Crynodeb
Background: Refrigeration plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety and reducing the risk of listeria growth. UK guidelines recommend domestic refrigerators operate at 5°C or below. However, research indicates low ownership of refrigerator thermometers. “Citizen Science Research” is defined as the collection of data by the public, currently, the approach is seldom used in a food safety context.
Methodology: Given the lack of thermometer ownership, during summer 2023, this Citizen Science project distributed refrigerator thermometers (n=1174) to the public to enable them to check the operating temperature of their refrigerator. Participants were instructed to record temperatures using a designated online platform.
Results: Of the distributed thermometers, 201 participants (17% response rate) engaged in the study. The response rate varied, with the highest (39%) observed when thermometers were sent to individuals who had completed a previous food safety questionnaire. The lowest rate (12%) occurred at a festival where thermometers were given away with the chance to win £100. A higher response rate (21%) was achieved at a food festival where the emphasis was on research participation rather than the prize. The majority (90%) did not own a thermometer before participating. Recorded temperatures ranged from 0°C to 20°C, with 71% exceeding the recommended 5°C, and 37% operating at 10°C or higher. Of those with temperatures above 5°C (n=127), 80% expressed concern about the potential for food poisoning bacteria growth and indicated intentions to readjust the temperature. Another 18% considered readjusting, while 2% were not concerned and had no plans to adjust their refrigerator temperature.
Conclusions: Significance: This study demonstrates the potential of citizen science methods to gather valuable food safety data. By engaging the public in monitoring their refrigerator temperatures, this approach not only provides critical data but also raises awareness and encourages better domestic food safety practices.
Methodology: Given the lack of thermometer ownership, during summer 2023, this Citizen Science project distributed refrigerator thermometers (n=1174) to the public to enable them to check the operating temperature of their refrigerator. Participants were instructed to record temperatures using a designated online platform.
Results: Of the distributed thermometers, 201 participants (17% response rate) engaged in the study. The response rate varied, with the highest (39%) observed when thermometers were sent to individuals who had completed a previous food safety questionnaire. The lowest rate (12%) occurred at a festival where thermometers were given away with the chance to win £100. A higher response rate (21%) was achieved at a food festival where the emphasis was on research participation rather than the prize. The majority (90%) did not own a thermometer before participating. Recorded temperatures ranged from 0°C to 20°C, with 71% exceeding the recommended 5°C, and 37% operating at 10°C or higher. Of those with temperatures above 5°C (n=127), 80% expressed concern about the potential for food poisoning bacteria growth and indicated intentions to readjust the temperature. Another 18% considered readjusting, while 2% were not concerned and had no plans to adjust their refrigerator temperature.
Conclusions: Significance: This study demonstrates the potential of citizen science methods to gather valuable food safety data. By engaging the public in monitoring their refrigerator temperatures, this approach not only provides critical data but also raises awareness and encourages better domestic food safety practices.
| Iaith wreiddiol | Saesneg |
|---|---|
| Statws | Cyhoeddwyd - 11 Hyd 2024 |
| Digwyddiad | 21st International Symposium on Problems of Listeria and Listeriosis - Quadram Institute, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Y Deyrnas Unedig Hyd: 11 Medi 2024 → 13 Medi 2024 Rhif y gynhadledd: 21 https://quadram.ac.uk/events/isopol2024/ |
Cynhadledd
| Cynhadledd | 21st International Symposium on Problems of Listeria and Listeriosis |
|---|---|
| Teitl cryno | ISOPOL |
| Gwlad/Tiriogaeth | Y Deyrnas Unedig |
| Dinas | Norwich |
| Cyfnod | 11/09/24 → 13/09/24 |
| Cyfeiriad rhyngrwyd |