Consumer handling of chilled foods: Perception and practice

Abstract A survey has been made of 252 households in the UK to evaluate consumer handling of chilled foods. The survey has provided information on the shopping habits of the households in terms of the types of shops they use, their shopping frequency and transportation arrangements. Data are also presented on the consumer's attitude to and knowledge of food safety and storage times. By using data obtained from a study of the chilled products present in the householders' refrigerators, a comparison has been made between the consumer's expectations in terms of storage life and their practice.