Thesis
Evaluation of consumers behavior, knowledge, and attitudes around the recommendation not to wash raw poultry
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000746
Abstract
In the United States, there are an estimated 47.8 million cases of foodborne illness each year. Salmonella and Campylobacter are leading causes of foodborne illness, and they are both commonly found on raw poultry. The food handling practice of washing or rinsing raw poultry is highly prevalent among consumers in the United States, and it presents a significant cross contamination risk. Previous educational campaigns have attempted to reduce the prevalence of washing raw poultry by educating consumers that washing raw poultry is not correct. There is limited information on how successful these previous educational campaigns have been in changing consumer behavior. In the research presented here, a national online survey was administered to 1,822 consumers in the United States via SurveyMonkey®. The survey sought to determine whether consumers wash raw poultry, and if they are aware of the correct behavior to not wash raw poultry. Consumers who indicated that they were not aware of the correct behavior were presented with the USDA's educational message online and then asked how confident they were that they could stop washing raw poultry. The survey also included questions to identify barriers that prevented consumers who were aware of the correct behavior from not washing raw poultry. Results found that 73.5% (n = 1340) of consumers reported washing raw poultry. Of those consumers, 68.8% (n = 920) indicated that they were not aware that the practice is incorrect. When these consumers were presented the educational message, 81.9% (n = 748) indicated that they were somewhat to very confident that they could stop washing raw poultry. Of the consumers who were aware of the correct behavior but continued to wash raw poultry, 58.4% (n = 244) reported that they continued to do so because they thought they cleaned surfaces well, and 47.1% (n = 197) thought they were careful not to splash when washing raw poultry. That is, consumers did not believe that their washing raw poultry was a risk for cross contamination. Data indicated that a large percentage of consumers are still not aware of the correct behavior to not wash raw poultry and a large subset of that group may easily adopt the practice if made aware of the correct behavior.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of consumers behavior, knowledge, and attitudes around the recommendation not to wash raw poultry
- Creators
- Christopher D. Vatral
- Contributors
- Jennifer J. Quinlan (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 74 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nutrition Sciences; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015411989104721