Risk/Benefit Communication about Food-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

A systematic review relevant to the following research questions was conducted (1) the extent to which different theoretical frameworks have been applied to food risk/benefit communication and (2) the impact such food risk/benefit communication interventions have had on related risk/benefit attitudes and behaviors. Fifty four papers were identified. The analysis revealed that (primarily European or US) research interest has been relatively recent. Certain food issues were of greater interest to researchers than others, perhaps reflecting the occurrence of a crisis, or policy concern. Three broad themes relevant to the development of best practice in risk (benefit) communication were identified: the characteristics of the target population; the contents of the information; and the characteristics of the information sources. Within these themes, independent and dependent variables differed considerably. Overall, acute risk (benefit) communication will require advances in communication process whereas chronic communication needs to identify audience requirements. Both citizen's risk/benefit perceptions and (if relevant) related behaviors need to be taken into account, and recommendations for behavioral change need to be concrete and actionable. The application of theoretical frameworks to the study of risk (benefit) communication was infrequent, and developing predictive models of effective risk (benefit) communication may be contingent on improved theoretical perspectives.

Food safety and consumers' attitude in a new EU member state. A case study of Hungary.

Food safety problems are gaining importance throughout Europe. National food safety strategies are required and in the center of these strategies are consumers. The aim of our study was to analyse the behavior of Hungarian consumers and their food safety-related knowledge based on cluster analysis of principal component scores. We have identified five clusters: 'uncertain curios', 'optimistic technocrats', 'indifferent', 'distrustful' and 'incoherent' consumers. The name of each group is reflecting the most characteristic feature of the cluster. Furthermore, their socio-economic and educational background was dominant, as well. Consequently, our most important aim should be to strengthen the efficiency of risk communication towards consumers relating to food safety issues if we want to preserve their fragile confidence.

Growth of untreated and radiation-damaged Listeria as affected by environmental factors.

The growth of untreated Listeria monocytogenes 4ab No. 10 and that of the surviving fraction of its population treated with 0.8 kGy gamma rays was investigated in a microtitreplate system at incubation temperatures between 3 degrees C and 35 degrees C in Tryptic Phosphate Broth (TPB) or Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB) media containing NaCl between 0.25 to 16.75% (w/v), and acidified with citrate-phosphate buffers to pH values between 4.63 and 7.06. The initial viable count was 3 x 10(3)/ml. Time periods to visible growth were recorded. Radiation survivors showed increased salt- and pH-sensitivities and increased minimum temperature for growth in TPB-based media. Adverse effects of sub-optimal environmental factors (reduced water activity, pH and temperature) and radiation injury were much less pronounced in BHIB-based media. Polynomial equations describing the combined effects of hydrogen ion and salt concentrations on the detectable growth at 30 degrees C were constructed for quantitative assessment of interactions. The results demonstrate that combining environmental stresses with low-dose irradiation can control growth of L. monocytogenes.