Risk perception and chicken consumption in the avian flu age – a consumer behaviour study on food safety information

As the avian flu pandemic threatens Europe, consumer awareness of the ‘theoretical’ possibility of contraction of the avian flu virus through consumption of chicken saw a decline in demand at the end of 2005, with peaks between 40% - 50% in Southern European countries such as Italy whilst having lit...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lobb A. E., Traill W. B., MAZZOCCHI, MARIO
Other Authors: Lobb A.E., Mazzocchi M., Traill W.B.
Format: Conference Object
Language:English
Published: AgEcon Search - University of Minnesota 2006
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11585/32588
Description
Summary:As the avian flu pandemic threatens Europe, consumer awareness of the ‘theoretical’ possibility of contraction of the avian flu virus through consumption of chicken saw a decline in demand at the end of 2005, with peaks between 40% - 50% in Southern European countries such as Italy whilst having little impact on demand in Northern countries like the UK. Such food scares, coupled with an increasing awareness of food safety issues by the general public, highlight the importance of evaluating the perceived risks associated with food purchasing and consumption are paramount in order to provide effective policy communication in this area.