Abstract Worldwide bivalve production has increased significantly in recent years. Bivalve meat is recommended in dietary regimens due to the benefits associated with their consumption but, at the same time, is internationally recognized as a potential vehicle for outbreaks of foodborne disease. To reduce food risk exposure, consumers must pay close attention when purchasing, handling and consuming bivalves. This study aimed to collect information on consumers' perceptions and practices related to bivalve purchasing, managing and consumption at home. A focus group methodology was adopted to better understand consumers' food practices and risk perceptions regarding molluscs. Four focus groups involving 42 consumers were conducted in Veneto and Marche region. The core analysis was then applied to each focus group discussion in order to identify, categorize and rank the information collected. The most important factors that came to light during the focus groups concerned the personal reasons for preparing bivalves at home; the place of purchase; the elements guiding consumers when purchasing bivalves; the bivalve preparation, cooking and storage conditions at home; the consumption of raw molluscs and the health risks; the consumers’ categories most at risk; and the production chain control by the authorities. The data reported in the article can provide useful information to public authorities working on food safety for developing effective risk communication strategies.

中文翻译：

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从购买到消费双壳类软体动物：关于消费者行为和风险认知的定性研究

摘要 近年来，全球双壳贝类产量显着增加。由于与食用相关的益处，推荐在饮食方案中使用双壳贝肉，但同时，双壳贝肉被国际公认为爆发食源性疾病的潜在载体。为了减少食品风险暴露，消费者在购买、处理和食用双壳类动物时必须密切关注。本研究旨在收集有关消费者对双壳贝类采购、管理和在家消费的看法和做法的信息。采用焦点小组方法来更好地了解消费者对软体动物的饮食习惯和风险认知。在威尼托和马尔凯地区进行了四个焦点小组，涉及 42 名消费者。然后将核心分析应用于每个焦点小组讨论，以便对收集到的信息进行识别、分类和排序。在焦点小组中发现的最重要的因素是在家里准备双壳类动物的个人原因；购买地点；引导消费者购买双壳类动物的要素；双壳类动物在家中的制备、烹饪和储存条件；生软体动物的消费和健康风险；风险最大的消费者类别；以及当局对生产链的控制。文章中报告的数据可为从事食品安全工作的公共当局提供有用的信息，以制定有效的风险沟通策略。在焦点小组中发现的最重要的因素是在家里准备双壳类动物的个人原因；购买地点；引导消费者购买双壳类动物的要素；双壳类动物在家中的制备、烹饪和储存条件；生软体动物的消费和健康风险；风险最大的消费者类别；以及当局对生产链的控制。文章中报告的数据可为从事食品安全工作的公共当局提供有用的信息，以制定有效的风险沟通策略。在焦点小组中发现的最重要的因素是在家里准备双壳类动物的个人原因；购买地点；引导消费者购买双壳类动物的要素；双壳类动物在家中的制备、烹饪和储存条件；生软体动物的消费和健康风险；风险最大的消费者类别；以及当局对生产链的控制。文章中报告的数据可为从事食品安全工作的公共当局提供有用的信息，以制定有效的风险沟通策略。风险最大的消费者类别；以及当局对生产链的控制。文章中报告的数据可为从事食品安全工作的公共当局提供有用的信息，以制定有效的风险沟通策略。风险最大的消费者类别；以及当局对生产链的控制。文章中报告的数据可为从事食品安全工作的公共当局提供有用的信息，以制定有效的风险沟通策略。