Orynbekov Duman, Kalibekkyzy Zhanar, Nurgazezova Almagul, Nurymkhan Gulnur, Kassenov Amirzhan, Yermekov Yernaz
Department of Food Production Technology and Biotechnology, The Engineering-Technological Faculty, Shakarim University, Glinka 20A, Semey 071412, Kazakhstan.
Department of Food Technology and Processing Products, Technical Faculty, Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, Zhenis Avenue, 62, Astana 010011, Kazakhstan.
Foods. 2025 May 4;14(9):1625. doi: 10.3390/foods14091625.
Food irradiation is a scientifically validated method for improving food safety and shelf life, yet public acceptance remains limited due to persistent misconceptions. This study investigates consumer perceptions of irradiated food in the Abai region of Kazakhstan, an area historically affected by radiation exposure, though this context is not explicitly addressed. A structured questionnaire was administered to 420 adult residents across urban and rural districts, collecting data on familiarity, knowledge, perceived risks and benefits, willingness to consume, and influencing factors such as trust in authorities and preference for natural foods. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and Duncan's test, were employed. Results reveal widespread knowledge gaps-only 20% correctly rejected the myth that irradiated food is radioactive-yet nearly half of respondents expressed willingness to purchase such products. Perceived health risk was high across all food categories, especially infant food, but this did not consistently predict avoidance. Demographic variables such as education and age influenced perceptions of necessity, while gender and trust in authorities had minimal impact. The study concludes that although consumer knowledge is low, moderate openness exists toward irradiated food, suggesting that public education and clear communication could play a pivotal role in building acceptance for this food safety intervention.
食品辐照是一种经科学验证的提高食品安全和延长保质期的方法，但由于持续存在的误解，公众接受度仍然有限。本研究调查了哈萨克斯坦阿拜地区消费者对辐照食品的看法，该地区历史上受到过辐射暴露影响，不过这一背景并未得到明确阐述。对城乡地区的420名成年居民进行了结构化问卷调查，收集了有关熟悉程度、知识、感知风险与益处、消费意愿以及诸如对当局的信任和对天然食品的偏好等影响因素的数据。采用了描述性和推断性统计分析，包括皮尔逊相关性分析和邓肯检验。结果显示，普遍存在知识差距——只有20%的人正确驳斥了辐照食品具有放射性这一谬论——但近一半的受访者表示愿意购买此类产品。所有食品类别中，尤其是婴儿食品，感知到的健康风险都很高，但这并不总是能预测人们会避免购买。教育程度和年龄等人口统计学变量影响了对必要性的看法，而性别和对当局的信任影响极小。该研究得出结论，尽管消费者知识水平较低，但对辐照食品存在一定程度的开放态度，这表明公众教育和清晰的沟通在促使人们接受这种食品安全干预措施方面可能发挥关键作用。
