Food Safety Knowledge and Practices among Older Adults: Identifying Causes and Solutions for Risky Behaviors

J Nutr Elder. 2009 Apr;28(2):112-26. doi: 10.1080/01639360902949986.

Abstract

Adults aged 60 years and older are more likely than younger adults to experience complications, hospitalization, and death because of food-borne infections. Recognizing this risk, we conducted a nationally representative survey (n = 1,140) to characterize older adults' food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as the demographic characteristics of older adults with risky food handling practices. The survey was conducted using a Web-enabled panel. We found that although older adults consider themselves to be knowledgeable about food safety, many are not following recommended food safety practices. Areas for improvement include the following: reheating deli meats to steaming hot, not eating store-bought deli salads, cooking eggs properly, monitoring refrigerator temperature using a thermometer, using a food thermometer to check doneness of meat/poultry/egg dishes, and storing leftovers properly. The survey results also suggest that food safety education targeting older adults is needed and that such initiatives should emphasize practices to prevent listeriosis, a potentially fatal illness among older adults. Our findings suggest that, in particular, men, individuals with higher incomes, and college-educated individuals would benefit from food safety education.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Handling / standards
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Safety
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Health Education / standards
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sex Distribution