Food Handling Practices and Food Safety Messaging Preferences of African-American and Latino Consumers

• Published in: Journal of human sciences and extension Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Patten, Emily, Sneed, Jeannie, Vanderwal Nwadike, Londa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mississippi State Mississippi State University, School of Human Sciences 01.02.2018; Mississippi State University
• Subjects: African Americans; consumer food safety; Consumers; Cooking; cultural awareness; Fear & phobias; Focus groups; food handling; Food safety; food safety education; Guilt; messaging; Personal safety; Poultry
• ISSN: 2325-5226; 2325-5226
• DOI: 10.54718/FGHK3656

Extensive research on consumer food handling has identified common practices that could negatively impact food safety. Limited research has considered if food handling practices differ among diverse groups or if unique approaches are needed to provide food safety education for different audiences. This study examined food handling practice differences between African-American and Latino consumers and differing responses to food safety messages. Four focus groups were conducted, two with African-American participants and two with Latino participants, with each focus group consisting of 10-15 participants. Focus group transcripts were reviewed, coded, and grouped into themes using an iterative process. The 50 participants self-identified as either African-American or Latino, had home meal preparation experience, and were 18 years or older. Each focus group was multigenerational and included males and females. Risky food handling practices reported by both groups included rinsing poultry before cooking and limited food thermometer use. African-American participants preferred informational food safety messages, whereas Latino participants were split in preferring informational, guilt-inducing, and fear-inducing messages.