Perception and awareness of the European Union food safety framework

A survey was conducted on a Turkish Educated Group (TG), European Educated Group (EG) and a Turkish Public Group (TPG), to reveal possible differences in the perception and awareness of the EU Food Safety policy. The majority was aware which authority is responsible for food safety at national level but did not clearly understand how to make food complaints (which were mostly made to food companies instead of public institutions). The manufacturer’s name and price were important for the Turks, while the food label was essential for the EG. “Food safety” was associated to “quality control” and “healthy life” by the TG and EG groups; however, the TPG group understood it as “healthy life” and “food terror”. Individuals with higher education showed high interest in food packaging. Halal certification was highly appreciated by both TG and TPG.