Consumers and foodborne diseases: knowledge, attitudes and reported behavior in one region of Italy

A survey was conducted to investigate knowledge, attitudes and related behavior on foodborne diseases and food-handling practices among consumers in one region of Italy. A self-administered questionnaire was offered to a random sample of mothers of children attending public schools. Of the 394 responding mothers, 36% knew about all the six foodborne pathogens investigated but only 11.1% correctly indicated six related different food vehicles; education level was a predictor of this knowledge. A positive attitude towards foodborne disease control, significantly higher in older and more educated women, was reported by the great majority, who agreed that improper storage of food represents a health hazard (95.7%), that washing hands before handling unwrapped raw or cooked food reduces the risk of food poisoning (93.2%), and that the awareness of the temperature of the refrigerator is crucial in reducing risk of food poisoning (90.1%). Only 53.9% reported washing hands before and after touching raw or unwrapped food and 50.4% reported using soap to wash hands. A total of 75.6% clean kitchen benches after every use and 81.1% use hot water and soap for this purpose. Only 25.6% thaw food in the refrigerator and 49.9% put leftovers in the refrigerator soon after meals. Washing hands before and after touching unwrapped food was significantly higher in women living in larger families and who had been informed by physicians about foodborne diseases. Educational programs and the counseling efforts of physicians, particularly focused to less educated subjects, are greatly needed.     

唐山市餐饮从业人员食品安全知识、态度及行为调查分析

目的：研究河北省唐山市餐饮从业人员食品安全知识、从业态度和行为的现况,为餐饮从业人员进行健康教育提供依据。方法：采用分层随机抽样的方法抽取唐山市餐饮从业人员759人,通过调查问卷了解其食品安全知识、态度和行为现状。结果：唐山市餐饮从业人员食品安全知识、态度、行为总体知晓率分别为74.1%、88.2%和79.3%;从业人员健康证持有率为89.3%,未达100%;文化程度高、单位规模大、经过培训、从业时间长的从业人员知识知晓率和行为良好率均高于相应其它人员;从事烹饪岗位的从业人员好于其它岗位人员。结论：唐山市部分餐饮从业人员食品安全知识水平较低,但获取食品安全知识的态度比较积极,因此加强对食品从业人员卫生知识培训宣传、加大监管部门执法力度对提高食品从业人员食品安全知识水平,规范食品从业人员行为非常有必要。     

Food handlers and foodborne diseases: knowledge, attitudes, and reported behavior in Italy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning foodborne diseases and food safety issues among food handlers in Italy. Face-to-face interviews were conducted within a random sample using a structured questionnaire. Of the 411 food handlers responding, 48.7% knew the main foodborne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae or other Vibrio spp., Clostridium botulinum, hepatitis A virus), and this knowledge was significantly greater among those with a higher education level, in practice from a longer period of time, and who had attended education courses (P < 0.05). A vast majority (90.4%) correctly indicated those foods classified as common vehicles for foodborne diseases, and only 7.1% of food handlers were able to name five different food vehicles, each of which transmit one of the five pathogens. The proportion of those who were able to specify a food vehicle that transmitted hepatitis A virus was significantly higher for those with a higher educational level and with a longer food-handling activity. A positive attitude toward foodborne diseases control and preventive measures was reported by the great majority of food handlers, and it was more likely achieved by those who had attended education courses. This attitude was not supported by some of the self-reported safe practices observed for hygienic principles, because only 20.8% used gloves when touching unwrapped raw food, and predictors of their use were educational level and attending education courses. Results strongly emphasize the need for educational programs for improving knowledge and control foodborne diseases.     

上海市保健食品消费者的知识-态度-行为(KAP)调查

为了解上海市保健食品消费者所具有的保健食品营养知识、对保健食品的态度和消费行为 ,对 10 0 7名消费者采用统一的KAP调查问卷进行了调查。结果发现消费者的保健食品知识、态度得分较低 ,且文化程度与保健食品营养知识得分存在正相关关系。 5 0 2 %的消费者不知道《保健食品管理办法》 ,不能识别保健食品专用标识者高达 71 1%。保健食品知识主要来源于广告。71 9%的消费者对保健食品广告或产品说明书持半信半疑态度。对保健食品的主要意见是产品广告宣传有夸大、虚假现象 ,同类产品过多 ,无法选择。 84 7%的人购买保健食品是自己或家人食用 ,购买时主要考虑保健功能。 4 6 2 %的消费者认为服用保健食品后无效。这些调查结果提示应加强保健食品营养知识的宣传介绍 ,努力提高保健食品质量 ,强化监督管理工作 ,使消费者对保健食品的知识更为科学 ,态度更为积极 ,消费更为合理     

DETERMINATION OF SYNTHETIC COLORANTS IN CONFECTIONERY AND INSTANT DRINK POWDERS CONSUMED IN TURKEY USING UV/VIS SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

One hundred and forty samples of Turkish confectionery and 96 instant drink powders marketed in Turkey, colored with a single colorant, were analyzed for colorants using both quantitative and qualitative UV/VIS spectrophotometer determinations. Six and five synthetic food colorants were determined in confectionery and instant drink powders, respectively. All the synthetic colorants determined in confectionery, except for Erythrosine, are permitted for use by the Turkish Food Codex and European Community (EC). The permitted colorant levels in 63 (43.7%) of 135 confectionery and in 35 (36.45%) of 96 instant drink powder samples were determined to be higher than the maximum tolerable limit in the Turkish Regulations. Continuous surveillance programs may be warranted to monitor regularly the level of colorant in confectionery and instant drink powder consumed, especially by children.     

欧李红色素的性质和应用

本文研究了欧李红色素的性质及其在食品中的应用,结果表明:欧李红色素具有较强的抗氧化性能,对光、热、常见食品添加剂及常见金属离子(除Fe3+、Sn2+外)均比较稳定,而苯甲酸钠、氧化剂及还原剂对其有较大的破坏作用;用于酸性饮料及白酒中的热稳定性较好,光稳定性较差,在液体饮料中添加0.05%～0.1%,着色效果较好。     

Consumers’ attitude towards food by-products: the influence of food technology neophobia,education and information

The aim of the present study was to investigate how food technology neophobia level, socio-economic variables and information about novel foods and technologies may affect consumers’ attitude towards uses of food by-products in relation to positive effects on environment and consumers’ health. Results suggested that education and, most of all food technology neophobia and information, can be critical factors in facilitating the widespread adoption of new food technologies. Moreover, positive attitudes towards food by-products were found, even in people characterised by a greater food neophobia and lower education level. These positive attitudes could be considered a starting point for the food industry to design novel recycling strategies of food by-products in the perspective of the circular economy.     

咸阳某高校大学生食品安全知识、态度、行为调查分析

目的对咸阳市某高校在校大学生食品安全知识、态度、行为进行调查分析,探讨提高大学生食品安全认识的方法,为开展食品安全知识教育提供依据。方法采用分层抽样方法,用自行设计的调查问卷进行调查,经由培训的调查员现场发放问卷,填写并收回,有效回收率93.7%。结果被调查学生对食品安全相关知识知晓率较低,平均为51.2%。开设食品相关课程的学生其平均知晓率也不高。大学生主要通过学校课程教育、电视、广播和网络途径获得食品安全相关知识;男、女生除通过学校课程教育获得相关食品安全知识的比例差异有统计学意义(P0.05),其他知识来源途径的比例男、女生差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);54.6%的学生经常关注食品安全问题,有76.5%的学生支持学校定期展开食品安全知识的宣传活动;选购食品时,学生最关心是食品的生产日期和保质期,其次是商品的价格。结论被调查大学生的食品安全知识普遍贫乏,应该加强食品安全知识的普及,展开相关讲座,让学生树立正确的安全态度,改善不良饮食习惯和行为。     

二极管阵列高效液相色谱法测定食品中红色2G

本实验建立了二极管阵列高效液相色谱法测定高蛋白食品中食品着色剂红色2G 的方法。实验优化选择了高蛋白样品中红色2G 的萃取溶剂、吸附剂、色谱条件。本方法应用于火腿肠中红色2G 的测定,结果表明：在2mg/kg 和8mg/kg 两种水平上,加标回收率分别为90%～104% 及89.98%～94.00%;相对标准偏差分别为9.37%和2.82%,能够满足高蛋白食品安全检测的要求。     

高校学生对食品安全的态度及行为分析

目的调查分析当前高等院校在校生对食品安全的态度及行为,提高高校学生对食品安全的关注度。方法通过网上发放调查问卷,对我国609名高校学生的食品安全知识态度现状进行调查,根据调查结果和相关文献分析高校学生食品安全知识态度中存在的问题以及影响因素,并探究高校学生食品安全知识态度教育提升的对策。结果仅有1.1%的学生对校内食品安全十分满意,25%的学生对未来食品安全具有信心;6.5%的学生在遇到食品安全问题时不会采取任何有效的举措维护自身的合法权益;对于《食品安全法》21%的学生比较了解,12%的学生完全了解《食品安全法》当中的内容,其余67%的学生表示对于《食品安全法》几乎不了解或完全不了解;33%的学生表示学校经常组织食品安全培训,35%的学生会经常参加食品安全培训。结论目前高等院校在校生对于食品安全知识关注和认知水平较低、维权意识薄弱并且教育效果不明显,需要运用多种管理方法和教育手段,端正高等院校在校生对食品安全的态度,提升安全卫生意识。     

Effect of Various Food Additives on the Levels of 4(5)‐Methylimidazole in a Soy Sauce Model System

In this study, the effect of food additives such as iron sulfate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, citric acid, gallic acid, and ascorbic acid on the reduction of 4(5)‐methylimidazole (4(5)‐MI) was investigated using a soy sauce model system. The concentration of 4(5)‐MI in the soy sauce model system with 5% (v/v) caramel colorant III was 1404.13 μg/L. The reduction rate of 4(5)‐MI level with the addition of 0.1M additives followed in order: iron sulfate (81%) > zinc sulfate (61%) > citric acid (40%) > gallic acid (38%) > ascorbic acid (24%) > magnesium sulfate (13%). Correlations between 4(5)‐MI levels and the physicochemical properties of soy sauce, including the amount of caramel colorant, pH value, and color differences, were determined. The highest correlations were found between 4(5)‐MI levels and the amount of caramel colorant and pH values (r² = 0.9712, r² = 0.9378). The concentration of caramel colorants in 8 commercial soy sauces were estimated, and ranged from 0.01 to 1.34% (v/v).     

Influence of copigment derived from Tasmannia pepper leaf on Davidson's plum anthocyanins

Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens, F. Muell.), a native to Australian rainforests, large, crimson-red fruit, which superficially resembles plum, has been commercially cultivated in Australia since 1990s. The current production volume exceeds market demands therefore this study was designed to evaluate the suitability of Davidson's plum extract as a source of anthocyanin-based food colorant. The stability of the Davidson's plum extract towards heat treatment at 95 °C was higher than that of commercial mulberry colorant, but inferior to colorants derived from red cabbage and purple sweetpotato. An addition of a variety of phenolic acids significantly increased color intensity indicating the formation of copigmentation complexes. Commercial chlorogenic acid as well as extract from a native Australian herb rich in chlorogenic acid, Tasmannia pepper leaf (Tasmannia lanceolata, R. Br.), were both tested in model soft drink solutions subjected to light irradiation and heat treatment. In both cases, the addition of the copigment resulted in a lasting increase in color intensity. In conclusion, Davidson's plum extract can successfully be utilized as a source of natural food color. Extract from Tasmania pepper leaf can be used as a co-pigment for Davidson's plum anthocyanins. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The color properties of an anthocyanin colorant derived from the native Australian fruit Davidson's plum are comparable to those of mulberry, which is currently applied as a food colorant in Australian food products. Utilization of Davidson's plum fruit as a source of natural color will allow the industry to increase the range of natural pigments and will create new opportunities for the emerging native food industry.     

The consumer’s attitude toward genetically modified foods in Taiwan

The present study examines the factors that have influences upon benefit and risk perceptions of applying gene technology to food production, perceptions that may in turn determine the consumer’s attitude toward genetically modified (GM) foods in Taiwan. Results of structural equation modeling analysis give evidence that general attitude toward and trust in institutes and scientists performing gene manipulation have positive impacts on the perceived benefits, but knowledge has negative impacts on the perceived risks of applying gene technology to produce food products. The consumer’s attitude toward GM foods is mainly determined by the consumer’s benefit perception. Recommendations for regulating agencies and related industries in the GM food area and suggestions for future research are discussed.     

Seafood safety: Knowledge,attitudes, self-reported practices and risk perceptions of seafood workers

The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices regarding seafood safety and the risk perception of seafood-borne diseases among seafood workers and to study the relationships among these variables. This study was cross-sectional, and the data collection was conducted using questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews with 193 seafood workers in Brazil. Of these workers, 49.8% handled fish on fishery boats (Fishery Workers, FWs) and 50.2% were seafood handlers in two seafood warehouses (Seafood Warehouse Workers, SWWs). A minority of the seafood workers (33.7%) had participated in at least one food-safety training session. The knowledge and attitudes scores of the SWWs were higher than the scores of the FWs. However, no difference was observed between the self-reported practice scores of the SWWs and FWs. The mean level of risk perception score of the SWWs was higher than that of the FWs; nevertheless, both groups were classified as having an average risk perception of seafood-borne diseases. The risk perception score was correlated with the knowledge and attitude scores in both groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the attitude score and the age of the worker were related to the self-reported practice scores of both groups. These results showed the need for immediate actions to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety and handling to ensure the production of seafood that is safe for consumption.     

我国食品理化实验室专业技术人员的食品安全知信行调查及影响因素分析

目的 了解我国食品理化实验室专业技术人员食品安全知识、态度、行为现状,探讨其影响因素。方法 对我国15个省的省级、市级、区（县）级部门下属食品理化实验室及第三方机构、企业等非政府机构食品理化实验室的专业技术人员开展食品安全知识、态度、行为问卷调查,并对调查结果进行统计分析。结果 共回收有效问卷1339份。除性别对态度得分无显著影响,文化程度、就职年限等对行为无显著影响外,年龄、实验室类型、所在区域和最近一次接受培训时间等均是影响食品理化检验人员食品安全知识、态度、行为得分的因素,且知识、态度和行为得分存在正相关关系。结论 尽管存在满分问卷,但食品理化实验室专业技术人员KAP平均得分仅略高于及格水平。需要关注重点人群,如年龄25岁以下、就职年限2年以下或大专及以下学历的专业技术人员等食品安全知识水平的提升、态度的端正和行为的规范。     

Socio-demographic and attitudinal determinants of nutrition knowledge of food shoppers in six European countries

Nutrition knowledge is a prerequisite for processing nutrition-related information when making food choices. Insight into determinants of nutrition knowledge is important both for designing measures aimed at increasing levels of nutrition knowledge and for food industry attempting to position food products based on their nutritional properties. Shoppers recruited in the UK, Sweden, France, Germany, Poland and Hungary (total n = 5967) filled out a questionnaire measuring their nutrition knowledge with regard to dietary recommendations, sources of nutrients, and calorie content of food and drink products. Differences in the level of knowledge found were related to country, socio-demographic characteristics, attitude to healthy eating, and use of different sources of nutrition knowledge. Results showed that nutrition knowledge is multi-dimensional, with especially knowledge on calorie content being unrelated to the rest. Attitude to healthy eating and use of different information sources were weakly but significantly related to level of nutrition knowledge. Direct effects of socio-demographic characteristics were stronger, and inter-country differences were pronounced, with highest scores for the UK, suggesting that the history of health policies and nutrition-related initiatives taken by retailers and manufacturers, together with cultural differences, are a major factor affecting how people acquire knowledge about food and health.     

Pork producers' attitudes, knowledge, and production practices that relate to on-farm food safety.

A survey was distributed by mail to a random selection of Illinois pig farmers marketing 1,000 or more pigs in 1998 to assess their knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding on-farm food safety. Valid responses were received from 353 of the 946 surveys mailed (37.3%). Pork production accounted for more than 50% of gross agricultural revenues among 65.0% of respondents, and 91.2% were classified as "owner-operators." Knowledge of food-borne pathogens was mixed, with correct responses to questions as follows: Trichina, 80.4%; Salmonella, 58.5%; Toxoplasma, 19.9%; and Campylobacter, 12.8%. Producers strongly agreed that food safety was a shared responsibility at every level of the food chain, including the farm level, with an average score for all steps in the pork chain of 4.5 on a scale from 1 (not important) to 5 (very important). When asked whether third party verification of on-farm practices was important, 51.2% agreed and 48.8% either disagreed or neither agreed nor disagreed. Associations between demographic categories and knowledge of and attitudes toward food safety were detected for herd size, proportion of agricultural receipts from pig production, grower versus birth-to-market production, age categories, and whether the respondent owned the pigs or facilities. Many (53.4%) were willing to apply a suggested food safety practice, even if there was no net profit for the practice. Findings suggest that Illinois pork producers accept an important role in pork food safety and express a willingness to participate but have knowledge gaps that should be filled.     

Production of a red–purple food colorant from Opuntia stricta fruits by spray drying and its application in food model systems

Opuntia stricta fruit juice is a potential source of betacyanin pigments which can be used as a natural red-purple food colorant. In this work a powder food colorant was obtained by co-current spray drying of O. stricta fruit juices with a bench-scale two fluid nozzle spray dryer. Glucose syrup (DE 29) was used as drying aid. Optimum conditions for spray drying were as follow: juice content (20% v/v; 1.2 °Brix), glucose syrup content (10% w/v), liquid feed rate (0.72 l/h), spray air flow-rate (0.47 m³/h), drying air flow-rate (36 m³/h), and inlet drying air temperature 160 °C. Color was retained during the drying process (>98%) and drying yield was high (58%). The powder colorant showed high color strength (4.0), being this color strength stable when stored at room temperature for one month. This colorant was successfully applied in two food model systems: a yogurt and a soft-drink. Food presented a vivid red-purple tonality very attractive for consumers that was maintained after one month under refrigeration (4 °C) (ΔE < 5).     

The attitudes of Italian consumers towards jellyfish as novel food

The globalization of food markets and the recent upgrade of the European regulation on novel foods open up new possibilities for the introduction of edible jellyfish in the diet of Europeans. In spite of no tradition of eating jellyfish in Italy and, more generally, in Western countries, several Mediterranean jellyfish species have biological and nutritional features with a large potential as innovative, sustainable novel food and source of bioactive compounds. To evaluate the Italians’ attitude of considering jellyfish as food source, a survey has been carried out on a group of 1445 individuals. A questionnaire was designed to assess the jellyfish consumption attitude (JCA) of respondents and explore the effect of their individual traits (socio-demography, personality, behavior habits, neophobia, disgust sensitivity) on JCA. Gender, age, and travelling habits differently affected JCA. Possible culinary uses and food pairing of jellyfish were also significantly influenced by JCA. Individuals with the highest propensity to accept jellyfish as food are young people, familiar with the sea environment, with high education level or students, and frequent travelers. Food neophobia and sensitivity to disgust are confirmed as personality traits able to strongly impair the acceptability of a novel food. Finally, this work provides insights into the acceptance and rejection variables that should be taken into account when an unfamiliar new food product, such as jellyfish, is planned to be introduced in a new dietary culture and new markets.     

提高天然食用色素稳定性技术研究进展

天然食用色素是食用色素的发展趋势.分析天然食用色素存在的问题,并从添加色素稳定剂、制备微胶囊、消除金属离子、改造色素分子、调整加工工艺和改善包装等方面阐述提高天然食用色素稳定性的新技术.