Covid‐19‐tested food labels

Abstract

AbstractWhile the transmission of virus SARS‐CoV‐2 via food is rare, some Chinese food retailers are considering a Covid‐19‐tested food label. However, how consumers may support such a label is unknown. We quantify Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for food carrying a Covid‐19‐tested label using an online choice experiment. We find that the WTPs for such a label are always positive for all food products considered. The amount of WTP depends on the entities authenticating the labels, country of origin of the food, and consumers’ socio‐demographic status. Contrary to expectation, the knowledge on Covid‐19 does not affect consumer preferences for the Covid‐19‐tested food labels. Our benefit and cost analysis suggests a possible large benefit of creating and administering a Covid‐19‐tested food label. This study provides insights for policymakers, global food manufacturers, and retailers to create marketing strategies to alleviate consumer food safety concerns associated with Covid‐19.