The project
The S.A.C. project
Food Safety Monitoring Project: Enhancing Digital Knowledge Dissemination The project "Monitoring food safety (FS) knowledges, attitudes and practices (KAP) in home settings to improve the development of digital knowledge dissemination tools, through web analysis," funded by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) under the Independent Research 2023 programme, started on April 2024 and will run for two years. Coordinated by the Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health (SANV), the project involves a multidisciplinary team from the ISS with experts across various fields.
Main objectives
The project aims to monitor online perceptions of food safety risks to optimise communication and promote consumer empowerment through digital dissemination strategies. The objectives include:
- Improving the usability of ISS digital platforms
- Promoting an interdisciplinary approach to food safety
- Increasing consumer health literacy
- Encouraging the use of citizen science, involving the public in data collection and analysis.
The project will explore how users acquire information online regarding home food safety (SAC) using an innovative web monitoring methodology. This phase will provide insights into how to improve the dissemination of scientific knowledge on food safety, identifying information gaps and proposing targeted content.
Project phases
1. Web Monitoring and Trend Analysis: Collecting and analysing online trends related to food safety topics using advanced techniques like machine learning.
2. Development and Distribution of a Questionnaire: An electronic survey to collect data on consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement.
3. Results Dissemination: The analysis results will be shared through ISS digital channels, with engaging content such as infographics, mini-videos, and podcasts to ensure clear and accessible communication.
Units Involved
The project involves four operational units within the ISS:
- SANV (Food Safety) for microbiological, chemical, and nutritional analysis
- IT-Service for the management of IT technologies and web monitoring
- CNaPPS for health promotion and education
- Communication-Press Office for disseminating results to the public.
Each unit contributes specific expertise, collaborating to create an integrated and synergistic approach.
Methodology
The study is descriptive, observational, and qualitative, aiming to analyse online food safety information. It employs web listening and an online questionnaire to better understand consumers’ knowledge and behaviours. The study phases are as follows:
1. Web Monitoring to gather online trends
2. Data Processing using advanced automated analysis techniques
3. Survey to identify knowledge gaps
4. Results Dissemination via ISS digital channels and participation in scientific conferences.
Expected Results
The project aims to improve the user experience by optimising the accessibility of scientific information and promoting a more informed use of the internet for health. The developed model will contribute to enhancing health literacy and strengthening trust in health institutions. Direct citizen involvement through citizen science will increase awareness about safe food handling practices in the home setting.
Conclusions
Through online monitoring, behaviour analysis, and the use of innovative digital techniques, the project seeks to improve consumer interaction, increase knowledge about food safety, and promote safer domestic food practices.
