Abstract

This paper shows some results of an empirical study about the perception of food quality by a population of preadolescents and adolescents. Dietary habits are strongly influenced by the choices of the family and young people seem to have no knowledge nor curiosity about the features of the food they eat, except for the sensorial appeal and, secondarily, for weight control. The survey shows that pre-teens and teens are not innovators with respect to food quality, and that educational policies aimed at improving their knowledge about food are useful and need to be deployed.