Study finds gap between consumer knowledge, food safety practices

Though consumers are now more aware of the appropriate steps to take to prevent illness when preparing and handling food, many are not putting that knowledge into practice, according to a new study conducted by researchers at RTI International for the Partnership for Food Safety Education, commonly known as Fight BAC!

The study, presented at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo, included a review of a survey of almost 5,000 participants about their habits regarding cleaning, cooking, chilling and separating foods.

Seventy-four percent of the respondents reportedly know that they should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling raw foods. However, only 53 percent said they actually do.

Eighty percent of participants also admitted knowing that fresh fruits and vegetables need to be washed before serving, but only 61 percent reported that they actually wash them.

"Do consumers follow recommended food handling practices?" asks Sheryl Cates, a research policy analyst at RTI. "The answer is 'yes' and 'no.' There is apparently a gap between what consumers know and their actual behavior when cooking at home. And for some specific practices, the gap is quite large."

The researchers reported that young adults between 18 and 29 years of age were the most likely to engage in risky food handling practices. They also found that males, people who are well educated, people with higher incomes, and/or older adults who live alone are less likely to follow food safely guidelines.

Cates said that educating consumers about the proper recommendations is not sufficient. She identifies the need to find ways to motivate consumers to follow the food safety recommendations. "Some consumers may not feel the risk of food-borne illnesses is so great that it warrants the extra precautions," Cates said.

More information on safe food handing practices can be found at http://www.fightbac.org