Development of Exciting Citizen Science Approaches to Investigate and Improve Home Food Safety Practices

Introduction: Citizen science research involves the public collecting data. Currently, the approach is underutilized in a food safety context and warrants further exploration.
Purpose: Two citizen science initiatives were undertaken to equip the public with tools for ensuring food safety and to provide researchers with information on effective approaches for undertaking food safety citizen science projects.

Methods: Firstly, the “Is Your Fridge Cold Enough?” project distributed refrigerator thermometers (n=1,000) during summer 2023, whilst the Christmas Food Safety Citizen Science Project distributed cooking temperature probes (n=1,000) during December 2023. Online platforms were created to enable participants to enter temperature data including images.

Results: The “Is Your Fridge Cold Enough” project, involved in-person distribution at four festivals/events, with two distribution approaches; offering free thermometers with a chance to win £100 for reporting temperatures (12% response rate) and recruiting volunteers for the research without emphasizing the prize (21% response rate). The Christmas Food Safety Citizen Science Project relied on online advertising (calling for volunteers to participate in research with a chance to win £100) and postal distribution of probes. Within 12 hours of advertising 2,216 people had signed up to participate. The approach resulted in a 26% response rate. Motivation for participation included an interest in research involvement, protecting family from foodborne illnesses, and a desire for the free probe; financial incentive was not reported to be a primary driver.

Significance: This study provides insights into effective approaches for future consumer food safety citizen science projects. Contrary to expectations, online advertising and postal distribution proved efficient and effective, challenging the assumption that in-person distribution would yield a higher response rate. Data from both projects revealed food safety malpractices among consumers. However, the provision of information and tools enabled individuals to address issues like undercooking meat and unsafe refrigeration temperatures, promoting safer food in the home.