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18 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Creation of Food Safety Demonstration Cities Promote Agricultural Development? Evidence from China

by Jie Lv, Lu Huang and Xiaoting Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16961; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416961 - 16 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1499

Abstract

The creation of food safety demonstration cities (CFSDC) is among the key measures the Chinese government implemented to address the intensifying food safety problem. While effectively managing food safety issues, whether this measure will have an impact on agricultural development in China remains [...] Read more.

The creation of food safety demonstration cities (CFSDC) is among the key measures the Chinese government implemented to address the intensifying food safety problem. While effectively managing food safety issues, whether this measure will have an impact on agricultural development in China remains unknown. In this paper, based on panel data from 277 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, the impact of the construction of food safety demonstration cities on agricultural development is empirically examined using the difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results show that the CFSDC significantly improves the level of agricultural development, which still holds after various robustness tests. Analysis of the underlying mechanism indicates that the CFSDC promotes urban agricultural development by accelerating both technological innovation and industrial restructuring. The results of heterogeneity analysis show that the policy effects of the CFSDC exhibit significant heterogeneous characteristics depending on city size, city location, and city administrative level. The findings contribute to the understanding of the relationship between policy pilot projects and agricultural development and provide empirical support for promoting the governance of food safety issues and agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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16 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Security: 3D Dynamic Display and Early Warning Platform Construction and Security Strategy

by Ning Sun, Sai Tang, Ju Zhang, Jiaxin Wu and Hongwei Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811169 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Since it affects a nation’s economy and people’s wellbeing, food security is a crucial national security requirement. In order to realize multi-angle grain data presentation and analysis and achieve the goal of deep mining, we propose a 3D dynamic visualization analysis method of [...] Read more.

Since it affects a nation’s economy and people’s wellbeing, food security is a crucial national security requirement. In order to realize multi-angle grain data presentation and analysis and achieve the goal of deep mining, we propose a 3D dynamic visualization analysis method of multidimensional agricultural spatial–temporal data based on the self-organizing map. This method realizes the multi-angle display and analysis of grain data and achieves the purpose of deep mining. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the global food security situation is not optimistic, so it is necessary to use the food security early warning system to solve the food security issue. Machine learning has emerged widely in recent years and has been applied in various fields. Therefore, it is an excellent way to solve food security to apply the model in machine learning to construct a food security early warning system. Afterward, a food security early warning platform is developed with a support vector regression (SVR) model to ensure food security. Finally, we analyze China’s medium and long-term food security policy in line with modernization objectives. The experimental results show that the food security early warning platform based on the SVR model from 2007 to 2016 is effective compared with the actual situation every year. Through analyses, we should improve the stability, reliability, and sustainability of food supply, firmly hold the food security initiative, and construct a national food security guarantee system matching the goal of modernization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

No Control, No Consumption: Association of Low Perceived Control and Intention to Accept Genetically Modified Food

by Shen-Long Yang, Feng Yu, Kai Li, Ting-Ting Rao and Da-Peng Lian

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7642; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137642 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Based on compensatory control theory, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived control on people’s acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods by using both correlational and experimental methods. Compensatory control theory proposes that the lower an individual’s perceived [...] Read more.

Based on compensatory control theory, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived control on people’s acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods by using both correlational and experimental methods. Compensatory control theory proposes that the lower an individual’s perceived control, the higher their need for structure, order, and certainty. Therefore, based on beliefs about GM foods that make some people less certain that those foods are as safe as traditional foods, we hypothesized that individuals with lower levels of perceived control are more inclined to reject GM foods. The analysis of questionnaire responses in Study 1 revealed that individuals’ sense of control negatively predicted their risk perception of GM foods, while the need for structure played a mediating role. In Study 2, using a between-subject design, we manipulated participants’ perceived control (higher vs. lower) and subsequently measured their risk perception and purchasing preferences for GM foods. The results in Study 2 show that under lower control conditions, individuals recognize higher risks related to GM foods, which, in turn, decreases their willingness to purchase GM foods. These results not only suggest that perceived control is a potential influential personal factor of the acceptance of GM foods but also extend the scope of the application of compensatory control theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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20 pages, 1356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Agri-Food Traceability System User Intention in Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic: The Comparisons of Three Models

by Yafen Tseng, Beyfen Lee, Chingi Chen and Wang He

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031371 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3126

Abstract

Scientists believed the outbreak of COVID-19 could be linked to the consumption of wild animals, so food safety and hygiene have become the top concerns of the public. An agri-food traceability system becomes very important in this context because it can help the [...] Read more.

Scientists believed the outbreak of COVID-19 could be linked to the consumption of wild animals, so food safety and hygiene have become the top concerns of the public. An agri-food traceability system becomes very important in this context because it can help the government to trace back the entire production and delivery process in case of food safety concerns. The traceability system is a complicated digitalized system because it integrates information and logistics systems. Previous studies used the technology acceptance model (TAM), information systems (IS) success model, expectation confirmation model (ECM), or extended model to explain the continuance intention of traceability system users. Very little literature can be found integrating two different models to explain user intention, not to mention comparing three models in one research context. This study proposed the technology acceptance model (TAM), technology acceptance model-information systems (TAM-IS) success, and technology acceptance model-expectation confirmation model (TAM-ECM) integrated models to evaluate the most appropriate model to explain agri-food traceability system during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review, and 197 agri-food traceability system users were sampled. The collected data were analyzed by partial least square (PLS) to understand the explanatory power and the differences between the three models. The results showed that: (1) the TAM model has a fair explanatory power of continuance intention (62.2%), but was recommended for its’ simplicity; (2) the TAM-IS success integrated model had the best predictive power of 78.3%; and (3) the system providers should raise users’ confirmation level, so their continuance intention could be reinforced through mediators, perceived value, and satisfaction. The above findings help to understand agri-food traceability system user intention, and provide theoretical and practical implications for system providers to refine their system design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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21 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Continuance Intention Determinants to Adopt Online Health Care Community: An Empirical Study of Food Safety

by Jinxin Yang and Din Jong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126514 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine whether users’ social interaction tie and trust have a mediating effect on the willingness to use the online healthcare community (OHC) platform on an ongoing basis to respond to food safety crises and monitor food [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether users’ social interaction tie and trust have a mediating effect on the willingness to use the online healthcare community (OHC) platform on an ongoing basis to respond to food safety crises and monitor food safety practices. During the three-month survey, we conducted an online investigation of users who had experience sharing on the OHC platform and were concerned about food safety. Thereby, three hundred and fifty-two valid questionnaires were received and partial least squares was adopted in this study to test the proposed hypotheses. The empirical results show that perceived critical mass, image, and para-social interaction strengthen the social interaction tie between users and the food safety platform. In addition, this study found that social interaction tie and trust of OHC platform users increased users’ willingness to continue using the OHC platform. This research provides OHC platform managers with an in-depth understanding of online social interactions on food safety pages. Moreover, the results of this study can help food business owners, government regulators, hospitals, and physicians to improve the way they use the Web for opinion-led food safety crises and provide insight into the intent of promoting the ongoing use of OHC platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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22 pages, 2047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Government Intervention Ensure Food Safety? Evidence from China

by Hongfeng Zhang, Chengyun Sun, Lu Huang and Hongyun Si

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073645 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3732

Abstract

Food safety is related to public health, social welfare, and human survival, all of which are important and pressing areas of concern all over the world. The government plays an increasingly important role in the supervision of food safety. The role of the [...] Read more.

Food safety is related to public health, social welfare, and human survival, all of which are important and pressing areas of concern all over the world. The government plays an increasingly important role in the supervision of food safety. The role of the government, however, is also controversial. Using provincial panel data of China from 2005 to 2015, the present study intends to shed light on the associations between government intervention and food safety performance under two scenarios of local government—competition and noncompetition. This will be accomplished through an exploratory spatial data analysis and a spatial econometric model. The results reveal negative associations between food safety performance and government intervention without considering local government competition. As was also observed, government intervention not only inhibits the improvement of food safety in the region, but also has a negative spatial spillover effect on food safety in neighboring provinces. This is the result after considering government competition, thus, showing the competitive strategic interaction of the “race to the bottom”. Further analysis reveals that, if geographically similar regions are selected as reference objects, the food safety performance of each province will have a stronger tendency to compete for the better. If regions with similar economic development levels are selected as reference objects, food safety performance will have a stronger tendency to compete for the worse. This work provides new evidence for the relationships between government intervention and food safety, and, also, proposes some insightful implications for policymakers for governing food safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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19 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumers’ Intention to Adopt Blockchain Food Traceability Technology towards Organic Food Products

by Xin Lin, Shu-Chen Chang, Tung-Hsiang Chou, Shih-Chih Chen and Athapol Ruangkanjanases

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030912 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 86 | Viewed by 8630

Abstract

Establishing a blockchain food traceability system (BFTS) is increasingly important and urgent to resolve the contradiction between consumers’ intention regarding safe food selections and the spread of polluted foods. Using the advantages of blockchain, such as immutability, decentralization, openness, and anonymity, we can [...] Read more.

Establishing a blockchain food traceability system (BFTS) is increasingly important and urgent to resolve the contradiction between consumers’ intention regarding safe food selections and the spread of polluted foods. Using the advantages of blockchain, such as immutability, decentralization, openness, and anonymity, we can build trusted food traceability systems based on these important characteristics. With reliable information, traceability from production to sales can effectively improve food safety. In this research, multiple models, namely, the information success model (ISS) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) are formed into a conceptual integrated framework to study the intentions’ influenced factors of BFTS technology for Chinese consumers to help ensure food safety and the quality of Chinese organic food products. A face-to-face questionnaire survey with 300 valid responses was analyzed by Partial Least Square from the Chinese consumers focusing on the organic food products. This study found that the attitude and perceived behavioral control qualities significantly and positively affect the usage intention in adopting BFTS, while the subjective norms are positively but not significantly correlation with the usage intention in using BFTS. The above results will inform suggestions for productors and academics along with implications to promote BFTS’ usage intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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15 pages, 632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Determinants for Food Safety Push Notifications on Continuance Intention in an E-Appointment System for Public Health Medical Services: The Perspectives of UTAUT and Information System Quality

by Yu-Ping Lee, Hsin-Yeh Tsai and Athapol Ruangkanjanases

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218287 - 9 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4640

Abstract

Compared to other appointment methods in public hospitals, registering through the Internet or utilizing e-appointments, or registering online as an outpatient, can provide more information to the user. This research investigated the integration of unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology [...] Read more.

Compared to other appointment methods in public hospitals, registering through the Internet or utilizing e-appointments, or registering online as an outpatient, can provide more information to the user. This research investigated the integration of unified theory of the acceptance and use of technology and information system quality in determining factors that influence the adoption of e-appointments by patients, based on the requirements of food safety consultation in Taiwan. Empirical data from 369 valid samples were assessed using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The key findings of this study indicated that patients’ acceptance of e-appointments was influenced by users’ perceptions (i.e., performance expectancy and facilitating conditions), along with information quality and service quality. The practical and academic implications are provided for future practitioners and scholars, and to enhance patients’ usage of e-appointments in their healthcare activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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12 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FODMAP Intake in Spanish Population: Open Approach for Risk Assessment

by Jonatan Miranda, Maialen Vázquez-Polo, Gesala Pérez-Junkera, María del Pilar Fernández-Gil, María Ángeles Bustamante, Virginia Navarro, Edurne Simón and Olaia Martínez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165882 - 13 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3039

Abstract

Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols’ (FODMAP) were related with intestinal complications. The present study aimed to determine the FODMAP consumption of Spanish children, adolescents and adults, analyzing the real FODMAP risk of foods, and to set an open methodology for the [...] Read more.

Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols’ (FODMAP) were related with intestinal complications. The present study aimed to determine the FODMAP consumption of Spanish children, adolescents and adults, analyzing the real FODMAP risk of foods, and to set an open methodology for the measurement of this intake in other regions as well as nutrient intake assurance. Total fructan analysis was performed analytically in eighty-seven food samples. Daily intake of FODMAPs, fiber and micronutrients was calculated by combining the food composition for selected fermentable carbohydrates with the national food consumption stratified by age in an open software. Spanish child and adolescent total FODMAP consumption was settled as 33.4 ± 92.4 and 27.3 ± 69.0 g/day, respectively. Both intakes were higher than that of the adult population (21.4 ± 56.7 g/day). The most important food sources of lactose, excess of fructose and total fructan, considering their content and dietary intake were different between age groups. The contribution of these foods to dietary calcium and fiber and the consequent risk of deficiency if they are withdrawn was highlighted. We demonstrated the relevance of stratifying the total FODMAP intake by age. An open approach for FODMAP intake quantification and nutrient control was provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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22 pages, 2072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Factors Affecting the Acceptance of Genetically Edited Food Among Youth in Japan

by Mohamed Farid, Jianfei Cao, Yeongjoo Lim, Teruyo Arato and Kota Kodama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082935 - 23 Apr 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6552

Abstract

Genetically edited food utilizes new techniques that may decrease all of the risks associated with genetically modified food, or “GMO” food. Safety and labeling regulations for genetically edited food are still new, and it is challenging for the consumer to differentiate it from [...] Read more.

Genetically edited food utilizes new techniques that may decrease all of the risks associated with genetically modified food, or “GMO” food. Safety and labeling regulations for genetically edited food are still new, and it is challenging for the consumer to differentiate it from conventional food. Although genetically edited food has the potential for reducing the risks associated with the gene introduction process, consumer perceptions toward it are still unclear. The research has compared the regulations governing GMO food and genetically edited food in Japan, Europe, and the United States. We found that the genetically edited food regulations in Japan are the most science-based, in the meaning that genetically edited food products are allowed to be sold without any safety evaluation. Based on the difference among regions, we further studied the potential acceptance level for such products among Japanese consumers, where regulation seemed science-based as policy. To understand the factors that may affect the adoption of genetically edited food among youth in Japan, we utilized the structural equation modeling (SEM) method with 180 surveys of Japanese university students to measure six factors: Knowledge, Attitude Towards Technology, Perceived Benefits, Perceived Risks, Trust, and Willingness to Purchase. The survey was conducted twice with an intervention in the middle to measure the effect of science communication, and we found significant differences when comparing the two datasets. The results of this survey indicate the importance of increasing knowledge and the positive role of science communication in increasing the adoption and trust of biotechnology products, such as genetically edited food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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16 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Attitude, Contract Arrangements and Enforcement in Food Safety Governance: A China’s Agri-Food Supply Chain Scenario

by Jing Hou, Linhai Wu and Bo Hou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2733; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082733 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3201

Abstract

Frequent food safety problems in recent years have seriously affected China’s public health. The complexity, diversity, and technicality of food safety problems are intertwined, which constantly promotes the Chinese government and the food industry to explore effective food safety governance mechanisms. As the [...] Read more.

Frequent food safety problems in recent years have seriously affected China’s public health. The complexity, diversity, and technicality of food safety problems are intertwined, which constantly promotes the Chinese government and the food industry to explore effective food safety governance mechanisms. As the dominant form of vertical coordination in agri-food supply chain, contract farming is conducive to promoting farmers’ safe production behavior, improving food quality and safety, and ensuring public health. However, the low contract performance rate seriously restricts the effect of contract farming on reducing the risk of food safety in China. This paper empirically investigates the role of farmers’ risk attitude and contract arrangements in their enforcement. The data is derived from a household survey and economic field experiment of fruit farmers participating in contract farming in Anhui and Jiangsu provinces of China. We measure farmers’ risk attitude by using an economic field experiment, and examine how risk attitude and contract arrangements affect contract enforcement with a probit model. The results show that contract enforcement is significantly (1% level) influenced by farmers’ risk attitude. Farmers with greater risk aversion and loss aversion and farmers who are more accurate in evaluating probability information are more likely to fulfill the contract. Additionally, most contract arrangements have a significant effect on contract enforcement at the 5% level. Contract arrangements with floor pricing, bonus, and long duration are related to a higher rate of farmers’ contract performance. Furthermore, the factors influencing contract enforcement differ based on the levels of farmer’ risk attitude. The findings of the study may be conducive to formulating relevant agricultural policy to influence farmers’ decision-making and thus improving food safety and ensuring public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Safety Risk Information-Seeking Intention of WeChat Users in China

by Zhaohui Yang, Krishna P. Paudel, Xiaowei Wen, Sangluo Sun and Yong Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072376 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3922

Abstract

Consumers’ food safety risk information-seeking behavior plays a vital role in improving their food quality and safety awareness and preventing food safety risks. Based on the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model (RISP), this paper empirically analyzes the food safety risk information-seeking intention [...] Read more.

Consumers’ food safety risk information-seeking behavior plays a vital role in improving their food quality and safety awareness and preventing food safety risks. Based on the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model (RISP), this paper empirically analyzes the food safety risk information-seeking intention of consumers in WeChat and influencing factors under the impact of food safety incidents. We use data from 774 WeChat users and apply the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. We also conduct multigroup analysis with demographic characteristics as moderating variables. The results demonstrated that: (1) Risk perception (p ≤ 0.01) has direct significant positive effects on consumers’ intention to seek food safety information. Besides, higher risk perception (p ≤ 0.01) regarding food safety risks will make people feel more anxious and threatened, and then expand the gap between the information they need and the relevant knowledge they actually have (p ≤ 0.1), which will further stimulate them to seek more information (p ≤ 0.05). (2) Informational subjective norms (p ≤ 0.01) can not only directly affect consumers’ information-seeking about food safety, but also indirectly affect consumers’ intention through information insufficiency (p ≤ 0.01). (3) The more consumers trust the relevant channels (p ≤ 0.01), the stronger their intention to search for food safety risk information. Moreover, the multiple-group analysis also shows that the effects of consumers’ gender, age, educational background, and average monthly earnings are different among different groups. Furthermore, implications are put forward for food safety risk communication efforts in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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18 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Professional Competence or Personal Relationship? Research on the Influencing Mechanism on Repeated Purchase Intention of Agricultural Resources

by Lan Li, Gang Li and Junqi Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072278 - 28 Mar 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2912

Abstract

Based on social exchange, rational choice, and perceptual choice theory, this paper examines the influence of professional competence, personal relationship, and their interaction on repeated purchase intention in the context of rural agricultural marketing. Adopting the survey method and hierarchical regression analysis, this [...] Read more.

Based on social exchange, rational choice, and perceptual choice theory, this paper examines the influence of professional competence, personal relationship, and their interaction on repeated purchase intention in the context of rural agricultural marketing. Adopting the survey method and hierarchical regression analysis, this study tested the hypotheses with a data set of 578 farmers from China, and assessed the robustness of the results by structural equation modelling. The results show that both personal relationship and professional competence have a significantly positive impact on repeated purchase intention while the interaction between the two has a significant negative effect on repeated purchase intention. The results expose the struggle farmers experience in choosing between emotional and rational thinking when making purchasing decisions in the urbanization and industrialization process of a rural area. The results also enrich the research on the marketing of agricultural resources and have important implications to agricultural retailers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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21 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence in Asian Food Industry: Intellectual Capital, Corporate Financial Performance, and Corporate Social Responsibility

by Cheng-Hung Tsai and Eugene Burgos Mutuc

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020663 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6319

Abstract

Intellectual capital (IC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) provide a strong link between the enterprise and stakeholders. These strategic approaches are responsible in value formation for better financial performance. This study investigates the mediating effects of corporate financial performance on the relationship between [...] Read more.

Intellectual capital (IC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) provide a strong link between the enterprise and stakeholders. These strategic approaches are responsible in value formation for better financial performance. This study investigates the mediating effects of corporate financial performance on the relationship between IC components (ICs) and CSR of firms from the food industry in Asia. We analyzed 308 firm-year observations of 44 listed firms from 2011 to 2017. The results of this study provided mixed findings regarding the effects of ICs and CSR. In addition, results vary from the disaggregated effects of each IC component on environmental, social, and governance pillars. The results also indicate that the combination of accounting and market-based estimates of financial performance was found to be significant mediating factor to explain the phenomenon which varies per ICs and dimensions of CSR. Lastly, the implications for sustainable business practices and investments in knowledge-based resources in the food industry are elaborated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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16 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Imported Milk: Based on Shanghai, China

by Lingling Xu, Xixi Yang and Linhai Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010244 - 29 Dec 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4319

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the continuous large-scale growth of imported milk in China, in this research 310 consumers in Shanghai were used as a sample, and a choice experiment was conducted to study consumer preference and willingness to pay for imported milk. The [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of the continuous large-scale growth of imported milk in China, in this research 310 consumers in Shanghai were used as a sample, and a choice experiment was conducted to study consumer preference and willingness to pay for imported milk. The following product attributes were included: nutrition claim, fat content, flavor, country of origin, and price. Our results show that, excepting price, consumers consider flavor the most important attribute, followed by nutrition claim, fat content, and country of origin. Consumers can be delineated into four segments based on consumer preference for the attributes of imported milk: “nutrition claim seekers” are willing to pay the highest price for imported milk with nutrition claims, “indifferent” consumers pay little attention to imported milk attributes, “flavor-oriented” consumers have a strong preference for strawberry-flavored imported milk, and “price-sensitive” consumers weigh the price when choosing imported milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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18 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Preferences for Traceable Food with Different Functions of Safety Information Attributes: Evidence from a Menu-Based Choice Experiment in China

by Bo Hou, Jing Hou and Linhai Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010146 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

It is of great value to study consumer demand for safe foods in promoting the development of a safe food market system and the reduction of food safety risks, as well as foodborne diseases in China. This paper takes traceable pork as an [...] Read more.

It is of great value to study consumer demand for safe foods in promoting the development of a safe food market system and the reduction of food safety risks, as well as foodborne diseases in China. This paper takes traceable pork as an example and constructs food safety information attributes with ex ante quality verification and ex post traceability. Interactions between safety information attributes and the consumer’s response to cost-driven price changes were investigated for 345 consumers in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China, using a menu-based choice (MBC) experiment and multivariate probit (MVP) model as analysis tools. The results suggest that food safety information attributes are important to consumers, as the consumers preferred pork quality inspection attributes to pre-incident quality assurance functions. Therefore, it is beneficial to include pork quality inspection attributes in the traceable pork attribute systems during the initial construction of traceable pork markets in China. Attribute price was an important factor that affected consumers’ choice of information attributes. When customization cannot be achieved, a profile composed of elastic pork quality inspection attribute and supply chain–internal traceability attribute would be the most preferred traceable pork product in the market based on the need of building a fully functional traceable food system and reducing food safety risks. In addition, there was a strong substitution relationship between different information attributes, and there was heterogeneity in consumers’ choice of information attributes. Therefore, the government should support manufacturers in producing multi-level safe food to meet diverse consumer demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Consumer’s Green Preference and the Reference Price Effect Improve Green Innovation? A Theoretical Model Using the Food Supply Chain as a Case

by Jianhong He, Yaling Lei and Xiao Fu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245007 - 9 Dec 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3723

Abstract

Today, complex consumer purchase decisions affect company revolution, especially that dealing with environmental (green) innovation. Consumer preferences and pricing could interact in influencing green innovation. This situation is especially vital in industries that are characterized with many safety concerns that urge collaborative development [...] Read more.

Today, complex consumer purchase decisions affect company revolution, especially that dealing with environmental (green) innovation. Consumer preferences and pricing could interact in influencing green innovation. This situation is especially vital in industries that are characterized with many safety concerns that urge collaborative development between consumers and companies, such as the food industry. The aim of this paper is to explore the influence of the change in consumer preference characteristics on the green innovation efforts of the food supply chain, introducing the green preference of consumers and the reference price effect. A differential game model of green innovation in the food supply chain is constructed in this paper and solved. It was found that the change in consumer preference characteristics is an important factor to motivate supply chain members to make green innovation efforts. With the enhancement of consumer preference characteristics, the Pareto improvement effect of cost-sharing contracts on the profits of supply chain enterprises is clearer. Further, manufacturers can stimulate suppliers’ green innovation efforts through cost-sharing contracts. When the marginal profit ratio of food supply chain members reaches a certain threshold, the incentive effect of this cost-sharing contract is more significant, and it is more likely to realize the optimal profit of the food supply chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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19 pages, 1548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GMO/GMF on Social Media in China: Jagged Landscape of Information Seeking and Sharing Behavior through a Valence View

by Rongting Zhou, Dong Wang, Ahmad Nabeel Siddiquei, Muhammad Azfar Anwar, Ali Hammad, Fahad Asmi, Qing Ye and Muhammad Asim Nawaz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234838 - 2 Dec 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4506

Abstract

The study examines the critical factors affecting Chinese social media (SM) users’ intentions and behavior to seek and share information on genetically modified organisms/ genetically modified food (GMO/GMF). The proposed framework was conceptualized through benefit-risk analysis and subsequently mapped SM users’ perceived benefits [...] Read more.

The study examines the critical factors affecting Chinese social media (SM) users’ intentions and behavior to seek and share information on genetically modified organisms/ genetically modified food (GMO/GMF). The proposed framework was conceptualized through benefit-risk analysis and subsequently mapped SM users’ perceived benefits and risks to seeks and share information using Kurt Lewin’s valence view. Quantitative data was collected using survey questionnaires administered from 583 SM users. The results of the path analysis demonstrated two key findings related to SM users’ perceived benefits and risks to seek and share information on GMO/GMF. Among risks, the psychological risk is the strongest predictor of perceived risk to use SM for GMO/GMF, which consequently determines the intentions and behaviors to share information about GMO/GMF on SM in People’s Republic of China. Among benefits, the results showed that perceived usefulness, creditability of GMO/GMF information, and information support are positively related to perceived benefits to use SM for GMO/GMF, which subsequently, predicts the intentions and behaviors to seek information about GMO/GMF on SM. This study suggests scholars and practitioners explore and utilize the efficient communication strategy to fulfill the potential of the SM to increase GMO/GMF acceptance in Chinese society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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Open AccessReview

Plasma-Activated Water for Food Safety and Quality: A Review of Recent Developments

by Mizanur Rahman, Md. Shariful Hasan, Raihanul Islam, Rahmatuzzaman Rana, ASM Sayem, Md. Abdullah As Sad, Abdul Matin, António Raposo, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Heesup Han, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz and Atiqur Rahman Sunny

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116630 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6191

Abstract

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has received a lot of attention lately because of its antibacterial efficacy and eco-friendly nature. Compared to traditional disinfectants, this novel and intriguing option has a high disinfectant capacity while causing little to no modifications to the foodstuffs. Until now, [...] Read more.

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has received a lot of attention lately because of its antibacterial efficacy and eco-friendly nature. Compared to traditional disinfectants, this novel and intriguing option has a high disinfectant capacity while causing little to no modifications to the foodstuffs. Until now, PAW has successfully demonstrated its effectiveness against a broad range of microorganisms on a wide variety of food items. Though the efficacy of PAW in microbial reduction has been extensively reviewed, a relatively significant issue of food quality has been largely overlooked. This review aims to summarize the current studies on the physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial potential of PAW, with an in-depth focus on food quality and safety. According to recent studies, PAW can be a potential microbial disinfectant that extends the shelf life of various food products, such as meat and fish products, fruits and vegetables, cereal products, etc. However, the efficacy varies with treatment conditions and the food ingredients applied. There is a mixed opinion about the effect of PAW on food quality. Based on the available literature, it can be concluded that there has been no substantial change in the biochemical properties of most of the tested food products. However, some fruits and vegetables had a higher value for the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) after PAW treatment, while only a few demonstrated a decrease in the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value. Sensory properties also showed no significant difference, with some exceptions in meat and fish products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Technical Aspects: Food Safety/Security from Multidisciplinary Perspectives)

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