Several factors drive consumer behavior in buying meat, particularly rabbit meat. The consumption of rabbits has decreased in Europe, and the main causes of this trend are an increasing association with the perception of rabbits as pets, consumers’ changes in lifestyle, and eating habits. Additionally, increasing attention is paid to ethical issues regarding animal welfare. Investigating consumers’ knowledge, perceptions, and concerns about rabbit meat production and consumption are crucial for improving market strategies. This study investigated consumers’ perspectives of rabbit meat to provide useful information to producers for promoting this sector to consumers. A mixed-methods research design was applied. Qualitative data were collected through four focus group discussions involving 32 consumers and quantitative data through a semi-structured questionnaire administered nationally and completed by 1001 consumers. The limited use of antibiotics in inbreeding and the absence of animal suffering are factors that most influence consumers’ willingness to purchase rabbit meat. Rural/domestic farms were recognized as places where animal welfare measures can be applied and have a positive influence not only on organoleptic quality but also on ethical value and food safety. The cage was perceived as unsuitable for rabbit growth and was oriented to a process of fattening based on industrial feed and antibiotics. Respondents sought information on rabbit farming during purchase, and the label was the most used tool. The rabbit meat production sector should consider these results to meet consumers’ demands and raise awareness among operators on the use of animal welfare-based farming systems, helping to build a more positive image of the rabbit meat industry.

This study aims to provide an overview of the consumption of ethnic food in Italy and to analyze the perception of risk associated with this kind of food. A sample of 1,317 Italian consumers was surveyed. The consumption of ethnic food products is growing. Such food items are consumed at restaurants and as take‐out food and are purchased and cooked at home. Ethnic food consumers are mainly women, younger than non‐consumers, have higher educational qualifications, are employed and have children. The ethnic food consumers live mainly in the south part of Italy or in the Islands, are inhabitants of larger cities and meet their financial responsibilities more easily than non‐consumers. The motivations connected with ethnic food consumption were analyzed. The perception of risk associated with ethnic food appears to be higher than that related to Italian food. The perceptions regarding the riskiest foods and the associated rationale were explored. Practical applications Ethnic food consumption is a growing phenomenon that deserves attention not only to analyze changes in Italian food consumption habits but also because these foods bring about specific food safety issues. Associated risk factors are related to preparation practices in retail and food service establishments as well as the use of particular ingredients that pose specific biological chemical and nutritional issues that need to be considered. The definition of the characteristics of ethnic food consumers and the study of their practices and perceptions of risk can help in the understanding of aspects that may limit or encourage the acceptance of these products thus fostering the comprehension of the potential impact of these foods on consumer health. Moreover, these data can be useful for institutions that address the protection of public health to analyze the food safety issues related to the introduction of ethnic products into Italian consumption habits.

A high incidence of foodborne diseases occurs in the home setting because consumers adopt inappropriate preparation, consumption, and storage procedures. The present study applies an ethnographic approach to identify inadequate practices that could increase the incidence of foodborne diseases. Techniques related to the ethnographic approach were used: participant observation, kitchens mapping, collection of photographic material, and informal interviews in natural settings. A sample of 14 families was involved through the snowball sampling technique. This study identifies habitual practices and routine behaviour as the main risk factors. The inadequacies most frequently encountered related to the microbiological risks are incorrect handwashing, the presence in the kitchen spaces of objects unrelated to food preparation, the improper use of dishcloths and sponges, the inappropriate washing of utensils and food, the incorrect storage of food in the fridge, and the presence of children and pets without an adequate administration of the spaces. The practices that can expose consumers to chemical risk include food preservation through unsuitable containers/materials, food overcooking, and detergents contamination. The data underline the need to implement communicative and training interventions that give precise and targeted indications about correct safety practices in the home setting.

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