Perceptions of food risk and trust in non-English speaking Greek and Vietnamese immigrants in South Australia

Abstract

Aim: Trust in the food supply is important when making food choices. However for non-English speakers in an English-speaking country, food choice may be problematic. Specifically, familiar foods may be limited and food safety information is often only communicated in English. This study aimed to identify factors that determine the nature and dimensions of consumer mis/trust in food in selected non-English-speaking populations. Methods: Semistructured, in-depth interviews with 17 non-English-speaking participants. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that participants felt that they had no choice but to trust a food system that they did not understand well. However some participants undertook activities to mitigate risk and bolster their trust in the foods they bought and prepared. Conclusions: This study highlights a gap in culturally appropriate information for non-English speakers which can affect trust in the food supply.