According to food safety expert Nancy Childs, pandemic reactions create consumer distrust in the safety of the retail environment.

"Any potential for further slowdown in global economic activity is a concern," says Childs.

"Pandemic flu concerns, as occurred early in the decade with SARS, and mid-decade in Europe and Asia with isolated Avian flu outbreaks in bird populations, generate an uneven impact on commerce."

Building off of the 2003 SARS pandemic in Toronto, when the Canadian economy suffered a $515 million blow, Childs advises retailers create a welcome and safe environment for shopping and food products."

 

 

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