Perceptions on Hazards and Washing Behavior of Vegetables at Home

가정에서의 채소류 세척 실태 및 위해요인에 대한 인식

This survey was conducted to assess the perception of hazards and washing behavior of vegetables of 500 housewives in Korea. The subjects were selected by the stratified random sampling method. The survey was performed using a structured questionnaire through telephone interviews by skilled interviewers. Most people have bought vegetables and fruits in the supermarket or (traditional) markets rather than stores, department stores, or direct transactions. Eighteen percent of the subjects felt vegetables were secure and were not concerned about safety. But $42.8{\%}$ were concerned about vegetable safety. The perceptions of vegetable-related hazards differed significantly by the respondent's socioeconomic characteristics. Higher concern about vegetable safety was reported by subjects with higher income, children, and who usually buy vegetables in supermarkets or department stores. Most subjects ($88.6{\%}$) perceived that residues of chemical substances such as pesticides were the most significant potential vegetable risk factor, followed by heavy metal, and pathogens. Housewives mainly rinsed vegetables in flowing-water ($85.2{\%}$ of subjects), 3${\~}$4 times ($63.8{\%}$ of subjects), and without detergent ($90.6{\%}$). Subjects believed that hazards decreased by blanching or boiling vegetables rather than washing. Subjects realized more or less correctly the removal rate of pesticide and pathogen through the washing and cooking processes. However, the removal rate of heavy metals was less than subjects thought it would be. Therefore, the scientifically assessed results on safety in the washing and cooking process should be opened to the public to provide the right-to-know and assure confidence in consumers.