Oyster eaters: From consumer practices to the representation of risks

This article focuses on a study of the representation of the health risks associated with oyster consumption. The research was initially part of an interdisciplinary project looking at the differences between diploid and triploid oysters. The triploid oyster has been genetically modified to stem reproduction, the process responsible for milt, in order that it can be consumed all year round. According to biologists, however, this modification can be a source of risks. Based on this premise, we sought to determine first the overall perception of risks in oyster consumption and second whether or not these risks were reflected in the consumers' representation, most notably through a study of their practices. The theoretical framework adopted was therefore social representations. To achieve our objective, we questioned different people on how they viewed this seafood product. A longitudinal study of practices was conducted over an eight-month period (July 2015-February 2016) in 29 households in France. These regular consumers were asked to record in a consumption log all their practices of intention, purchasing/fishing and consumption as they related to oysters during this period. Regular interviews were conducted based on this consumption log. In total, 86 interviews were conducted and transcribed in full, and a computer-assisted lexical analysis (Alceste) was performed on the data. The results showed that, although the consumers were aware of the risks identified by the experts, they were in control of them, particularly in relation to the trust they placed in intermediary bodies. These results were interpreted according to the relationships between beliefs and practices.