Consumer research regarding people at higher risk of food poisoning

• Introduction to moderator/Progressive/MRS Code of Conduct, GDPR, etc.
• Purpose of the research: We are conducting research on behalf of Food Standards Scotland about people’s thoughts on defining people who are vulnerable to foodborne illness/food poisoning.
• Completely confidential – whatever you say will only be used for the purposes of the research project.
• Explain audio recording - permission should have been granted at recruitment stage but reiterate and check again. It is so I don’t have to take notes. It will only be used for the purposes of this research project.
• Anonymous – do not attach names. Pull all findings together and report it back on a group basis.
• Explanation of rules of engagement of discussion - take part
  • not a test
  • no right or wrong answers
  • just interested in your own views
  • REASSURE: only share what you are comfortable sharing
• Reiterate GDPR rules if required: Withdraw at any time, only share what you are comfortable with.

• Name
• Where do you live?
• Who lives at home with you?
• Do you or someone you care for suffer from health conditions?
  • (P) what are they?

• Talk to me about food safety messaging you have seen.
  • (P) what was it, where did you see it, what was the core message?
• Have you or any of your family members experienced food poisoning?
  • Was it diagnosed/confirmed or self-reported?
• What do you think causes food poisoning? What can we do to prevent it?

Note to moderator: we can revisit this at the end of the group with general advice

• Can food poisoning be mild, or is it always serious?
• Are you concerned about food poisoning/food safety when preparing meals for yourself or others?

• Do you think all groups of people are affected by food poisoning in the same way?
• Do you think there are any groups who are more susceptible to food poisoning than others?
  • (P) which groups are more vulnerable?
  • (P) why do you think that is?

Test definition

Before we go on to discuss my client’s definitions in detail, I’d like to get some spontaneous thoughts on who you believe falls into certain groups, let me show you a slide that outlines this. (Show card X)

• What are your thoughts on this?
• What did you expect?
• What, if anything, comes as a surprise?

Do you or anyone you care for fall into any of these categories? 

• (P) probe on all groups (1/2/3/4/5/6/7)

How would you define;

• Young children/who falls into that category/probe on age bands

How would you define:

• Older adults/who falls into that category/probe on age bands (ask all groups)
• Would you describe yourself as an older adult?
• Probe on groups 1, 2, 3 and 4

What would your preference be to use the terms ‘Older adults’ or using an ‘age-specific cut-off’ - what is easier to understand, what works better in this context?

• (P) for example using 65 years or older. How do you feel about that? To what degree does that marry with your thinking of older adults?

What do you think would be included in:

• Chronic illness or health conditions
• Certain medications

Test definitions (20 mins)

I’d like to test some definitions that we have developed to determine which is easier to understand. We have two versions of the definitions and within each we have a simple and a more detailed approach. Rotate order of testing.

Show version 1A simple

• What are your thoughts on this?
• How easy is this to understand?
• What, if any, points of confusion are there?
• What, if anything, requires more clarification?
• Do you or anyone you care for fall into any of these categories?

Show version 1B detailed

• What are your thoughts on this?
• How easy is this to understand?
• What, if any, points of confusion are there?
• What, if anything, requires more clarification?
• How does this compare to the earlier version 1A that we looked at?
  • (P)improve/overcomplicate/make easier
• Were you aware of the term PPI and what a PPI was without the brand name reference?
• What do you think immunosuppressants are?
  • (P) is this a term that is familiar to you?
• Do you or anyone you care for fall into any of these categories?
  Note to moderator: this is a prompt to determine if detailed version increases likelihood to identify as being in group

Preference

• Which is easier to understand and why?
• We have two approaches here, the first simply defines the group and the second gives an explanation of why. Which is preferable and why?

Determine preference for version 1 or 2 (10 mins)

• Which is your preferred approach: 1) defining risk categories by type of people or 2) defining risk categories by condition?
  • why
• Which is easiest to understand?
• The final statement of the definition states “If someone fits into more than one of these groups, such as being older and having diabetes, the risk of getting very sick from food poisoning is increased”.
• (P) How do you interpret this/do you understand what it means?

Information sources (5 mins)

• Where do you obtain general (and specific information) about food safety or groups who are more at risk?
  • (P) networks, FSS website, NHS website/resources, newspapers, social media, charity organisations, AI website e.g. ChatGPT, family/friends etc. 
  • (P) Groups 5 and 6 only – do they generally receive food safety advice from healthcare settings (GPs, nurses, hospital appointments)
• What are the most used and useful sources of information? What are the most trusted sources?
  • (P) channel, format etc.
• What information do you look for/would you like to have regarding food safety/groups who are more at risk?
  • (P) foods of high risk, how to cook food safely, cooking for people who are more at risk etc.

Wrap up (5 mins)

• What if anything new have you learnt this evening during the group discussion?
• What has surprised you, if anything?
• Do you think this will change any of your food safety behaviours?
• Summarise the best approach: 1 or 2/simple or detailed. 

Note to moderator: Reminder of key food safety behaviours that can reduce risk (slide provided by FSS) and where to go to learn more information on food safety (FSS website).