99E-15 |
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G. GUNES and M. D. Tekin. Food Engineering, Istanbul Technical Univ., ITU Kimya Metalurji Fakültesi, Gida Mühendisligi Bölümü, Maslak, Istanbul, 34469, Turkey Food irradiation is an effective tool to eliminate certain foodborne-pathogens from food. Its safety and efficiency has been approved by several authorities (FDA, USDA, WHO, FAO etc) and scientific societies based on extensive research. However, market success of irradiated foods has not been at desired level due to consumers' erroneous fear that irradiated foods become radioactive and irradiation could form harmful compounds in food. It has been found that acceptance of irradiated foods depends on consumer awareness and knowledge about the process can be affected by education. The purpose of this work was to investigate Turkish consumer attitudes awareness and acceptance towards food irradiation. A survey covering demographics, awareness and acceptance of food irradiation was prepared and distributed in person to 444 consumers in Istanbul metropolitan area at different locations and the results were analyzed. Consumer awareness of food irradiation was very low (29%). Majority of consumers (80%) were uncertain about the safety of irradiated foods. Only 11% expressed irradiated foods are safe. Upon benefit statement level of positive attitude towards irradiated foods increased substantially (62%). Purchase trend of irradiated foods was highest (44%) when price is same as unirradiated foods. In conclusion, although the awareness and acceptance of food irradiation is low educational activities to give information to consumers about the process would increase positive attitudes and increase the potential success of the food irradiation.
Session 99E, Nonthermal Processing: General II
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |