Purpose: This study investigates the food handling errors of four well-known celebrity chefs, and consumer’s attitudes toward these errors.
Methods: A content analysis of 60 television cooking shows was performed. A scale, based on The Partnership for Food Safety Education’s Four Core Practices: Cook, Clean, Chill, Separate was developed, validated, and used to evaluate the cooking shows. Focus groups were used to obtain qualitative data about consumer attitudes towards the chefs’ behaviors based upon viewing clips from each chef.
Results: The content analysis indicated that some chefs continue to practice dangerous food handling behaviors. Lack of hand washing prior to food preparation or after handling raw meat, failure to use a cooking thermometer to confirm doneness of meat, and cross contamination are frequently observed. Instances of cross-contamination often included handling of utensils or other items, such as salt or cooking oil after handling raw meat. Focus groups confirm that some consumers are unaware of the breach of safety protocol and admit they might follow similar practices while others report thinking less of the chef’s expertise when mishandling occurs.
Significance: Consumers view celebrity chefs as role models, utilize information transmitted during cooking shows, and often practice similar behavior in their own kitchens. Chefs’ poor food handling practices could increase the risk of foodborne illness from food prepared at home.