Show simple item record

AuthorBen Hassen, Tarek
AuthorEl Bilali, Hamid
AuthorAllahyari, Mohammad Sadegh
AuthorBerjan, Sinisa
AuthorOsaili, Tareq
AuthorCvijanovic, Drago
AuthorDespotovic, Aleksandra
AuthorŠunjka, Dragana
Available date2024-04-23T05:38:47Z
Publication Date2024
Publication NameBritish Food Journal
ResourceScopus
ISSN0007070X
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-02-2023-0090
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/54074
AbstractPurpose: The COVID-19 pandemic is not a foodborne infectious disease, but it has dramatically impacted food safety practices worldwide due to its potential for transmission through contaminated surfaces and food. Accordingly, the Omicron variant seems to have affected food-related activities and behaviours and disturbed food supply networks since its appearance in November 2021. Hence, this paper aims to assess how the Omicron variant impacted food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst adult consumers in five countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Russia. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on an online survey. The questionnaire was developed and revised based on previous research on the impact of previous COVID-19 waves on food-related activities in several countries. The questionnaire was distributed through the SurveyMonkey platform from January 15 to February 25, 2022. It consisted of 29 multiple-choice and one-option questions organised into three sections. A total of 6,483 valid responses were received. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to analyse the survey results. Findings: According to the survey findings, food safety practices evolved during the Omicron wave in the studied countries. Firstly, less than half of the sample used a face mask whilst purchasing food. Secondly, regarding food safety knowledge, the survey results suggest that there is still a lack of knowledge in the studied countries. Thirdly, the survey indicates a lack of knowledge amongst the respondents regarding food safety attitudes. For instance, more than a third of the sample (34.4%) are unsure whether the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through food. These results are surprising and alarming, especially considering that our sample has a higher education than the population of the studied countries. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this research is the sample bias. Survey participants were randomly chosen, enrolled voluntarily and not rewarded. As a result, the questionnaire was self-administered and completed exclusively by people motivated by an interest in the topic. Consequently, our survey does not represent the general population of the studied countries. People with a high degree of education and women, for example, were overrepresented in our sample. Originality/value: This study is unique in that it is the first to gather information and analyse people's perceptions of the effects of the Omicron variant on food safety. As a result, the findings of this survey offer a solid basis for future investigations into the impact of the pandemic on food safety in the Balkan region and Russia. This study can help further understand the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides crucial insights that can be used to guide future decision-making and policy development regarding improving food safety practices. This and other future studies will be a foundation for organisational and government readiness for future shocks, crises and pandemics. The effects of the present Ukrainian conflict on agricultural systems and supply chains throughout the globe (e.g. increased food prices) show that this is timely, urgent and highly required.
Languageen
PublisherEmerald Publishing
SubjectBalkans
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coronavirus
COVID-19
Food safety
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Omicron
Russia
Serbia
TitleHow did the COVID-19 pandemic impact consumers' food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices? A multi-country study on the omicron variant
TypeArticle
dc.accessType Abstract Only


Files in this item

FilesSizeFormatView

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record