Uncertainty – Consequences of food fraud from a victimological perspective

• In Event: Victimology Working Group Panel 4 Consequences of Victimization

Abstract

Food fraud is a worldwide problem and it is assumed that it has existed since ancient times. Presumably, almost all consumers have already been affected by this and will continue to be in the future. Nevertheless, there is very little research that addresses victimological issues in connection with food-related offenses. The aim of the presentation is to show how consumers react to this potential threat. For this purpose, the results of an online survey conducted in Germany will be presented. The participants were asked amongst others about their experiences regarding food fraud in the broadest sense. The results show that food fraud can lead to a loss of trust, which in turn can lead to a change in purchasing behavior. While some consumers try to avoid potential risks associated with food fraud, others ignore them. The main focus is on meat, as it is relatively often affected by food scandals and manipulations. An important finding of the study is that the lower the level of trust, the more consumers tend to reduce their meat consumption, change their purchasing habits or even eliminate meat from their diet. This is particularly true for women, which can be explained by the attempt to reduce risk. These reactions can be interpreted as consequences of victimization.

Keywords: food fraud, victims’ reactions, loss of trust, reduced meat consumption

Author

• Pamela Kerschke-Risch, University of Hamburg