Effect of an educational program on attitudes of California consumers toward food irradiation.

摘要

The risk of foodborne illness can be reduced significantly by irradiation of ground beef and poultry. Response to irradiated food among California (USA) consumers was measured after opponents to the process had been active in the state legislature. 300 consumers participated in an educational programme consisting of viewing an 8-min video on food safety and irradiation followed by a question-and-answer period. Consumers were surveyed about their general knowledge and attitudes toward food safety and irradiation before and after participating in the programme. This programme increased awareness of harmful bacteria and the risk of foodborne illnesses. Despite attention to irradiation in the legislature, over half of the respondents had not heard of it prior to the programme, and those against irradiation reported that they knew little about it. This indicates that the initial negative attitudes may be due to lack of information. After the programme, only 3% opposed offering irradiated food in the supermarket, over 60% stated that they would choose irradiated products, and almost 40% said that they would pay 10% more for irradiated meat. Although the video tape provided important information, people wanted details as to how the FDA assessed safety and the nutritional value of irradiated food.