9 pages., Via online journal., As a consequence of recent food safety incidents, consumer trust in European food safety management has diminished. A risk governance framework that formally institutes stakeholder (including consumer) consultation and dialogue through a transparent and accountable process has been proposed, with due emphasis on risk communication. This paper delivers actionable policy recommendations based on consumer preferences for different approaches to food risk management. These results suggest that risk communication should be informed by knowledge of consumer risk perceptions and information needs, including individual differences in consumer preferences and requirements, and differences in these relating to socio-historical context associated with regulation. In addition, information about what is being done to identify, prevent and manage food risks needs to be communicated to consumers, together with consistent messages regarding preventative programs, enforcement systems, and scientific uncertainty and variability associated with risk assessments. Cross-cultural differences in consumer perception and information preferences suggest a national or regional strategy for food risk communication may be more effective than one applied at a pan-European level.
14 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription., Examines the impact of gain and loss message framing and issue involvement elicitation on consumer willingness to pay for two food safety enhancing technologies: cattle vaccines against E. coli and direct-fed microbials. Results showed strong consumer preference and willingness to pay for the technologies and consumer welfare gains from their introduction.
9 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription., The study involved a survey among 39 respondents from the milling industry and supermarkets, the main processors and distributors of maize products, in seven urban centres of Kenya. Identified information sources, knowledge level of biotechnology, and perceptions and preferences involving genetically modified food.
9 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription, Using a panel selection model, researchers found robust evidence that the 2003 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) caused a change in the way people viewed and responded to recalls of ground beef, a change (reduction of purchase) that persisted for at least two years.
8 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription, Through a questionnaire administered to university students taking food-related courses, researchers found that message framing has an influence on their purchasing intentions related to a food hazard issue. Results further suggested that the effect of framing was related to the respondent's prior knowledge about the issue.
10 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription., Researchers surveyed 423 students enrolled in agriculture, business, and communication design courses at two universities, as well as Facebook users. Responses involving identified food recalls were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings indicated that recall concern, propensity to reduce consumption beyond the recall parameters, and media reliance held strong, direct effects on broad consumption changes.
9 pages., Online via UI electronic subscription, Content analysis of 160 articles from four national U.S. newspapers, the largest regional paper in Iowa, and the Associated Press revealed that the recall was framed both as a failure of government oversight and as an instance of poor production practices by the farmers in question. Particular media focus was given to the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act and the FDA Egg Rule. Relatively little media attention was given to industrial agriculture as a causal frame or the purchasing of "alternative" eggs as a potential response.