Consumer Products Research Articles

Intestinal Obstruction and Neurotoxicity Associated With Water Bead Ingestion.

Water beads are superabsorbent polymer balls. They were originally marketed for agricultural and decorative applications and are now sold as sensory toys. They can be harmful to children in 2 ways. Upon ingestion, water beads absorb liquid and, because they can increase in volume by more than a hundredfold, intestinal obstruction can result. In addition, they are made of polymerized acrylamide monomer. Acrylamide monomer can be toxic at high levels. Here, we present a case of intestinal obstruction in the setting of water bead ingestion temporarily associated with signs of neurotoxicity. The patient presented to the emergency department at 13months of age with vomiting, lethargy, weight loss over several weeks, insomnia, and facial dermatitis. Due to worsening clinical signs and imaging findings suggestive of intestinal obstruction, she underwent an exploratory laparotomy. A mass consisting of water beads was removed from the distal small intestine. After removal of the mass, the patient's facial dermatitis resolved; however, the patient's speech, gross and fine motor, sensory, and neurological functions continued to worsen. After reevaluation, a second surgical procedure led to removal of multiple fragments of water bead material from the patient's large intestine. This case highlights the potential dangers of acrylamide in consumer products that may be accessible to children.

Phytotoxicity and phytoremediation potential of Lemna minor exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the highly toxic compounds which was phased out of application in consumer products in 2015 due to its harmful effects on human and environmental health. However, this chemical was in use for many years and is still found in water resources. This study focuses on the physiological response of duckweed (Lemna minor) exposed to PFOA so as to determine phytotoxicity and the potential of this aquatic species to remove PFOA from the environment. A time-dependent phytotoxicity assay showed that exposure to 0.1 µg/L PFOA for 14 days resulted in the loss of chlorophyll pigment and 15-25% more chlorosis than in controls. Although exposure to PFOA for seven days resulted in chlorosis, no significant impact on physiological parameters such as photosynthetic pigment or anthocyanin content were detected. The analysis of cellular size on day zero and seven of the experiment showed that the control group showed significantly larger cell size after seven days (213 ± 6.5 µm²) compared with the day zero group (186 ± 18 µm²), while the size of the PFOA exposed group (198 ± 13 µm²) did not change significantly after seven days compared with the day zero group. The nuclear size increased significantly by 13% upon exposure to PFOA compared with the controls (ρ < 0.0001). The concentration of essential elements K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo were reduced in L. minor exposed to PFOA compared with the controls by 39.6, 33.4, 42.1, 35.2, 31.9, 40.2%, respectively. Additionally, PFOA accumulated in L. minor fronds and roots with an average bioaccumulation factor of 56 ± 7. Overall, while some symptoms of toxicity were observed, this study shows that L. minor can tolerate up to 0.1 µg/L PFOA, a commonly found concentrations in water bodies, and can remove PFOA from water. This study provides invaluable information regarding the phototoxicity impacts of PFOA on aquatic species and the potential for aquatic phytoremediation of PFOA.

Bioaccumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and oxidative stress in snapping turtles in New York, USA.

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is an anthropogenic chemical found in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and many consumer products. Despite its environmental ubiquity and persistence, little is known about the effects of PFOS on stress levels in wild animals. Here, we examined PFOS bioaccumulation and correlations between PFOS exposure and oxidative stress in snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) downstream of Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, a known source of AFFF contamination. Maximum concentrations of PFOS were extrapolated as 41.7ppb and 498ppb in water and turtle samples, respectively; in comparison, the proposed United States national advisory concentration of PFOS in drinking water is currently 0.00002ppb. PFOS concentrations declined with distance downstream from the base and were lower in other local water bodies. Indices of oxidative stress were positively correlated with plasma PFOS concentrations in snapping turtles. These data illuminate the potential for bioaccumulation and increasing oxidative stress levels associated with PFOS contamination in a wild population of aquatic turtles.

Determining a point of departure for skin sensitization potency and quantitative risk assessment of fragrance ingredients using the GARDskin dose-response assay.

Potency and quantitative risk assessment are essential for determining safe concentrations for the formulation of potential skin sensitizers into consumer products. Several new approach methodologies (NAMs) for skin sensitization hazard assessment have been developed, validated, and adopted in OECD test guidelines. However, work is ongoing to develop NAMs for predicting skin sensitization potency on a quantitative scale for use as a point of departure (POD) in next-generation risk assessment (NGRA). GARDskin Dose-Response (DR) is an adaptation of the validated GARDskin assay (OECD TG 442E), and the readout of the assay is a quantitative potency prediction similar to the No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) value (µg/cm2). The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of the GARDskin DR assay for potency prediction of fragrance ingredients. One hundred (100) fragrance ingredients from a reference database covering varied structural reactivity domains and potency were tested in GARDskin DR. Materials tested had varied protein-binding reactivity alerts, including Schiff base, Michael addition, SN2, and acylation. Potency categories were predicted with a total accuracy of 37% and an approximate accuracy (exact match or off by 1 category) of 81%. Combining predicted weak and very weak categories increased total accuracy to 53% and approximate accuracy to 98%. The mean prediction error for the NESIL and local lymph node assay (LLNA) EC3 was 3.15- and 3.36-fold, respectively. Based on the results of this study, GARDskin DR is a promising predictor of skin sensitization potency with an applicability domain covering a wide range of fragrance ingredient reaction mechanisms, increasing the confidence in using the assay to conduct NGRA, ultimately reducing the need for animal testing.

Bisphenol F (BPF) exposure impairs sperm quality and offspring development in male zebrafish.

Bisphenol F (BPF), a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is widely used in consumer products, increasing the potential for environmental exposure. Our study investigated the reproductive effects of BPF on adult male zebrafish and explored its toxicological mechanisms, as well as its intergenerational effects. Adult male zebrafish were exposed to BPF concentrations of 0, 50, 500, 2500, and 5000 nM for 21 days. We evaluated sperm cell quantity and quality, hormonal markers testosterone (T) and vitellogenin (VTG), gene expression profiles related to hormone synthesis, metabolism, apoptosis, cell cycle, sexual behavior, and offspring health metrics including survival, development and locomotion. BPF exposure did not significantly affect body weight or gonadal index. However, at 500 and 2500 nM, a significant reduction in sperm count was observed. BPF exposure led to decreased serum T and increased hepatic VTG levels, indicating hormonal disruption. At 50 nM, BPF initiated sperm apoptosis, and at higher doses, it disrupted sperm meiosis, affecting cell distribution. This exposure negatively impacted sperm quality, reduced offspring survival rates, and altered sperm motility in adult fish. Offspring from BPF-exposed groups showed developmental issues, including increased mortality, delayed developmental stages, abnormal tail coiling and heart rate, which correlated with paternal sperm count and quality changes, alterations in T and VTG levels, and cell cycle phase distributions. Our study demonstrated that BPF exposure significantly impacted sperm quality, characterized by reduced sperm count and altered motility patterns, leading to developmental anomalies in offspring. These novel findings highlight the need for further research into BPF's reproductive and developmental toxicity, emphasizing the potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The observed effects on sperm quality, hormonal balance, and offspring development provide new insights into the reproductive toxicity profile of BPF.

Validating Accelerated Shelf Life Testing Methodology for Predicting Shelf Life in High-Pressure-Processed Meat Products

The shelf life of meat products is a critical factor in ensuring both consumer safety and product quality. Traditional methods for determining shelf life are labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it challenging for manufacturers to adapt to market demands. The accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT) methodology offers a viable solution by exposing products to controlled elevated conditions that simulate long-term storage, allowing for faster shelf life predictions. This study evaluates the ASLT methodology as a predictive tool for determining the shelf life of high-pressure (HPP)-treated meat products. The present study includes experiments to verify the shelf life of frankfurter-type sausages under accelerated conditions. By simulating long-term storage at elevated temperatures (4–18 °C), a kinetic model was developed to monitor spoilage bacteria growth, with validation under dynamic temperature conditions. The results indicate that the main spoilage population of frankfurter-type sausages was lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which was strongly correlated with the total mesophilic microflora of the products. The findings show that elevated storage temperatures (8 and 18 °C) provide accurate shelf life predictions, offering an efficient approach to ensure product quality and meet consumer demands.

A Review on Animal Utilization in Toxicology and Safety Assessment and its Ethical Guidelines

Animal studies play a crucial role in evaluating the safety and toxicity of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and consumer products. In toxicology and safety assessment, animal models are used to predict potential adverse effects in humans, ensuring the protection of public health. This topic explores the use of animal studies in identifying toxicological profiles, assessing risk, and informing regulatory decisions. Animal models have been extensively used in toxicology and safety assessment to evaluate the potential risks of chemicals, drugs, and other substances on human health and the environment. The use of animals in toxicology studies provides valuable information on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of substances, as well as their potential toxicity and carcinogenicity. Importance of Animal Models 1.Predicting human toxicity: Animal studies help predict potential human toxicity and identify potential health risks. 2. Evaluating safety: Animal studies evaluate the safety of substances for human use and environmental release. 3. Developing new drugs: Animal models are used to develop and test new drugs, vaccines, and therapies

BUILDING CAFÉ CUSTOMER LOYALTY : SYNERGISTIC ANALYSIS OF SERVICE QUALITY, PRICE FAIRNESS AND WORD OF MOUTH

The purpose of this study is to examine how word-of-mouth (WOM) in Indonesia's café business is impacted by consumer attitudes, shop environment, pricing fairness, service quality, and product quality. The primary theoretical framework used in the research is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which focuses on the ways in which these factors impact consumer attitudes and word-of-mouth (WOM). Purposive sampling was used in the survey process, and 260 respondents were chosen depending on whether they had visited or made purchases from Lawson Café, McCafé, or Starbucks in the three months before. An online survey was used to gather data, and AMOS 26 software's Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. The findings show that although service and product quality have no discernible effects on consumer preferences, pricing fairness and shop environment do. Favorable consumer perceptions of cafés greatly influence favorable word-of-mouth. The research also shows that fair prices and shop ambiance are important factors in influencing consumers' emotional experiences and influencing their propensity to refer friends to cafés. This study offers useful recommendations for café owners looking to improve customer experiences via marketing tactics that emphasize reasonable prices and a welcoming environment.

Edge-Detected 4DSTEM - effective low-dose diffraction data acquisition method for nanopowder samples in a SEM instrument

The appearance of direct electron detectors marked a new era for electron diffraction. Their high sensitivity and low noise opens the possibility to extend electron diffraction from transmission electron microscopes (TEM) to lower energies such as those found in commercial scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The lower acceleration voltage does however put constraints on the maximum sample thickness and it is a-priori unclear how useful such a diffraction setup could be. On the other hand, nanoparticles are increasingly appearing in consumer products and could form an attractive class of naturally thin samples to investigate with this setup. In this work we present such a diffraction setup and discuss methods to effectively collect and process diffraction data from dispersed crystalline nanoparticles in a commercial SEM instrument. We discuss ways to drastically reduce acquisition time while at the same time lowering beam damage and contamination issues as well as providing significant data reduction leading to fast processing and modest data storage needs. These approaches are also amenable to TEM and could be especially useful in the case of beam-sensitive objects.

Color Inside and Outside the Lines: Evidence From Eye‐Tracking Studies on Conformity to and Differentiation From Category Color Codes

ABSTRACTCategory color codes are commonly used hues in packaging within a specific product category. These colors establish visual standards for new products and influence consumer perception and product categorization. Product managers face a challenging decision: Should they conform to or differentiate from these established color norms? For example, should flour packaging adopt the typical white category color code or stand out with a distinctive color like purple? Retailers face a similar dilemma: Where should they place products that conform to or differ from these color norms to capture consumer attention effectively? Despite the relevance of category color codes for both manufacturers and retailers, the literature on this topic remains limited. Building upon the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing, this paper examines how conformity or differentiation of main and secondary packaging colors from category codes impacts consumer attention. Findings from lab and field eye‐tracking studies reveal a negative interaction between the conformity of main and secondary colors with category codes on both the duration and number of fixations. Hybrid color combinations—where either the main or secondary color conforms while the other differentiates—are most effective in attracting consumer attention, which, in turn, influences consumer choice. This research expands the understanding of the trade‐off between conformity and differentiation in packaging color, offering theoretical contributions to the role of visual stimuli in attracting attention and providing practical guidance for managers in selecting optimal color combinations for their products.

National scale assessment of the occurrence and risk of trace organic contaminants in Canadian Lake sediments.

In Canada studies on the presence of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides and flame retardants in lakes have primarily focused on the water column at localized scales. To address this gap, the occurrence of 44 TrOCs, representative of various types of human activities, was investigated in surface sediments (0-2cm) from 193 lakes across Canada. A total of 28 targeted TrOCs were detected, with 99.5% of the samples containing at least one detection, and one lake exhibiting up to 12 detections. The most frequently detected contaminants (> 20% of samples) were the insect-repellent diethyltoluamide (DEET), the UV filter oxybenzone, the flame retardants tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), the stimulant caffeine, and cotinine, a metabolite of the stimulant nicotine. Median reported concentrations of the targeted TrOCs ranged from 0.017pgg-1 to 359ngg-1, with a maximum value of 23,700ngg-1 observed for DEET in one lake. The geographic distribution of analyte concentrations varied by compound class: pharmaceuticals and consumer product additives were predominantly found in the more urbanized regions of Ontario and Quebec, whereas personal care products such as DEET and oxybenzone were more frequently detected in the western provinces of Canada. An environmental risk assessment based on an additive model conducted on three aquatic organisms (algae, cladocerans, and fish) revealed that 4% and 6% of the lakes posed a potentially high risk for cladocerans and algae, respectively. A geographical analysis indicated that lakes in the south of the eastern provinces of Canada presented the highest risks for all three species. These findings represent the first large-scale results detailing the extent of contamination caused by TrOCs on Canadian lake sediments. They establish reference levels that can guide future monitoring efforts and inform policy discussions aimed at protecting lake ecosystems.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles - physicochemical characterization and cytotoxic risk.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated into numerous consumer products yet data as to potential adverse health effects remains inconclusive. In this paper we physically characterize 16 nanoforms of TiO2 from different manufacturers of different size, crystalline structure and with surface chemistry. Physical measurements of the particles were performed and compared with those provided by manufacturers revealing several discrepancies. We then examined the biological effects of these particles in cell culture in 3 commonly used cell lines for testing materials. We were unable to validate that anatase particles are more cytotoxic than rutile particles as has been reported, and generally found that the particles produced few effects and no significant production of reactive oxygen species under the conditions used. While some particles do exhibit a dose dependent cytotoxicity that increases over time in some cell lines, the effects were not consistent between cell lines and do not appear to be linked to crystalline structure or any of the specific physical characteristics that were measured including, size, charge and surface composition, nor a correlation with the production of reactive oxygen species.

The Impact of Corporate Communication on Consumer Psychology and Product Choice

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the influence of corporate ability (CA) and social responsibility (CSR) on consumers' product choices through three experimental studies. In Experiment 1, using a real company as the experimental stimulus with 134 participants, we found that for utilitarian products, CA messages had a more substantial influence on purchase intention compared to CSR messages. Experiment 2, employing a fictitious company and products with 142 participants, uncovered significant mediation effects of product trust and product pleasure on the relationship between corporate messages (CA and CSR) and purchase intention for both utilitarian and hedonic products. Experiment 3, with 268 participants, substantiated that product involvement significantly moderates the influence of corporate messages (CA and CSR) on purchase intention for both utilitarian and hedonic products. The findings reveal that CA messages have stronger effects on the purchase of utilitarian products, whereas CSR messages are more effective for hedonic products. Trust significantly mediates the relationship between CA and the purchase of utilitarian products, while pleasure mediates the relationship between CSR and the purchase of hedonic products. Additionally, product involvement significantly moderates these effects. This study uniquely addresses the distinct impacts of CA and CSR on consumer choices, offering valuable insights for corporate communication strategies. The results provide practical implications for marketers, suggesting tailored communication strategies based on product type and consumer involvement.

The Impact of Time Perspective on Product Choices: The Mediating Role of Perceived Time Scarcity

This study explores the influence of time perspective (linear vs. cyclical) on consumer product choices (virtue vs. vice) and proposes a theoretical model in which perceived time scarcity acts as a mediator. By reviewing and synthesizing relevant literature, we analyze the mechanisms through which time perspective affects perceptions of time scarcity and further examine how these perceptions drive consumer preferences for different product types. Several theoretical hypotheses are proposed to guide future empirical research. This study aims to provide both theoretical and practical guidance for time management, consumer behavior, and marketing fields.

Recipe optimization using regression analysis method

Introduction. Mathematical modeling in food technology plays a key role in solving many theoretical and practical problems. At the stage of creating new recipes, it becomes one of the effective methods that allows reducing the time and costs of development, reducing the scope of testing, guaranteeing the required quality of the finished product and increasing the competitiveness of products. The research focuses on the bakery product recipe with the addition of whole grain sorghum flour. Grain sorghum of the Bachelor variety is zoned in the Saratov region. It has a high yield of 2.5-3.5 t / ha. It tolerates high temperatures and moisture deficiencies well, and it is resistant to diseases and pests. The nutritional value is due to the high content of protein and starch. The goal of the research was to develop the ratio of recipe components in a bakery product with the addition of whole-grain flour from grain sorghum. The studies were conducted sequentially. 1.The demand for fortified bakery products of consumers in the Saratov region using a questionnaire was studied. 2. The recipe for bakery products with whole-grain flour from grain sorghum using regression analysis was developed. This method made it possible to determine the regression dependence, study the properties of parameter estimates when proposing probable characteristics of facts and random errors of the model. Using linear regression, a linear function of porosity, specific volume, mass fraction of moisture, and vitamin P content was found. The result of the research was the solution to the problem of modeling the relationships between the selected variables and predicting the values of the dependent variable based on the model, which made it possible to compile a matrix of studies of fortified bakery products with whole grain flour from grain sorghum.

Formaldehyde and asthma: a plausibility?

Formaldehyde (FA) is a ubiquitous indoor air pollutant emitted from construction, consumer, and combustion-related products, and ozone-initiated reactions with reactive organic volatiles. The derivation of an indoor air quality guideline for FA by World Health Organization in 2010 did not find convincing evidence for bronchoconstriction-related reactions as detrimental lung function. Causal relationship between FA and asthma has since been advocated in meta-analyses of selected observational studies. In this review, findings from controlled human and animal exposure studies of the airways, data of FA retention in the respiratory tract, and observational studies of reported asthma applied in meta-analyses are analyzed together for coherence of direct association between FA and asthma. New information from both human and animal exposure studies are evaluated together with existing literature and assessed across findings from observational studies and associated meta-analyses thereof. Retention of FA in the upper airways is > 90% in agreement with mice exposure studies that only extreme FA concentrations can surpass trachea, travel to the lower airways, and cause mild bronchoconstriction. However, taken together, detrimental lung function effects in controlled human exposure studies have not been observed, even at FA concentrations up 4ppm (5mg/m3), and in agreement with controlled mice exposure studies. Typical indoor FA concentrations in public buildings and homes are far below a threshold for sensory irritation in the upper airways, based on controlled human exposure studies, to induce sensory-irritative sensitization nor inflammatory epithelial damage in the airways. Analysis of the observational heterogeneous studies applied in the meta-analyses suffers from several concomitant multifactorial co-exposures, which invalidates a direct association with asthma, thus the outcome of meta-analyses. The evidence of a direct causal relationship between FA and asthma is insufficient from an experimental viewpoint that includes retention data in the upper airways and controlled animal and human exposure studies. Taken together, a coherence of controlled experimental findings with individual observational studies and associated meta-analyses, which suffer from caveats, is absent. Further, lack of identified evidence of FA-IgE sensitization in both experimental studies and observational studies agrees with indoor FA concentrations far below threshold for sensory irritation. The assessment of experimental data with uncontrolled observational studies in meta-analyses is incompatible with a direct causal relationship between FA and asthma or exacerbation thereof due to lack of coherence and plausibility.

Spatial Distribution and Dietary Risk Assessment of Aflatoxins in Raw Milk and Dairy Feedstuff Samples from Different Climate Zones in China.

This study aimed to explore the contamination of aflatoxins by investigating the spatial distribution of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in cow feedstuff and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk, and the potential health risks of AFM1 in milk and dairy products. Feedstuff and raw milk were collected from 160 pastures in three climate zones of China from October to November 2020. The results indicated the level of AFB1 and AFM1 ranged from 51.1 to 74.1 ng/kg and 3.0 to 7.0 ng/kg, respectively. Spatial analysis indicated the contamination was mostly concentrated in the temperate monsoon climate zone. On average, the estimated dietary exposure to AFM1 from milk and dairy products for Chinese consumers ranged from 0.0138 to 0.0281 ng/kg bw/day, with the MOE values below 10,000, and liver cancer risk of 0.00004-0.00009 cases/100,000 persons/year. For different groups, the average exposure to AFM1 was highest in the temperate monsoon climate zone and for toddlers.

Maternal exposure to legacy PFAS compounds PFOA and PFOS is associated with disrupted cytokine homeostasis in neonates: The Upstate KIDS study (2008-2010).

There is growing concern that exposure to per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent chemicals used widely to make consumer products water- or grease-proof, may alter immune function, leading to reduced vaccine response or greater susceptibility to infections. We investigated associations between two legacy PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) and infant cytokine levels measured in newborn dried bloodspots (NDBS) from a large population-based birth cohort in Upstate New York, to determine whether exposure to legacy PFAS is associated with variability in cytokine profiles in newborns. We performed adjusted mixed effects regressions for each cytokine against PFOS and PFOA followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on specific cytokine subsets selected via the prior regressions. Among 3448 neonates (2280 singletons and 1168 twins), significant cytokines were dominated by cytokines negatively associated with the given PFAS. Adjusted single-pollutant models with continuous log-transformed PFOA showed significant negative associations with IL-16 (-0.07, 95% CI: -0.3, -0.1), IL-5 (-0.05, 95%CI: -0.09, -0.02), IL-6 (-0.06, 95%CI: -0.1, -0.02), 6-Ckine (0.06, 95% CI: -0.10, -0.02) and significant positive associations with IL-1α (0.066, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.11), MCP-1 (0.06, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.10). Estimates for PFOS were slightly larger than estimates for PFOA but only significant for 6-Ckine (-0.21, 95%CI: -0.09, -0.33) after correction for multiplicity. Our data consistently suggest that legacy PFAS exposures are associated with disrupted, typically reduced, cytokine levels in neonates, with PFOA exposure resulting in more significant differences in individual cytokines and cytokine groupings than PFOS. Regression by PFAS quartile shows evidence of nonlinear dose-response relationships for most cytokines and cytokine groupings.

‘They Only Get the Feed That Grows on Our Farm’: A Survey Experiment on Government-Subsidized Greenwashing of Swiss Meat and Agricultural Policy

Increased consumer concern about environmental issues has led to a surge in green advertising, including misleading forms known as greenwashing. Definitions of greenwashing have mostly focused on companies misleading consumers about products, and existing empirical analyses of greenwashing effects have mostly used fabricated ad materials referring to fictitious products. The objective of the present paper is to use ad material from an actual ad campaign to examine joint greenwashing, by an industry organization and a national government, of consumer products and public policies. Using an actual government-subsidized video commercial for ‘Swiss meat’ as an example, the present paper examines greenwashing targeting both consumers and citizens to influence their product choices and policy opinions. Based on an online survey of an age- and gender-representative sample (n = 637), we measured aspects of consumer knowledge that would enable the consumers to put the ad’s message in perspective, perceptions of the ad, and beliefs about Swiss meat production. Furthermore, we used a two-factorial experimental design to examine how the video commercial and objective product information affected policy opinions relative to control treatments. We find that the consumers strongly overestimated the true percentage of Swiss farms that used the environmentally friendly feeding system featured in the ad. Regarding perceptions, 52% of the respondents ‘rather’ or ‘fully’ agreed with the statement ‘the ad conveys a realistic image of Swiss meat production’, and 41% ‘rather’ or ‘fully’ agreed with the statement ‘the ad shows the production of Swiss beef as it is’. Regarding beliefs, 51% of the respondents ‘partly’, ‘rather’, or ‘fully’ agreed that ‘more meat production in Switzerland is good for the environment’. The video commercial did not influence beliefs about Swiss meat but changed policy opinions in the favor of government subsidies for the advertisement of Swiss meat. The information treatment influenced policy opinions in the opposite direction but did not decrease the effect of the misleading ad. Other significant predictors of support for increased meat subsidies included frequent meat consumption, low factual knowledge, and positive product beliefs. The results of the survey indicate that the ad campaign may have unduly influenced perceptions of Swiss meat production and public opinion about agricultural policy. The findings raise concerns about the current self-regulation of the communication industry and joint private and public advertising of Swiss agricultural products and policies.

Happy to co­create: the influence of product co­creation over consumer hedonic adaptation

PurposeResearchers have been exploring the consequences of the hedonic adaptation process at length. This phenomenon is characterized by the reduction of pleasure with consumption experiences over time. Meanwhile, co-creation initiatives seem to be gaining traction in brand strategies. However, little is known about how individuals experience the co-creation effects in consumption. The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of consumer co-creation experiences on predicting hedonic adaptation. Also, it aims to provide insights into the emotional aspects of consumption.Design/methodology/approachThree mixed-design experimental studies were conducted to explore the effects of co-creation on consumer hedonic adaptation, affective forecasting and emotional responses. Study 1 and Study 2 were conducted online with American participants. Study 3 was conducted in a laboratory setting in Brazil.FindingsThe research demonstrated that individuals predict that the path to consumption adaptation will be longer when co-creating their products co-create. However, this effect varies depending on the type of product. As for the emotional aspect, consumers attribute more positive emotions than negative ones in the context of co-creation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study manipulated different conditions considering specific product types. Future research should apply this framework to other products and services to confirm the generalization of the study’s findings. Also, the authors encourage future studies that explore emotions in different co-creation scenarios.Practical implicationsElucidating how co-creation impacts consumers’ hedonic adaptation empowers companies to leverage co-creation to cultivate positive consumer attitudes and brand loyalty. Marketing campaigns can highlight the emotional benefits of ownership and personalization. It also provides a sustainable perspective for companies, which seeks consumers who remain present over time and trust the company. Furthermore, co-creation can be used strategically for innovation management. By co-creating limited-edition trial products, companies can involve new customers, foster a sense of ownership and potentially mitigate hedonic adaptation, while gathering valuable insights for new product development.Originality/valueThis research advances the limited literature on co-creation and customer hedonic adaptation, which lies at the interface between consumer behaviour and product development. It explores how product co-creation affects consumers’ predictions and shopping experiences concerning pleasure decrease, including product value and company feedback. Additionally, it examines the role of emotions in co-creation and hedonic adaptation. This research contributes by demonstrating the impact of co-creation on adaptation, affective forecasting and emotional responses during consumption.