Food Tube: Coverage of Food Safety Issues Through Video

Abstract

Food safety in restaurants is an increasing concern among consumers. A primary population segment working in foodservice is receiving food safety information through new media channels such as video social network websites. This research used content analysis to examine the purpose and messages of food safety‐related videos posted to YouTube. A usable sample of 76 videos was identified using “food safety” in the YouTube search function. Results indicate that videos must be artfully developed to attract YouTube users while conveying a credible and educational message. Communicators must also monitor new media for competing messages being viewed by target audiences and devise strategies to counter such messages. This one‐time snapshot of how food safety was portrayed on YouTube suggests that the intended purpose of videos, whether educational or entertainment, is not as relevant as the perceived purpose and the message being received by viewers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Findings from this study inform food safety educators working with young adults about existing messages in emerging communications channels. Many youth are moving to new social networking and online resources for entertainment and education. These findings characterize food safety information youth can currently access on one such site. By knowing what complementary and competing messages exist, educators, food safety experts and communicators can more strategically develop messages for this medium, which, in turn, helps achieve their communication or educational objectives.

Food safety training and evaluation of handwashing intention among fresh produce farm workers

“…The You Tube video included in this study targeted fresh produce farm workers, was focused and provided relevant farm food safety topics and this may have allowed participants to associate the video to their working environment and scenarios of potential cross contamination that could occur in the field and pack-house. This indicates that videos that are focused and provide one concept per video are important to maintain viewers' interest (Rhoades & Ellis, 2010).…”

What Side Are You On? An Examination of the Persuasive Message Factors in Proposition 37 Videos on YouTube

“…As Rhoades and Ellis (2010) stated, understanding how frames are used in videos is important because these frames can impact how audience members perceive a certain topic. Right to know and human health frames were the most prominent in the sample, present in the majority of the videos.…”

“…This definition is consistent with Goffman's (1974) explanation that individuals use previous experiences to process information. Traditionally in communication research, framing studies have examined news coverage, but the same process can be used when individuals view videos for information (Rhoades & Ellis, 2010). Regarding GMOs, Abbot et al (2001) found the media used frames such as human health, environmental, regulatory, business, and morality.…”

“…Regarding GMOs, Abbot et al (2001) found the media used frames such as human health, environmental, regulatory, business, and morality. Rhoades and Ellis (2010) stated that it is important to understand the frames used in videos because they can influence an audiences' perception of a given topic depending on how the information is presented. Particular message characteristics, such as appeals, can influence the persuasive ability of messages (English, Sweetser, & Ancu, 2011).…”

YouTube as a Source of Information on Confined Space Safety

“…Food safety researchers examined 76 food safety-related videos posted to YouTube and found that a large portion of the information to be only moderately credible [7]. Medical researchers reviewed 54 videos that demonstrated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique and found that while most steps of CPR were fairly-well demonstrated -a number of them demonstrated the steps incorrectly [8].…”