Consumers are the last line of defense against foodborne illness when they select and prepare their own food. The level of safety of their food handling and consumption practices and the extent to which these levels are changing among consumers are important pieces of information for consumer education, risk assessments, and other similar activities. Using data from U.S. national random-digit dialing telephone surveys conducted in 1993 (n=1620) and 1998 (n=2001), we examine the change in the safety of self-reported food handling and consumption practices in the total population and in subgroups defined by basic demographic characteristics. We also examine changes in food safety awareness, concern, and knowledge. We find that practices have improved, and awareness, concern, and knowledge have increased. In addition, we find important differences in extent of change among various subgroups. Older people have the largest decrease in risky food consumption but the smallest improvement in safe food handling practices; also, awareness of foodborne illness increased the least among the youngest age group. Men improved handling practices more than women, even though they showed less increase in awareness and concern than women. College graduates show less improvement in risky consumption than other education categories and, although their knowledge is still the highest, other education categories have increased knowledge levels more. Implications for food safety policy are discussed. Data from the 2001 survey, expected August 2001, will be reported if available.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe recent changes in the safety of consumers' food handling practices, including changes in specific sub-populations. 2. Describe recent changes in consumers' food safety awareness, concern, and knowledge, including changes in specific sub-populations.
Keywords: Food Safety, Survey
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.