PR/HACCP Rule Evaluation Report: Thermometer Usage Messages and Delivery Mechanisms for Parents of Young Children

Source: Research Triangle Institute (RTI) for the USDA, FSIS

Methodology: As part of the evaluation study, RTI is conducting evaluations of specific FSIS consumer education programs. Previous reports describe focus group findings to test food safety messages and to identify effective delivery mechanisms for the general population and for pregnant women, a high-risk population for listeriosis. This report describes findings from six focus groups in three different locations with parents of young children to evaluate the ThermyTM educational materials used nationally to promote food thermometer usage. The objectives of the focus group study were to (1) assess the effectiveness of providing Thermy™ educational materials, with and without thermometers, at changing consumers’ behavior to use food thermometers; (2) evaluate the Thermy™ educational materials; and (3) identify effective delivery mechanisms for the Thermy™ educational materials.

Summary: The vast majority of participants agreed that it is important for the general population and, specifically parents and guardians of young children, to be educated about the importance of using a food thermometer. Participants suggested educating children about thermometer usage in schools so they would bring the message home to their parents. Participants also identified the need for consumers to hear the thermometer usage message multiple times and via multiple sources.

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