Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues in the age of COVID-19: evidence from an online survey in 15 countries
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Date
2023
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Abstract
This investigation provides an important insight into Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues
influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted in 15 European and Asian countries involving more
than 4000 consumers.
RESULTS: It has confirmedthatdifferent socioeconomic characteristics, cultural aspects and education levels shape food safety
perceptions within Eurasian countries. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced their beliefs and trust in food safety, which is rela
tively low on average. However, it is significantly higher for European consumers (especially European Union ones) compared
totheir Asiancounterparts.BothAsianandEuropeanrespondentsagreedthatfoodfraudandclimatechangesrepresentafood
safety issue. However, European consumers were less concerned regarding the food safety of genetically modified foods and
meat and dairy analogs/hybrids. Asian consumers were, to a greater extent, worried about the risk of getting COVID-19 from
food, restaurants, food retail establishments and home food deliveries.
CONCLUSION: Eurasian consumers have put their greatest extent of trust, when food safety assurance is concerned, into food
scientists and food producers holding a food safety certificate. Broadly, they are uncertain to what extent their federal govern
ments and food inspectors are competent, able and efficient in ensuring food safety. Higher education of Eurasian consumers
was followed by increased food safety confidence in all parts of the food chain.
©2023TheAuthors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of
Chemical Industry.