Food-Waste vs. Food-Toxins

Natural food contaminants can cause a wide range of toxic effects on human health. Although several food contaminants are under regulation in commerce, they also occur after retail in households. However, studies have shown a general lack of risk awareness among consumers and a complex trade-off between avoiding food waste and sensible disposal of contaminated foods. The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to assess food toxins from a toxicological perspective, determine relevant psychological factors for food consumption decisions and evaluate communication measures to enable consumers to make healthy and sustainable consumption choices.

Publications and Presentations

Muñoz, K., Wagner, M., Pauli, F., Christ, J., Reese, G. (2021). Knowledge and Behavioral Habits to Reduce Mycotoxin Dietary Exposure at Household Level in a Cohort of German University Students. Toxins. 13(11). 760. doi: 10.3390/toxins13110760.

Barkela, B., Muñoz, K. (2022, November). Mycotoxins in food: Communication and psychological trade-offs. 44rd Annual Association for Interdisciplinary Studies Conference, Rohnert Park, CA.