RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. consumers are more aware of how to prevent foodborne illness when preparing and handling food but many may not put it into practice, a survey found.
A study conducted by researchers at RTI International for the Partnership for Food Safety Education, also known as Fight BAC!, found 74 percent of the respondents reportedly know that they should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling raw foods but in practice, 53 percent said they actually do.
The study, presented at the Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting & Food Expo, included a review of a survey of almost 5,000 participants about their habits regarding cleaning, cooking, chilling and separating foods.
Eighty percent of participants also admitted knowing that fresh fruits and vegetables need to be washed before serving but 61 percent reported that they actually wash them.
The researchers reported that young adults ages 18 and 29 years of age were the most likely to engage in risky food handling practices. They also found that males, people who are well educated, people with higher incomes, and/or older adults who live alone are less likely to follow food safely guidelines.
"Some consumers may not feel the risk of foodborne illnesses is so great that it warrants the extra precautions," Sheryl Cates, a research policy analyst at RTI, said in a statement.
No comments:
Post a Comment