Sammanfattning

International studies have noted shortcomings in food safety knowledge and behaviour among university students. In general students do not constitute a pronounced risk group but there are wider implications. In a foreseeable future some of them will become pregnant and a majority will be responsible for vulnerable groups in their near environment. A crucial question exists, therefore, about their food safety knowledge and safe food handling practices.The aim of this study is to investigate food safety knowledge, sources thereof and self-reported food safety behavior among university students in Sweden.A quantitative study design using a web-based questionnaire was chosen as the data collection method. The questionnaire was distributed through social media and e-mail.Among the 606 respondents from 24 Swedish universities 80% were 18-30 years and 78% were women. The average number of correct answers on the knowledge questions was 7.61 out of 12 (63.4%). The foremost source of food safety knowledge was "Family and friends" (45%). Just 21.1% reported Food safety education as a source, although 35.6% had experience of a course in food hygiene/safety and/or microbiology. Respondents who reported "Family and friends" to be the foremost food safety source of knowledge also got a significantly lower rate of correct answers. Students who estimated their food safety knowledge to be good also had more correct answers. Experience of food safety education at secondary school/university/working place/polytechnic school significantly correlated with more correct answers on the knowledge questions and indicated a safer self-reported behaviour. Those with fewer correct answers also reported more unfavourable behaviours. The present study indicates that education promotes more optimal behaviors. The authors would suggest a more systematic food safety education at younger ages.

Nyckelord

University students; Food safety; Sources of knowledge; Self-reported behaviours; Food safety education

Publicerad i

Food Control
2020, Volym: 113, artikelnummer: 107130
Utgivare: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU författare

• Moazzami, Madeleine

  • Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen

SDG2 Ingen hunger
SDG4 God utbildning för alla


UKÄ forskningsämne

Livsmedelsvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107130

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105360