title: [Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the use of ready-to-eat vegetables among potential consumers of Palermo (Italy)].
abstract: The knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the use of ready-to-eat vegetables were evaluated in a sample of 701 (388 women and 313 men) potential consumers in Palermo, by answering to an anonymous questionnaire handed out. Food safety perceptions and behaviors were analysed; in general, interviewed consumers who perceived higher risks exhibited safer food behaviors. There weren't considerable differences in the use of these salads between two sexes; 81.4% of respondents uses these products to save a lot of time, particularly the graduates attach importance to saving in time (p = 0.001), and only 34.4% is worrying about high price. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between better food safety knowledge and female sex; for example, compared with women, men reported to buy ready-to-eat salads on sale at room temperature and at temperature of refrigerator without distinction (p = 0.015). This study confirms the IV range salads meet modern consumer's requirements and also suggests the need of food safety educational strategies for targeted groups.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia, Sezione di Igiene, Università degli Studi di Palermo.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Piazza
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casuccio
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falletta
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Di Benedetto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables