How sizeable are the knowledge, attitude and perception of food risks among young adults? An Italian survey

Background: in recent years, food safety has become increasingly important and a public health priority, especially in developed and rich countries.

Objectives: to investigate knowledge and perception of food risk among young adults and the related behaviours.

Design: observational study conducted from March to October 2022 through the administration of an anonymous questionnaire based on multiple-choice questions spread online through social networks.

Setting and participants: 317 men and women with a mean age of 23.6 ± 6.7 (71% F, 29% M), mainly students, who filled the questionnaire and gave their consent to the use of personal data for the purpose of scientific research.

Main outcomes measures: knowledge, attitudes, and perception of food risk in the target population.

Results: the majority think that food safety is very important to their health. The most perceived food risks are the presence of pesticides, bacterial and viral contamination, residuals of antibiotics and/or hormones, and microplastics. More than half believes to be poorly informed about the risk associated with food consumption. There is a high level of trust in data from scientific evidence and physicians and a low level of trust in data from European institutions and the Italian government. Almost everyone thinks that public authorities should provide more information.

Conclusions: these data show a good knowledge of the importance of food safety for health; nevertheless, the majority does not feel well informed. The evaluation of the risk perception and of the factors influencing it is important for the success of the information/communication about food safety and for the consumer empowerment.