Media and public concerns about food risks: experts’ views

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to examine experts’ views on: (1) public beliefs about food safety and food risk messages; (2) public concerns regarding food issues; (3) the role of food experts in risk communication. Methods: A web-based survey, adapted from De Boer et al. (2005), was completed by 120 food scientists drawn from different scientific and academic institutions across Spain. Findings: Most experts stated that media coverage of food hazards includes confused information (82.5%) and that public expects absolute pronouncement on food risks (88.3%). Both mass media and education level were rated as having more influence on worries about food issues than income or lack of trust in food industry (p<0.001). Many experts asserted that scientists should gain skills for interacting with the media (88.3%). Discussion: Findings from this study support previous research in which experts showed negative opinions about media influences on worries about food safety.