Benedict, Jamie A. (author), Dodds, Mary (author), Leontos, Carolyn (author), Omaye, Stanley (author), Tyler, Peggy (author), and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition, Reno, NV
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07868
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., Recent survey findings show that consumers' concerns related to food safety are not congruent with actual risk. This may, in part, be attributed to media coverage of these issues. The goal of this Extension program was to improve the ability of consumers to make informed decision related to food safety be enhancing the media's reporting of related issues. A resource manual was developed and distributed to television, newspaper, and radio reporters in three Western states. The manual includes material on ten different food safety topics, sample news stories, a dictionary of terms, suggested readings, and resource directory. Telephone interviews conducted with 60% of the recipients (n=141) 3-6 months following distribution, indicated that 54% had used the manual. Those who had, found the manual timely (95%), and helpful (97%). The information provided on foodborne illness was used most often - corresponding to reporters' ratings of public interest.