Consumer Awareness and Attitude on Radiocesium Food Contamination Following Fukushima Incident

Abstract

Concerns about radioactive contamination are spreading among consumers after the nuclear power plant incident at Fukushima, Japan in 2011. This study is an attempt to understand how Japanese consumer recognize the risk of radioactive substances in food based on web-based-questionnaire conducted in October 2011, March 2012, and January 2013. Results showedmixed awareness both willing to support radiation-affected areas and willing to avoid the risk of radioactive substances. And deteriorating trust on the radioactive substance management by the stakeholders, and insufficient information provided on risk and management of radioactive substances also were indicated. Among the respondents, those revealed higher satisfaction about risk management measures showed the lower perceived level of risk and their knowledge level were higher.