Pflanzenschutzmittel -Rückstände in Lebensmitteln - Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Bevölkerungsbefragung zur Risikowahrnehmung der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher in Deutschland

Not least because of regularly media coverage pesticide residues in food are of high public interest. A European survey showed that pesticides in fruits and vegetables are regarded as the highest risk factor in the food area by German consumers. That makes a knowledge-based communication concerning actual food-borne risks very difficult. To gather the facts and get more detailed information about perception, coping and information behavior by the consumer with respect to pesticides, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment started a representative survey in 2009. It was shown that consumers generally expect comple-te pesticide free food. In case pesticide residues were found and the story was communicated by the media people got the impression that a giant lack of control and regulation enforcement exists. Although no health damage was ever observed, pesticide residues in food are still perceived as a high risk factor by the consumer. The topic remains a big challenge for risk communication.