Food risk perceptions and purchasing behavior in Lithuania: Towards a culture of fear?

Abstract

This article describes an investigation into public perceptions of foodrelated risks and food purchasing behavior in Lithuania. Study results reveal that food-related concerns are prevailing in Lithuanian society over concerns about many environmental, health and technological risks such as global climate change, nuclear power or genetic engineering. The authors argue that modern food-related risks can be characterized as ‘out of personal control’ risks, and their predominance in the public attitudes of Lithuanians denotes that food cultures are becoming cultures of fear on the level of perception. Research revealed that the inhabitants of Lithuania are highly concerned about food safety compared to other European countries; however, these concerns are not reflected in patterns of food purchasing behavior.