Food safety knowledge, self-reported practices and attitude of poultry meat handling among Slovenian consumers
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 11 June 2018
Issue publication date: 4 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Slovenian consumers’ knowledge and self-reported practices in poultry meat handling during purchase, transport, and preparation in home kitchens and to assess the awareness of the microbiological risk associated with poultry meat, with an emphasis on Campylobacter.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study of consumers’ food safety knowledge, self-reported practices, and awareness of the microbiological risk was conducted from March to April 2015 at supermarkets in different parts of Slovenia. A convenience sample of 560 consumers was obtained. Gender and age distribution were controlled by 28 interviewers, each of whom distributed 20 questionnaires. The questionnaire included 33 questions divided into four parts.
Findings
The results revealed consumers awareness of food safety issues. Respondents have some basic knowledge about proper food handling. However, a substantial number of consumers still lacks knowledge of the microbiological risk and has bad habits in domestic poultry meat preparation.
Research limitations/implications
The research did not reflect a representative sample of Slovenian consumers.
Practical implications
The results indicate some gaps in consumers’ food safety knowledge and self-reported practices. Current Campylobacter preventive strategies regarding retail poultry meat contamination are not yet sufficiently successful.
Originality/value
The study provides valuable insight into consumers’ food safety knowledge and self-reported practices in poultry meat handling from shopping to eating. Opportunities for improvement in consumers’ formal and informal education and training should be offered.
Keywords
Citation
Sterniša, M., Smole Možina, S., Levstek, S., Kukec, A., Raspor, P. and Jevšnik, M. (2018), "Food safety knowledge, self-reported practices and attitude of poultry meat handling among Slovenian consumers", British Food Journal, Vol. 120 No. 6, pp. 1344-1357. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-06-2017-0360
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited