Consumer awareness and perception to food safety: A consumer analysis

Relationships among the main food safety concerns and food consumption habits of 600 consumers living in Manisa City center, Turkey were evaluated. Respondents were interviewed face-to-face by a structured questionnaire. Sixty six questions under different groups (demographics of respondents, food safety perceptions, and awareness of food-borne illnesses, contaminants of foods and hazards, sources of food safety information, confidence in food safety authorities, food handling and safety practices at homes) were asked in the interview. Data obtained from the study indicated the need for much more consumer education regarding safe food handling practices in the domestic environment. Food handling practices and food safety are of public concern, and action is required to prevent the food-borne illnesses. It was seen that, TV and radio programmes are important media for sharing the knowledge of food safety with consumers.

► We determined the awareness of the Turkish consumers in terms of food safety.
► Study indicated the need for more education regarding safe food handling practices.
► This subject of public concern, and action is required to prevent food-borne illnesses.
► TV and radio are important media for sharing the knowledge of food safety.
► Government publications are more trusted by the consumers.