Preadolescents and adolescents relationship with food

This paper presents the results of a survey on the perception of food quality by preadolescents and adolescents, residing in the Piedmont region (Italy). The bad eating habits and eating disorders of young people are pushing the local governments to promote initiatives regarding food education. The research presented in this paper shows how young people have a relationship of mere consumption with food and how their perception of quality is linked solely to the sensorial appeal. The preadolescents and adolescents perceive the risks connected with food but have little knowledge and information concerning food and the issue of good dietary habits is not perceived as urgent in this age group. For such reasons educational policies implemented by schools and public administrations are particularly necessary.