Changing the layout of farmers markets can affect cross-contamination
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21295983 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karla M Acosta (0000-0001-6048-5490, University of Houston), Zahra H Mohammad (0000-0002-9373-1923, University of Houston), Heyao Yu (0000-0002-0893-353X, Pennsylvania State University), Kristen Kirkwood (University of Houston), Kristen Gibson (0000-0002-5648-5209), Kristen E Gibson (0000-0003-4071-7914, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville), Jack A Neal (University of Houston), Sujata A Sirsat (0000-0001-5734-2413, University of Houston) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 123 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 3661-3671 |
| Publication date | 2021-10-22 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Food Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/bfj-12-2020-1153 |
| OpenAlex | W3140928919 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the layout has an effect on cross-contaminations levels at farmers markets. Design/methodology/approach We used social cognitive theory's triadic reciprocity model to investigate how influencing the environment could change the behaviors of farmers’ market consumers and reduce the risk of microbial cross-contamination using a Fluorescent Compound (FC). For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experimental between-subject factorial design was utilized in this study: three farmers market layouts (i.e. U-shaped [U-S], L-shaped [L-S] and square-shaped [S–S]) and two different set-ups per market (i.e. produce and non-produce vendors completely separated, and alternating produce and non-produce vendors). FC was utilized to simulate microbial contamination on the participants ( n = 54) hands. The participants were allowed to walk through the layout for 3 min and touch items after which a total of 475 swab samples were processed and recorded for absorbance levels. Findings The results indicated that the cross-contamination level of the U-S market was significantly lower ( p < 0.001) than those of the L-S and S–S markets. The best market layout and set-up based on the average levels of simulated cross-contamination were the U-S market, particularly with the A set-up, where produce and non-produce booths were scattered. Originality/value This study is the first to use the quantification of FC to identify the impact of a farmers’ market layout/design on cross-contamination levels. These results can be used to provide guidance to market managers on layout and design from a safety standpoint to reduce the risk of cross-contamination
Business · Contamination · Originality · Reciprocity (cultural anthropology) · Set (abstract data type) · Computer Science · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Food Safety and Hygiene · Marketing · Psychology · Social Psychology
| Highly cited | No |
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