Safe Food Handling Advice Provided on Question-and-Answer Web Sites Is Inconsistent

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of information about safe food handling posted on online question-and-answer (Q&A) Web sites and forums. DesignA retrospective study was conducted to analyze answers to questions posted on 4 Q&A platforms (Reddit, Yahoo! Answers, Quora, and Stack Exchange) employing a structured coding form. Questions were identified from November 2018 to May 2019 using an iterative search. ParticipantsUsers of online Q&A platforms. Main Outcome MeasureAnswer accuracy (incorrect, partially correct, or correct in relation to government guidelines). AnalysisA multivariable ordinal regression model was developed to identify factors associated (at the P < .01 level) with answer accuracy. ResultsQuestions (n = 160) were posted from 2006 to 2019. Of 625 answers to these questions, 41% were classified as correct, and 20% as partially correct. Answer accuracy differed among the 4 platforms. Answers to questions about adequate cooking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.49, P < .001) and time–temperature control (OR = 0.33, 95% CI, 0.21–0.51, P < .001) constructs were less likely to be correct than answers to other questions. Top-rated answers were more likely to be correct than other answers (OR = 2.01, 95% CI, 1.40–2.90, P < .001). Conclusions and ImplicationsThe accuracy of food safety information exchanged on online Q&A platforms is inconsistent. Enhanced food safety promotion and education interventions on these platforms are warranted.