Long-run Effects From Consumer Reaction to the Spread of Foodborne Pathogens: the Case of E. Coli Contamination of Beef at Jack in the Box Restaurants
Year: 2009
Type: preprint
Abstract: Using news coverage of food safety as an indicator of public attention to food pathogen issues in meat products, we found the 1993 E. coli O157:H7 contamination of hamburgers likely permanently changed consumers' perception of beef safety. A food consumption model with rational habit persistence is developed to examine whether consumers make forward-looking consumption decisions accounting for expectations of future food safety. We document clear evidence of forward-looking consumption behavior, which suggests that government regulations implemented subsequent to the 1993 event to protect consumers from ignorance or cognitive defects may be ineffective.
Authors: Zhen, Chen, Zhen, Chen
Language: English
Topic: Food Safety and Hygiene
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2139501411