Self-reported and observed behavior of primary meal preparers and adolescents during preparation of frozen, uncooked, breaded chicken products

02.nov.09
British Food Journal, Vol 111, Issue 9, p 915-929
Sarah DeDonder, Casey J. Jacob, Brae V. Surgeoner, Benjamin Chapman,
Randall Phebus, Douglas A. Powell

Abstract:
Purpose - The purpose of the present study was to observe the
preparation practices of both adult and young consumers using frozen,
uncooked, breaded chicken products, which were previously involved in
outbreaks linked to consumer mishandling. The study also sought to
observe behaviors of adolescents as home food preparers. Finally, the
study aimed to compare food handler behaviors with those prescribed on
product labels.
Design/methodology/approach - The study sought, through video
observation and self-report surveys, to determine if differences exist
between consumers' intent and actual behavior.
Findings - A survey study of consumer reactions to safe food-handling
labels on raw meat and poultry products suggested that instructions for
safe handling found on labels had only limited influence on consumer
practices. The labels studied by these researchers were found on the
packaging of chicken products examined in the current study alongside
step-by-step cooking instructions. Observational techniques, as
mentioned above, provide a different perception of consumer behaviors.
Originality/value - This paper finds areas that have not been studied in
previous observational research and is an excellent addition to existing
literature.