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Food Quality and Risk Perception: An Empirical Study Based on the Opinion of University Students

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  • Francesca Silvia Rota

    (Department of Economics and Statistics “Cognetti de Martiis” (ESt), University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
    Research Institute on Sustainable Economic Growth (IRCrES), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Luigi Bollani

    (Department of Economics, Social Studies, Applied Mathematics and Statistics (ESOMAS), University of Turin, 10134 Turin, Italy)

  • Maria Giuseppina Lucia

    (Department of Management “Valter Cantino”, University of Turin, 10134 Turin, Italy)

  • Alessandro Bonadonna

    (Department of Management “Valter Cantino”, University of Turin, 10134 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

In recent decades, the literature on food risk has grown significantly. Consumers are increasingly interested in being informed about the relationship between the food they purchase, their health, and current sustainability goals. In this study, university students’ opinions on food quality attributes were collected through a survey in search of emerging common traits and taking into account the students’ socio-demographic characteristics. The sample for the analysis consists of 5133 students enrolled at the University of Turin (Italy), whose perceptions of food risk are analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The results reveal the existence of four clusters within the surveyed student population: “Detached”, “Warranty-oriented”, “Inattentive”, and “Made in Italy-oriented”. In particular, the analysis shows a significant influence of age, education level, income, and employment on students’ preferences concerning the purchasing process and food safety. The results also provide some suggestions to stakeholders, underlying the necessity to strengthen the knowledge of the origin of food products and the awareness of the challenges of the global–local food system.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Silvia Rota & Luigi Bollani & Maria Giuseppina Lucia & Alessandro Bonadonna, 2024. "Food Quality and Risk Perception: An Empirical Study Based on the Opinion of University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8116-:d:1479793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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