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Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
Published on: August 19, 2021
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Consumer acceptance of bacteriophage technology for microbial control
Taylor Thompson1, Valerie Kilders2, Nicole Widmar1
1Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA.
Scientific Reports
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Consumer acceptance of bacteriophages, a non-antibiotic alternative for bacterial control, is linked to familiarity with antibiotics and phages. Information about bacteriophages did not significantly change perceptions of chicken quality attributes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern, necessitating alternative strategies for bacterial infection control.
- The One Health initiative promotes a holistic approach to AMR, including public engagement.
- Bacteriophages offer a non-antibiotic alternative, but consumer acceptance is uncertain, particularly in food production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess consumer knowledge, familiarity, and acceptance of bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.
- To evaluate consumer perception of AMR as a threat and their willingness to adopt new microbial control technologies.
- To determine the impact of information about bacteriophages on consumer perceptions of AMR and chicken quality.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1497 Pakistani consumers was conducted.
- Knowledge of antibiotics, bacteriophages, and AMR was assessed.
- Willingness to accept alternative technologies and perceptions of chicken quality were evaluated before and after information provision.
Main Results:
- Familiarity with both antibiotics and bacteriophages significantly correlated with acceptance of alternative microbial control technologies.
- Consumer perception of AMR as a threat was associated with acceptance of these alternatives.
- Providing information about bacteriophages did not significantly alter perceptions of most chicken quality attributes.
Conclusions:
- Consumer familiarity with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacteriophages is crucial for the acceptance of alternative microbial control technologies in food production.
- Targeted education may be necessary to increase understanding and acceptance of bacteriophage technology.
- Further research is needed to explore consumer perceptions and potential barriers to adoption.
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