Consumer Concerns about Food

Abstract

This paper examines some of the food scares that have occurred during the past forty years. It looks at why food scares have become increasingly common, and why some countries are particularly affected. It then considers food buyers' attitudes towards food safety, environmental issues, animal welfare, organic foods and genetically modified foods, and the impact that those attitudes have had on food choice. It finishes with some thoughts on how food labelling and WTO measures could change in the future.

Consumer perceptions of traceability: A cross-national comparison of the associated benefits

“…For example, traceability could also be an important tool to help to establish the authenticity of food, and to check that claims made by producers about food are true. Products that make special claims may benefit from traceability as a means to support the claims by making it verifiable, for example related to a premium quality, designated origin, organic production and fair trade, issues about which consumers are concerned or interested in (Gregory, 2000). Indeed traceability may be utilized to back up product claims such as origin and quality labelling (Verbeke & Ward, 2006).…”

An Experimental Investigation of Consumer Willingness to Pay for Non-GM Foods When an Organic Option Is Present

“…These consumer concerns include a spectrum of health, food safety, and environmental issues. Importantly, these are the same issues that had already been leading many consumers to organic foods (Gregory 2000). Thus, the spread of GM foods may be a significant factor in continuing changes in consumer demand patterns involving organic foods.…”

Consumers’ willingness to pay for organic vegetables: Empirical evidence from Nepal

“…However, overuse and misuse of synthetic pesticides has negative consequences. Interest in organic food is increasing throughout the world as consumers are more concerned about food safety, environment, animal welfare and agricultural practices (Gregory, 2000;Grossman, 1972;Grunert & Juhl, 1995;Harper & Makatouni, 2002;Hughes, 1995;Schifferstein & Oude Ophuis, 1997;Yiridoe, Bonti-Ankomah, & Martin, 2005;Wandel & Bugge, 1997). As a result, the market for organic food is growing and it is frequently regarded as one of the biggest growth market in food industry (Hughner, Mcdonagh, Prothero, & Shultz II, 2007).…”