식품 안전 지식이 식품 표시 확인에 미치는 영향- 식품 안전 관심의 매개효과를 중심으로

• Published in: 동아시아식생활학회지, 35(3) pp. 171 - 180
• Main Authors: 김동영, 박희선, 함선옥
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 동아시아식생활학회 01.06.2025
• Subjects: 생활과학
• ISSN: 1225-6781; 2288-8802

This study aimed to investigate the variation in food safety knowledge, interest, and food label-checking behavior across demographic subgroups, and to verify the mediating role of interest in food safety on the relationship between food safety knowledge and food label-checking behavior. Data were obtained from the Korean Rural Economic Institute’s The Consumer Behavior Survey for Food 2022 and analyzed using a complex sample general linear model to account for the stratified sampling design. To assess the mediation effect, the three-step mediation analysis process proposed by Baron and Kenny was conducted, supplemented by the Sobel test for statistical significance. The results revealed that female respondents and individuals in their 40s and 50s reported significantly higher levels of knowledge and interest regarding food safety, and food label-checking behavior, whereas male respondents and individuals in their 20s exhibited comparatively lower levels. These findings indicate statistically significant variations in the measured variables based on demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the relationship between food safety knowledge and food label-checking behavior was found to be partially mediated by interest in food safety. This implies that, while knowledge of food safety contributes to label-checking behavior, its effect is amplified when accompanied by a higher degree of interest in food safety. Therefore, these results suggest that educational interventions focused solely on increasing knowledge may be insufficient to induce behavioral change. Accordingly, it is necessary to implement integrated strategies that also enhance consumer interest, such as targeted public awareness campaigns. In conclusion, combining education with motivational strategies is essential for effectively promoting food safety-related behavioral outcomes. KCI Citation Count: 0