Five years ago, only one-third of U.S. consumers strongly agreed with the statement, “I am confident in the safety of the food I eat.” This lack of confidence often leads consumers to question food safety practices, label instructions, and the reliability of government regulations, food companies, and farmers. Effective communication is essential for food safety experts from government, industry, and academia to bridge this gap and motivate consumers to adopt safer practices.
The 2023 virtual Food Safety Forum, organized by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and scheduled for September 13, offers an opportunity to delve into the challenges of risk communication in the food safety sector. Science, with all its complexities, often presents consumers with confusing information. Misinformation further complicates matters, making it crucial to communicate public health risks clearly.
Food safety professionals are inherently risk communicators, yet effective communication remains challenging. The Food Safety Forum aims to address these communication hurdles by bringing together experts from various backgrounds to discuss strategies that enhance public health.
One of the Forum’s distinctive features is the diverse array of stakeholders, including industry, government, academia, and consumer groups, all united by their common goal of ensuring food safety and empowering consumers to make informed decisions. The collaboration and diversity of partners in this year’s Forum are unparalleled.
The event kicks off with Don Schaffner of Rutgers University, a well-known expert in risk communication. He will explore the “Current Reality of Risk Communication” in a food safety context, differentiating between risk and hazards and providing insights on conveying these concepts to consumers.
No discussion of food safety communication would be complete without addressing legal considerations. Lawyers often play a significant role in food safety communications, raising concerns about timeliness, complexity, or simplicity. Elizabeth Fawell, an attorney at the Hogan Lovells law firm, will moderate a discussion with experts who understand the challenges public health officials face in clearing food safety communications internally. The panel will include Brian Ronholm from Consumer Reports, Roberta Wagner from the International Dairy Foods Association, and Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner at the FDA, providing valuable insights from their experiences.
Ultimately, consumers are the primary audience for food safety communications. Educating and empowering people to make informed decisions about food safety risks is the ultimate goal. Mitzi Baum of STOP Foodborne Illness, representing families affected by foodborne illness, will discuss the consumer perspective. Joining her are Kristine Butler from FDA’s communications and public engagement team, Ben Chapman from North Carolina State University, and communications representatives from food retail and national food brands, all sharing their strategies for earning trust and capturing consumers’ attention.
The Food Safety Forum serves as a critical platform for addressing these communication challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders committed to enhancing food safety practices and consumer awareness.
