Irradiated foods between concern and acceptance in the Italian market

Consumers have always shown a marked concern for the novel technologies. The treatment of foods with ionizing radiation, not entirely new, has always been a major concern among consumers for the impact that the consumption of treated food could have on health. The aim of this paper is to investigate Italian consumer attitudes towards the irradiated food and in particular the perceived risk and the acceptability of these technology. A survey was carried out in Italy by administering an on-line questionnaire to a sample of 392 consumers. The results of the study highlight a low level of knowledge of food irradiation, often associated with nuclear radiation and doubts about the effect that the consumption of irradiated food can have on human health. Moreover, there is a marked need, expressed by interviewees, to acquire more information on the technology and the benefits that can be obtained. This study has some political, managerial and ethical implications.