Women rely on the expiry date, men their sense of smell
The sixth study of co-initiative "Ess-Trends in Focus" is devoted to the issue of food safety
What unsettled the Swiss population on the subject of edibles and which has to meet the food safety? Thus, the sixth representative study "Ess-Trends in Focus", which was conducted in February 2011 concerned. Nearly two-thirds know the difference between minimum durability and use-by date, to know three quarters that you can not store preserves remains in the can and that spoiled-looking food safety should be discarded. 71% of respondents consider Swiss products for safer than imported goods and men assessed according to criteria other than women, whether foods are still edible.
More than a third of those surveyed think it likely that they will consume food that is harmful to health. However, this concern is less pressing than the fear of car accidents, illness or damage to health from pollution. Women are particularly aware of the dangers that can arise from food. This can be seen in shopping, where two thirds of women, but only half of men, are concerned about the safety of their food.
More trust in Swiss products
One in six respondents believe that there is over 50 percent probability of a food scandal in Switzerland this year. A meat or dioxin scandal is expected above all. Despite such fears, only one in twelve has the impression that food safety in Switzerland has deteriorated in recent years. The main reason given for the deterioration is the import of foreign products. In contrast, food produced in Switzerland is considered relatively safe. In German-speaking Switzerland, 75% of those surveyed trust Swiss producers more than foreign producers; in western Switzerland it is only 59%. In contrast, significantly more people from French-speaking Switzerland are of the opinion that local food is just as safe as imported food (41% French-speaking versus 25% German-speaking).
Salmonella and mold are a concern
Customers pay the greatest attention to safety when it comes to meat, poultry and fish. Half of all respondents are concerned about mold, salmonella and heavy metal, mercury and dioxin residues when shopping for food. Around 40% have concerns about antibiotics, incorrect storage, expired dates, genetic engineering or listeria. The most important guidelines for assessing the trustworthiness of the food are a fresh appearance (91% agreement), shelf life (81%) and origin (75%). Around half pay attention to the trustworthiness of the provider or the manufacturer. Seals of quality also play a role. Only one in six thinks food is safer simply because it costs more. So a high price does not create additional trust.
The Swiss population behaves carefully
Food safety hazards also lurk at the very end of the food chain when storing and preparing food at home. Fortunately, the population turns out to be well informed on important points: 87% wash their hands before cooking; three quarters know that canned leftovers are not kept in a can; almost two thirds know the difference between best-before and use-by dates. And if something looks spoiled or has expired, it's often thrown away to be on the safe side. While 46% of men trust their sense of smell for meat and poultry, it is 37% for women. The latter more often decide based on the packaging date, which 44% of women stated; in men it is 38%.
Technical support from the Swiss Nutrition Society SGE
The representative Coop studies on the nutritional behavior and awareness of the Swiss population are carried out and published on a regular basis. The Swiss Society for Nutrition SGE (www.sge-ssn.ch) provides technical support for the “Eating Trends in Focus” project and ensures that it meets high nutritional standards. The present sixth study was carried out in February 2011.
Further information
With the help of the results of the study, Coop identified a lack of information among the Swiss population - for example when it comes to preparing food at home. The new information sheet «Eating? Why, surely!" developed with valuable tips. This is located under www.coop.ch/infoblatt.
All results of the study series are published at www.coop.ch/fachdossier and under www.sge-ssn.ch.
Source: Basel [Coop]
