Food safety and the consumer – perils of poor risk communication

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Agricultural Biotechnology ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Surveillance Systems

The potential for stigmatisation of food is enormous. Well-publicised outbreaks of foodborne pathogens and the furore over agricultural biotechnology are but two current examples of the interactions between science, policy and public perception. Current risk management research indicates that it is essential for risk managers to show that they are reducing, mitigating or minimising a particular risk. Those responsible must be able to effectively communicate their efforts and must be able to prove they are actually reducing levels of risk.The components for managing the stigma associated with any food safety issue involve the following factors:• effective and rapid surveillance systems;• effective communication about the nature of risk;• a credible, open and responsive regulatory system;• demonstrable efforts to reduce levels of uncertainty and risk; and,• evidence that actions match words.Appropriate risk management strategies, such as on-farm food safety programs, are essential to demonstrate to consumers and others in the farm-to-fork supply chain that producers and regulators are cognisant of their concerns about food safety. Key words: Agricultural biotechnology, microbial food safety, genetically engineered food, risk perception, risk communication, risk management

scholarly journals The components of microbiological risk analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaetano Liuzzo ◽  
Stefano Bentley ◽  
Federica Giacometti ◽  
Andrea Serraino
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Risk Communication

The paper describes the process of risk analysis in a food safety perspective. The steps of risk analysis defined as a process consisting of three interconnected components (risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication) are analysed. The different components of the risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are further described.

scholarly journals Risk perception – issues for flood management in Europe

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2299-2309 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Bradford ◽  
J. J. O'Sullivan ◽  
I. M. van der Craats ◽  
J. Krywkow ◽  
P. Rotko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Flood Risk ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Flood Risk Management ◽  
Social Resilience ◽  
The Public ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Flood Risk Management Plans

Abstract. Public perception of flood risk and flood risk information is often overlooked when developing flood risk management plans. As scientists and the public at large perceive risk in very different ways, flood risk management strategies are known to have failed in the past due to this disconnect between authorities and the public. This paper uses a novel approach in exploring the role of public perception in developing flood risk communication strategies in Europe. Results are presented of extensive quantitative research of 1375 questionnaire responses from thirteen communities at risk across six European countries. The research forms part of two research projects funded under the 2nd ERA-Net CRUE Funding Initiative: URFlood and FREEMAN. Risk perception is conceptualised as a pillar of social resilience, representing an innovative approach to the issue. From this process recommendations are identified for improving flood risk management plans through public participation.

scholarly journals Ceftiofur-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg of poultry origin – a risk profile using the Codex framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolee Carson ◽  
Xian-Zhi Li ◽  
Agnes Agunos ◽  
Daleen Loest ◽  
Brennan Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Poultry Meat ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Management Options

Abstract Codex published the ‘Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance’ to standardise the approach for evaluating risk posed by foodborne antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. One of the first steps in the guidelines is to compile a risk profile, which provides the current state of knowledge regarding a food safety issue, describes risk management options and recommends next steps. In Canada, ceftiofur/ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Heidelberg from poultry was identified as an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) food safety issue. The first objective of this article was to contextualise this food safety issue, using the risk profile format of the Codex Guidelines. A second objective was to evaluate the applicability of the Codex Guidelines. This risk profile indicated that ceftiofur/ceftriaxone-resistant S. Heidelberg (CSH) was commonly isolated from poultry and was associated with severe disease in humans. Ceftiofur use in poultry hatcheries temporally mirrored the prevalence of CSH from poultry meat at retail and from people with salmonellosis. The evidence was sufficient to indicate the need for risk management options, such as restricting the use of ceftiofur in poultry. The Codex Guidelines provided a useful approach to summarise data for decision-makers to evaluate an AMR food safety issue.

scholarly journals Food Safety and Chemical Contaminants: An Overview a

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
A. Ali ◽  
M.H. Akhtar
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Chemical Contaminants

Food safety is a major consumer’s concern worldwide. Although several incidences of food poisoning have placed microbial contamination on the forefront during recent years, health risks due to chemical contamination still remain high. The most often cited chemical contaminants are derived from a variety of sources such as pesticides, environmental chemicals (PCBs. dioxin, heavy metals including lead, mercury), chemical contaminants as a result of food processing (acrylamide, nitrosamines etc.), naturally occurring toxicants (glycoalkaloids, mycotoxins, antinutritives etc), chemicals migrating from packaging materials, veterinary drugs and other chemical residues. In addition to the presence of unintentional contaminants, the quality and safety of foods could also be compromised by the addition of certain food additives, phytonutrients, exposure to irradiation and other substances. Food processors and the regulatory and enforcement agencies are facing an ever-increasing challenge to meet the consumer’s demands for safe foods that do not pose health risks or alter their lifestyle. As the food trade expands throughout the world, food safety has become a shared concern among both the developed and developing countries. Although food control systems do exist in the countries of Gulf region, in most of the cases they are not in line with national and international needs and are not able to cope with the new challenges of the modern era. The most appropriate methods to ensure the safety of food supplies are the strengthening of regular surveillance systems, developing methods for the systematic application of risk analysis, risk assessment and risk management strategies, and timely communication of information to develop and enforce the appropriate food safety laws globally as well as the development of international and national cooperation. This paper reviews issues, challenges and solutions to achieve food safety with respect to chemical contaminants, with emphasis on the Gulf region.  

scholarly journals Identifying Criteria for Designing Risk Communication System in Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1346-1352
Author(s):  
Juhri Selamet ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Communication System ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
2018 Sulawesi Earthquake ◽  
Tsunami Signal

The 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia signaled the failure of a risk communication system, causing Indonesia to be accused of mishandling the natural disaster. Many criticisms focused on allegations that the country’s meteorology and geophysics agency canceled the tsunami alert too early and misinformed public, that the sirens weren’t operable to warn local people, the tidal buoys did not work to send the tsunami signal, consequently, causing casualties. Improving the risk communication system raises the following question: what are the criteria for designing a risk communication system for areas in the disaster-prone zone? This paper employs multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) as a framework that is integrated with the combination of technical and cultural risk communication to provide such an answer. As for the findings, this study includes sixteen indicators that are distributed among nine criteria of a risk communication system within two types of measurement: qualitative and quantitative. It suggests that a risk communication system shall work better on a two-way process. Stakeholders’ and decision-makers’ involvement and public participation are required to make better decisions because it leads to better awareness of risks and greater acceptance of risk management strategies that are jointly agreed upon.

Pink Slime, Raw Milk and the Tweetification of Risk

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Bobo ◽  
Sweta Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Media Experience

In a hot, flat, hyper–connected world, public perception of risk may determine if agriculture will save the planet by 2050 or destroy it. Science and technology options may hold the key to solving the situation, but, if media experience with “pink slime” and raw milk are any indication, society may be in for a bumpy ride. This article will examine global trends in food and agriculture, the interplay between food safety and public perceptions of risk, and the role of risk communication in addressing public perceptions.

Food

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 560-566
Author(s):  
Jennifer Träsch
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
European Union ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Safety Regulation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Legal Position ◽  
Food Safety Regulation

In 2006 the Hungarian system of food safety regulation was described as “chaotic” , fragmented and lacking accountability. Now, five years later and almost seven years after Hungary's accession to the European Union (EU) it is time to take stock again. Food safety regulation has undergone a “threefold change” and follows a separated model. Competences for risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are well distributed and the Hungarian Food Safety Office (HFSO)/Magyar Élelmiszer-biztonsági Hivatal (MÉBiH) fits into the overall structure now. But there are still problems concerning its legal position, weak status and especially insufficient independence.This report shows the evolution of the Hungarian system and highlights the brand new developments and the current situation, challenges and organisation of the HFSO.

The management of risk in a dryland environment

2011 ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
D.I. Gray ◽  
J.I. Reid ◽  
D.J. Horne
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Market Risk ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
Upside Risk

A group of 24 Hawke's Bay hill country farmers are working with service providers to improve the resilience of their farming systems. An important step in the process was to undertake an inventory of their risk management strategies. Farmers were interviewed about their farming systems and risk management strategies and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. There was considerable variation in the strategies adopted by the farmers to cope with a dryland environment. Importantly, these strategies had to cope with three types of drought and also upside risk (better than expected conditions), and so flexibility was critical. Infra-structure was important in managing a dryland environment. Farmers chose between increased scale (increasing farm size) and geographic dispersion (owning a second property in another location) through to intensification (investing in subdivision, drainage, capital fertiliser, new pasture species). The study identified that there may be scope for further investment in infra-structural elements such as drainage, deeper rooting alternative pasture species and water harvesting, along with improved management of subterranean clover to improve flexibility. Many of the farmers used forage crops and idling capacity (reduced stocking rate) to improve flexibility; others argued that maintaining pasture quality and managing upside risk was a better strategy in a dryland environment. Supplementary feed was an important strategy for some farmers, but its use was limited by contour and machinery constraints. A surprisingly large proportion of farmers run breeding cows, a policy that is much less flexible than trading stock. However, several farmers had improved their flexibility by running a high proportion of trading cattle and buffer mobs of ewe hoggets and trade lambs. To manage market risk, the majority of farmers are selling a large proportion of their lambs prime. Similarly, cattle are either sold prime or store onto the grass market when prices are at a premium. However, market risk associated with the purchase of supplements and grazing was poorly managed.

Effect of Financial Control Mechanisms on Performance of Income Generating Units in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (V) ◽  
pp. 286-304
Author(s):  
Shadrack Musunkui Towett ◽  
Isaac Naibei ◽  
Williter Rop
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Financial Control ◽  
Control Mechanisms

In an attempt to bridge the gap between the budgetary allocations and actual expenditures most universities have started income generating units with the aim of boosting their operational expenses. Whereas there is the potential of the use of Income Generating Units (IGUs) to generate additional funds, most universities still experience challenges in full implementation and realization of the revenue goal. This study therefore sought to determine the financial control mechanisms affecting performance of income generating units among selected public universities. The study sought to determine the effect of internal controls, credit policies, financial risk management and internal audit on performance of income generating units in selected universities. Targeted population was all the 290 employees in the IGU departments of selected public universities. The respondents were sampled using simple random sampling so as to enable equal representation of the target population without any biasness. Data collection was done using the questionnaire to ensure sufficient data was collected from the respondents. Descriptive statistics assisted in the determination of respondent’s views and opinions on every variable. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis into meaningful, precise and comprehensive statements and presented in quotations. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and data presented in form of figures and tables. The study ensured that all ethical considerations were considered by the study. The findings were that most employed Income Generating Units in Public Universities were Collection of rental fees, Evening and executive programs and Trainings of both short and long courses while the least was established to be Sales of memorabilia and books. All the financial control mechanism investigated namely internal audit, internal control measures, risk management strategies and credit policies had large extents of adoption in the selected universities. The results of the regression analysis showed that the financial control mechanisms investigated had a significant positive relationship on performance of the IGUs. Specifically, 47% of the variation of the performance of IGUs was established to be explained by the studied factors. The study concluded that the performance of the IGUs among the selected public universities was largely accounted for by the implemented financial control measures. Therefore effective financial control mechanisms is concluded to lead to better IGU performance whereas shortcomings in the financial control mechanisms is concluded to lead to diminished returns in the IGUs. The study recommended that the management in charge of the IGU department in the public universities to prioritize the formulation, implementation and monitoring of financial control mechanisms in the IGUs. To facilitate effective financial controls, the study recommended that the management especially those in the audit section to conduct regular checks and inspections on the IGUs. Additionally, frequent reforms were recommended to address the shortcomings experienced in integrating financial control measures in IGUs.

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