Severine Koch|Astrid Epp|Mark Lohmann|Gaby?Fleur Böl
Pesticide Residues in Food: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Misconceptions among Conventional and Organic Consumers
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment|Federal Institute for Risk Assessment|Federal Institute for Risk Assessment|Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
pesticide use pesticide residues foods subject controversial public discussions media coverage germany background better understanding public risk perceptions needed promote efficient public health communication end study captures german publics perception pesticide residues foods representative sample population aged 14 years older n 1004 surveyed via computerassisted telephone interviewing attitudes knowledge regard pesticide residues based questions regarding typical consumer behavior respondents classified conventional organic consumers identify differences well similarities two consumer types assessed openended question organic conventional consumers viewed pesticides chemicals toxins greatest threats food quality safety evaluating risks benefits pesticide use twothirds organic consumers 70 rated risks greater benefits compared onehalf conventional consumers 53 concern detection pesticide residues food chain bodily fluids significantly higher among organic compared conventional consumers minority respondents aware legal limits pesticide residues referred maximum residue levels exist 69 organic 61 conventional consumers believing presence pesticide residues foods generally permitted lack awareness maximum residue levels associated heightened levels concern pesticide residues finally general exposure media reporting pesticide residues associated frequent knowledge legal limits pesticide residues whereas actively seeking information pesticide residues possible mechanisms underlying findings discussed