Perception of food safety risk among the residents of the city of Tuzla

A significant factor in food safety is the consumer, particularly their perception. This study aimed to determine consumer perception of food safety in the area of the city of Tuzla, Tuzlanski Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study was conducted in 2022 using a questionnaire specifically designed for this purpose and administered to a sample of 211 respondents. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 25. Comparative descriptive analysis was used. For 43.8% of respondents, food safety is a priority when purchasing food. 52.1% of respondents stated that the most common area of concern is food safety, and 31.3% identified the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food. For 49.3% of respondents, the main source of information about foodrelated risks was the internet (excluding social media). The awareness level index was very high for food safety-related topics among 51.7% of respondents, while it was very low for 1.4%. The findings highlight the need to improve food safety perception through a multidisciplinary approach that includes education, strengthening trust in institutions, and effective risk communication. It would be desirable to compare the attitudes of people in rural and urban areas, as well as the general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.