Hispanic Consumer Response to Information on Integrated Pest Management and Food Safety Concerns

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify Hispanic consumer pesticide-related food safety concerns, present information on efforts to reduce pesticide use, and determine the impact on consumer attitudes toward food safety. There were significant changes in the attitudes of Hispanic consumers pre- and post-video towards food safety, farming practices, and university efforts to help farmers control pests and assist with other management techniques. These findings suggest that although Hispanic consumers are generally confident in the safety of produce in the U.S.A., nevertheless they have stopped consuming certain fruits and vegetables due to food safety concerns. Hispanic consumer concerns were significantly reduced following the viewing of the Integrated Pest Management videos, suggesting that additional information and bilingual education programs on food safety and the use of pesticides by farmers will have a positive impact on consumer attitudes.