janneke De Jonge Meike TA Wentholt Rosirez Deliza Juliana Cunha de Andrade Hilde J Cnossen Niels B Lucas Luijckx Lynn Jayne Frewer |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands;2. Embrapa Food Technology, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;3. Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Campinas, SP, Brazil;4. TNO, Zeist, The Netherlands;5. Centre for Rural Economy, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Consumers contaminants focus groups food chains risk perceptions |
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