Journal of Food: Microbiology, Safety & Hygiene
Open Access

Abstract

Application of the Word Association Cognitive Technique in the Evaluation of Food Safety Perception

Marina L. Mitterer-Daltoe

This opinion article aims to highlight the use of the Word Association technique (WA) as a food safety tool, as evidenced in the article by J.M. Latorres and coauthors. The application of this cognitive technique revealed two interesting results: a) the importance of the constant participation and improvement of professionals in the food area when the subject is food security; and b) the immediate associations with the stimuli employed that were made by each group studied. The application of the technique also allowed for the verification of changes or improvements in the perceptions referring to the subjects related to food safety after the training courses, which demonstrated their efficacy. Once again this reinforces the importance of the propagation and re-propagation of knowledge with professionals in the food area, which, as a practical consequence implies in a reduction in the risks of foodborne diseases.