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Food Risks on the Web: Analysis of the 2017 Fipronil Alert in the Italian Online Information Sources

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  • Mirko Ruzza
  • Barbara Tiozzo
  • Valentina Rizzoli
  • Mosé Giaretta
  • Laura D'Este
  • Licia Ravarotto

Abstract

In the summer of 2017, several European Union Member States were involved in a food alert caused by the presence of fipronil pesticide residues in chicken eggs. The food alert became a major news and received wide coverage both in the mass media and on the Internet. This article describes a study that analyzed how the Italian online information sources represented the fipronil alert, using web monitoring techniques and both manual and automatic content analysis methods. The results indicate that the alert was amplified because general news media could represent the alert within the frame of a political scandal, and because different social actors exploited the case. However, online information sources correctly communicated that the risks for consumers were low, reporting mainly what was officially communicated by the Italian health authorities. The study provides empirical evidence on how the online information sources represent food risks and food alerts and offers useful indications for health authorities in charge of the public communication of food risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirko Ruzza & Barbara Tiozzo & Valentina Rizzoli & Mosé Giaretta & Laura D'Este & Licia Ravarotto, 2020. "Food Risks on the Web: Analysis of the 2017 Fipronil Alert in the Italian Online Information Sources," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 40(10), pages 2071-2092, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:40:y:2020:i:10:p:2071-2092
    DOI: 10.1111/risa.13533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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