32-5 |
Consumer organization perspective on minimally processed foods |
B. KETTLITZ, European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC), Avenue de Tervueren 36 -bte 4, Brussels, B-1040, Belgium and H. L. M. LELIEVELD, Food Processing, Unilever Research Vlaardingen, PO Box 114, Olivier van Noortland 120, Vlaardingen, 3130 AC, Netherlands. Access to safe food supplies continues to be a major issue in world public health. There is a crisis of confidence in Europe among consumers regarding the food they eat. Recent issues such as the dioxin crisis in Belgium, BSE, the use of antibiotics and hormones in animal production and genetically modified foods have led many consumers to question the safety, quality or wholesomeness of their food. Globalisation and associated changes of eating habits, production, processing, distribution, product compositions and consumer sentiment are social issues that influence the perception of the safety, wholesomeness and quality of our food. While food safety is a pre- requisite for marketing a food, quality and wholesomeness are properties that make the consumption of food a pleasure. Wholesomeness and quality perception depend on the individual needs and desires of consumers. Many consumers associate high quality food with its: ·Appearance and organoleptic perception ·Safety ·Nutritional value ·Clear labeling ·Ingredients ·Price ·Packaging ·Brand’s reputation ·Convenience ·Product consistency ·Suitability for specific occasions ·Origin ·Ethical aspects ·Environmental considerations. With regard to advanced technology for safe and high quality foods it is important that consumers know the details in order to make personal judgements and informed choices. It is necessary that consumers have confidence in risk analysis processes for them to make objective judgements. This means that they should trust the scientists as well as regulators and legislators. The establishment of the EFA and its proper functioning might help consumers regain confidence in the system and to accept lesser-known advanced technologies. Suspicion is a bad starting point for acceptance, and as we know from the GMO discussions strong opinions are difficult to change. Finally it is necessary that food legislation is precautionary, preventive and comprehensive in scope, respectful of principles of openness and consumers rights, and should be enforced in a secure and efficient manner. The strict implementation of harmonised European legislation with national application of strict food safety controls is vital.
Session 32, Refreshing the fresh concept
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