# The Yearlong Effect of COVID-19 on Food Safety: Consumer Practices and Perceptions Using Longitudinal Consumer Surveys and Focus Groups

## TL;DR

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic changed consumer food safety practices and perceptions in the U.S. over 13 months.

## Contribution

The study provides longitudinal insights into evolving consumer food safety behaviors and perceptions during a pandemic.

## Key findings

- Consumer food safety risk perceptions increased during the pandemic but reverted to past behaviors by May 2021.
- Households with high-risk individuals showed significantly different food handling practices compared to others.
- Washing produce with soap was a common practice, despite not being recommended.

## Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused many consumers in the United States to change their perceptions and food handling practices at the height of the pandemic. We used a quantitative–qualitative mixed-method approach to assess consumers’ risk perceptions and food safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine waves of surveys were distributed to an online consumer panel over a 13-month period (April 2020–May 2021), and four waves of focus groups were conducted (May–July 2020 and June 2021). While the pandemic elevated peoples’ perceptions of risks related to food safety practices, many consumers were reverting to past behaviors by May 2021. Participants asserted high confidence in their food safety measures; however, they perceived a low risk of contracting COVID-19 from food. Contrasts in food handling became apparent when assessing different age groups; observations revealed that practices in households with high-risk individuals differed significantly from those without. Although not recommended, the practice of washing produce with soap was consistent, predicting a possible continuation of this practice over time. This study highlights various factors that food safety educators and policymakers need to consider for effective communication about risks associated with food safety practices in preparation for pandemics and other major health events.