Food Safety Risk Perception Research Articles

Hedonic and utilitarian motivations and the role of trust in using food delivery apps: an investigation from a developing economy

ABSTRACT The adoption of food delivery apps by Indian consumers has gained momentum, especially during COVID-19. However, after the pandemic, home delivery continued to grow and become a significant part of the restaurant business. The current paper explores the adoption of apps by consumers, supported by the Theory of Planned Behavior. It also investigates the impact of perceived innovativeness, utilitarian motivation of price options, utilitarian motivation of food choices, and hedonic motivations on attitude and intention to use the app. The ease of use and its impact on perceived behavioral control and intention to use are also investigated. The study also investigated how trust influences intentions to use the app and the impact of food safety and food delivery risk perception on trust and intention to use it. Findings show that hedonic and utilitarian attributes impact consumers, food safety, and trust when ordering food online.

Factors that influence the behavioral intention of customers toward online food delivery service

Many studies focus on components that influence consumers' behavioral intent to acquire an online food delivery service rather than those responsible for determining consumers' online behavioral intent to purchase service providers. Therefore, this study aims to identify such factors and assess the impact on the behavioral intention toward OFDs according to the consumer's point of view. Findings are supported by the explanatory approach and the quantitative research technique and were collected via a questionnaire accessible through a Google Form. Costumers living in Tallinn, Estonia, were polled using a non-probability sample approach, and 137 responses were received. Trust demonstrates the highest impact of 30.8% on the intention of using OFD service by customers, followed by time-saving benefits (21.0%), perceived ease of use (15.2%), and perceived usefulness (14.5%). Price-saving benefits and food safety risk perception are insignificant statistically, and the study assumptions are rejected. The study suggested that customers' intentions to use Online food delivery services must be tailored to their preferences and perceptions of the product's intrinsic and extrinsic worth and quality. Service providers must become more alert and efficient to keep everything safe and confidential. A secure system for sharing information should be implemented if at all practicable.

Vicarious vs experiential information in the consumer’s construal level on imported food safety risk perception

Consumers acquire information about the imported food safety risks through distal channels such as the Internet versus proximal channels such as direct experience, and these channels influence the consumer perception of safety. However, the empirical analysis of the sources of information (distal–proximal) channels is second to none. This article explores whether direct experience with imported food induces different levels of safety risks compared to distal information through social media. Based on the Construal Level Theory (CLT), the study examines consumer responses in a survey involving 500 respondents out of 1000 distributed in South Korea, using high-level construal (vicarious information) versus a low-level construal (direct experience) framework to assess food safety risk perception. We narrowed the imported food from China to South Korea to obtain a robust analysis. Our analysis shows that vicarious (distal) sources of information increase perceived food safety risks in the minds of the consumer, while direct experience (proximity) decreases food safety risks. In a supplementary analysis, those respondents who had visited China exhibited lower levels of food safety risk of the imported food. We infer that the lower-level construal (experience) mediates the effects of higher-level construal (indirect, social media) on the imported food safety risk. However, the correlation is nonlinear, explaining why some studies find proximity while others find distance in correlation with the food safety risk. In a contribution to the literature, this study answers a longstanding question regarding international business in food supplies, supports the CLT framework, and offers a policy recommendation for both Korea and China to enhance their information channels to counteract misinformation.

Food Safety Risk and Visual Attention: The Moderating Effect of Prototype Perception and Social Distance

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between food safety risk perception (FSRP) and social similarity, utilizing eye-tracking to uncover how consumers process information on food labels. Central to our inquiry is that perceived similarity influences how individuals assess and react to food safety risks. Our research posits that individuals who see a high degree of similarity with others in their social circles are more attentive to food safety risks. We conducted two food label experiments, one focusing on safety labels and the other on nutritional information. Findings indicate that heightened perceptions of social similarity (prototype perception and social distance) enhance the impact of food labels (safety labels and nutritional information) on food safety risk assessments (decision-making process and product choice), manifesting in increased visual attention to these labels. This revelation underscores the significance of social factors in shaping food safety behaviors and offers a new perspective for designing more effective food safety communication. Our work contributes to the academic discourse on food safety and social psychology and provides practical insights for public health messaging strategies.

Why Bangkokians use online food delivery services after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted

PurposeThe growth of the internet has transformed digital infrastructure in Thailand over the past two decades, with the widespread use of e-commerce, digital money and online services becoming a daily norm for all ages. The COVID-19 restrictions, which limited in-person business operations, boosted demand for takeout and delivery services and fueled the expected steady growth of the online food delivery market in Thailand. The pandemic also resulted in a shift towards online ordering and delivery, reflecting changes in customer behavior. This study focuses on exploring the factors that have driven Bangkokians to use online food delivery services after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in June 2022.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 398 participants who had ordered food delivery services after the announcement.FindingsThe findings showed that perceived usefulness, time saving benefit and price saving benefit have a significant impact on the intention of customers to use online food delivery services, while food safety risk perception had no effect.Practical implicationsBangkokians favor online food delivery services due to convenience and time-saving, indicating high demand post-pandemic. Businesses should invest in improving their platforms to meet evolving consumer behavior.Originality/valueThe result of this study offers valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of Bangkokians towards online food delivery services and could be beneficial for businesses in the industry to improve their services, enhance customer satisfaction as well as increase their competitiveness.

U.S. Consumers' Tree Nut Food Safety Knowledge, Perceptions, and Handling Practices across Demographic Groups.

Tree nuts are often perceived as presenting a low risk for foodborne illness, despite their association with several foodborne outbreaks and recalls in recent years. An online survey was designed to assess how consumers' food safety knowledge, perception of risks and benefits, and preferred sources for food safety information influence their tree nut handling behavior. Participants (n = 981) who soaked tree nuts or prepared nut-based dairy analogs (NBDAs) at home completed the survey. Their responses indicated insufficient knowledge about potential contaminations of tree nuts. Only 25% of participants had heard of a tree nut-related outbreak or recall. Few (30%) participants perceived a risk of contracting a foodborne illness from tree nuts. The participants were more concerned with the health benefits than potential microbial risks of raw tree nuts and preferred government agencies for tree nut food safety information. Based on a cluster analysis, demographics with lower food safety knowledge and risk perceptions (ages 18-24 or 45 and above, female, suburban and rural communities, have less than a bachelor's degree, and earned less than USD 100,000 annually) tended to engage in risky tree nut handling practices (p < 0.05). The findings of this study support the development of audience-targeted food safety extension materials for tree nuts.

FACTORS DRIVING GENERATION Z'S USE OF ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE AT THE END OF PANDEMIC

Food delivery industry has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of online platforms, appealing to tech-savvy Generation Z. Generation Z was chosen as they are considered the market of the future. This study examines the factors influencing Generation Z's use of online food delivery in Tangerang, during the post-COVID-19 period. Data from 150 Generation Z respondents who used online food delivery services in the past three months were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. The study found that perceived usefulness, trust, and time-saving benefits strongly influence Generation Z's intention to use online food delivery. They highly value the practicality, reliability, and efficiency of these platforms. Transparent communication and reliable delivery services are crucial for retaining Generation Z consumers, while highlighting the time-saving advantages is essential to meet their preferences. Surprisingly, factors like ease of use, food safety risk perception, COVID-19 severity, vulnerability, and price-saving benefits had insignificant influence. Understanding these preferences can help service providers, policymakers, and marketers enhance satisfaction and tailor their offerings to meet the needs of Generation Z in the competitive post-pandemic market. Further research is needed to uncover the specific drivers influencing Generation Z's adoption of online food delivery services.

Consumer Insight During Covid-19: Understanding the Influence of Price Saving Benefits, Time Saving Benefits, and Food Safety Risk Perception To Consumer Intention On Online Food Delivery

Abstract. Technology has a significant impact on human existence, particularly in the phenomenon of online food delivery services. Every year, this makes online food shopping more appealing to the public. The study's goal is to compare consumers' willingness to use online meal delivery services during the Covid-19 pandemic to the new normal. The research methodology employed in the study was multivariate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Price savings benefits, time savings benefits, and food safety risk perceptions are all considered crucial and relevant in influencing customer intentions. The relevant data was acquired from online meal delivery customers by 299 data during the survey stage. A Google form was used to conduct the survey online. The Partial Least Square SEM approach will be utilized for the data analysis calculation stage. The findings of this investigation reveal three established hypothetical links. Data analysis revealed that Food Safety Risk Perception has a negative and significant impact on customer intentions. Customers' intentions are positively influenced by the Price Saving Benefit and the Time Saving Benefit is revealed to be the highest beta value. This study also discusses theoretical and practical contributions. Keywords: Online food delivery, price saving benefits, time saving benefits, food safety risk perceptions, consumer intention

Food safety risk perceptions and mitigation techniques in the dumpster diving community in Sweden

Food safety risk perceptions and mitigation techniques in the dumpster diving community in Sweden

Determinants of customer purchase intention toward online food delivery services: The moderating role of usage frequency

Determinants of customer purchase intention toward online food delivery services: The moderating role of usage frequency

Consumer attitudes toward ordering from cloud kitchens: a gender and marital status perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine consumer’s perceptions of cloud kitchens, including the influence of perceived innovativeness (PI), utility motivations (price and food varieties), and food safety risk perceptions (FSRP) on trust; the impact of hedonic motivations and trust on attitude; and the moderating effect of FSRP on the relationship between utility motivations (food varieties) and trust. The relationships were examined with respect to gender and marital status.Design/methodology/approachThe Theory of Consumption Value served as the theoretical underpinning of this study. Data was collected with an online survey (n = 316) using the Qualtrics panel. The partial least squares–structural equation modeling method was used to analyze the survey data.FindingsPI, utilitarian motivations (price) and hedonic motivations (food varieties) positively influenced trust, whereas trust positively influenced attitude. FSRP negatively impacted trust and moderated the relationship between utility motivations (food varieties) and trust. Hedonic motivations positively influenced consumers’ attitudes. Multi-group analyses highlighted the differences attributed to gender and marital status.Research limitations/implicationsPI and utility motivations influenced trust, supporting the notion that consumers are open to new and convenient ways to order food. Additionally, the negative influence of FSRP on trust and its moderating role on the path between food varieties and trust highlights the importance of FSRP on food consumption. Finally, this study provided insight into the influence of gender and marital status on perceptions of ordering from cloud kitchens.Originality/valueThe cloud kitchen business model is undergoing exponential growth, and this study provides an understanding of cloud kitchens from a consumer’s perspective.

Effect of social media use on food safety risk perception through risk characteristics: Exploring a moderated mediation model among people with different levels of science literacy.

Food safety risk (FSR) is becoming a vital issue for public health, and improving public awareness of FSR through social media is necessary. This study aims to explore specific mechanisms of FSR perception; it first categorizes 19 risk characteristics into two variables, dread and efficacy, and then examines how social media use affects perceived FSR through both variables. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effects of source credibility and science literacy on the mechanisms of FSR perception. Based on a nationwide online survey (N = 2,015) of more than six salient food safety issues in China, the study found that exposure to food safety risk information on social media can help improve perceived FSR based on the proposed “dread–efficacy processing model” (DEPM), where dread stimulates perceived risk, while efficacy suppresses risk perception. Moreover, source credibility intensifies the effect of social media use on efficacy appraisal, whereas science literacy exerts a “double-weakening” influence on dread appraisal. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Food safety knowledge and risk perception among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPregnant women are at a higher risk of food poisoning compared to the general population. This can be detrimental to both the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and risk perception of basic food safety and handling among pregnant women in Jordan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study among pregnant women in Jordan was conducted using an online questionnaire between November 2020 and January 2021. The survey included socio-demographic data, food safety knowledge, and risk perception questions as well as COVID-19 related questions. A total score for food safety awareness out of 50 was derived for each participant based on the sum of scores from all domains. Student t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted using SPSS (Version 26) to compare the mean sum of correct responses of every section (knowledge score) by sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 325 participants completed the web-based survey. Most of the participants reported receiving food safety-related information during pregnancy (64.9%). The mean total score for the participants was 23.3 ± 4.6 out of 50 (score percentage 46.6%). Participants were mostly aware of foodborne diseases (82.7%) followed by cleaning and sanitation (51.2%), and personal hygiene (49.1%). The least amount of awareness was observed in the cross-contamination (35.0%), food consumption and safety (35.0%), and temperature control (32.8%) domains. Older participants and those with higher education had significantly higher mean scores (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Most participants agreed that the pandemic had a positive impact on enhancing the measures taken to maintain food safety during the pandemic.ConclusionsThis study identified gaps in food safety-related knowledge. Educational programs for pregnant women need robust reinforcement within the community. Efficient educational approaches related to food safety should be provided by health care providers and local health authorities. While the COVID-19 pandemic persists, pregnant women must be well-educated about the virus and its prevention strategies to avoid being infected and ensure their baby's safety as well as their own.

The unintended effects of tamper-evident food closures

The unintended effects of tamper-evident food closures

Factors Affecting Customer's Behavioral Intention to Use Online Food Delivery Services (OFDS)

This study is conducted to investigate the factors determining the behavioral intention of using online food delivery services (OFDS) after the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia (perceived ease of use, price value, performance expectancy, and food safety risk perception). This study aims to determine the future intent to use online food delivery services after the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. A total of 450 people involved during the online survey via the Google Form platform. Descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis are used in this study. For the research findings, this study concludes that the perceived ease of use, price value, performance expectancy, and food safety risk perception have a significant relationship towards behavioral intention to use OFDS. All the result findings are being shown in this report.

Consumers' Knowledge and Handling Practices Associated with Fresh-Cut Produce in the United States.

Previous studies have shown that three factors influence fresh-cut produce safety from farm to fork: (1) post-harvest practices in processing facilities, (2) employees’ handling practices in retail facilities, and (3) consumers’ handling practices in domestic kitchens or cooking facilities. However, few studies have examined consumers’ food safety knowledge, risk perceptions, and their handling practices associated with fresh-cut produce. To fill this gap, the present study conducted a nationwide survey to assess U.S. consumers’ food safety knowledge, practices, and risk perception associated with fresh-cut produce among various demographic groups and investigated factors influencing consumers’ food safety practices related to fresh-cut produce. The results showed that consumers lack the knowledge and safe handling practices toward fresh-cut produce regarding storage hierarchy, surface cleaning and sanitizing, and time and temperature control of fresh-cut produce. The men and millennial consumers exhibit a lower level of safe fresh-cut produce handling practices. In addition, a significant interaction was observed between food safety knowledge and risk perceptions on consumers’ fresh-cut produce handling practices, such that food safety knowledge can transfer to practice more effectively for consumers with high levels of risk perception. The results can be utilized to design effective consumer food safety education tools for targeted audiences.

Explore Chinese consumers' safety perception of agricultural products using a non-price choice experiment

Explore Chinese consumers' safety perception of agricultural products using a non-price choice experiment

Understanding how food safety risk perception influences dietary decision making among women in Phenom Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo determine women’s perception of the risk of food safety and how it relates to diet, health and decision making as part of formative research for a market-based intervention that...

Knowledge, Practices, and Risk Perception Associated with Foodborne Illnesses among Females Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Foodborne illnesses are a widespread and growing public health concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, practices, and risk perception pertaining to food safety among females living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was undertaken consisting of 827 female participants between January to April 2020. The study showed that the overall food safety risk perception was below satisfactory (53.3%). The highest score was seen in the “recognition of foodborne illnesses” aspect (76.7%). The participants were aware of “personal hygiene and cleaning” (61.7%), “cross-contamination prevention” (62.5%), “food purchasing” (60.0%), and “storage of frozen foods” (55.6%). The participants had a low level of knowledge pertaining to “food cooking” (26.0%) and “risk of microbiological infection” (13.3%). There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) association between knowledge and practices of respondents with employment status, age, and educational levels. In conclusion, the female respondents might act as vehicles for the spread of foodborne illnesses. To reduce this risk, providing food safety awareness programs to this portion of the population is paramount.

Consumer risk perception and trusted sources of food safety information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consumer risk perception and trusted sources of food safety information during the COVID-19 pandemic.