Food Safety: Consumer Perceptions And Practices

We describe the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of consumers regarding food safety, as well as social, cultural, economic and demographic factors that influence consumer attitudes and behavior. Consumer perspectives associated with the benefits and risks of technologies such as irradiation, genetic modification, nanotechnology, use of hormones in food animals and organic foods are discussed. In recent years, substantial resources have been devoted to increasing the level of food safety knowledge among consumers. The emphasis of such consumer education should be placed on behaviors that have the great est impact on reducing risk of foodborne illness.