Consumers' Food Safety Expectations and Risk Perceptions of Produce From Small and Medium-Sized Farms.

ABSTRACT: Food safety concerns associated with fresh produce have gained prominence due to recurring foodborne outbreaks and recalls. However, consumer awareness and perceptions regarding food safety in small and medium-sized farm (SMF) operations remain underexplored. This study assessed consumer expectations and risk perceptions of produce from SMFs through a survey of 916 U.S. consumers. While 85% of respondents considered food safety a minimum quality standard, it was often viewed as secondary to attributes such as freshness, quality, and local production. Most higher-income consumers (63%) opposed the exemption of SMFs from the Food Safety Modernization Act's Produce Safety Rule. Consumers identified farmers as key actors in ensuring produce safety, with 75% rating them as extremely influential

SUBMITTER: Archila-Godinez JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457814 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature