Food Hazard Awareness and Food Apprehension towards Food Safety Management System Evaluation: Focus on Moderating Effect of Food Safety Information Awareness

Consumer anxiety about food safety is increasing, and the ability to make an accurate assessment is inadequate due to the lack of food safety information. This research focuses on relations among main variables, such as food hazard awareness, food apprehension, food safety information awareness, and food safety management system evaluation. In addition, to the moderating effects of food safety information awareness between food hazards awareness, food apprehension, and food safety management system evaluation. First, food hazards awareness and apprehension was slightly higher than the average level, also there was a significant difference in food hazard apprehension according to food hazard awareness. However, the level of food safety information was not high, meaning consumers were not as well informed as expected. We divided food safety management system evaluation into awareness and practice, subsequently, the results of both were at a low level. Food safety information awareness’ moderating effect was also confirmed. Consumer organizations and the government need to provide specific and correct information to Korean consumers, that also implement a wide range of consumer education related policies. Keywords: food hazards awareness, food apprehension, food safety information awareness, food safety management system evaluation