International Risk Communication

Risks, such as foodborne illnesses, start in one country but travel rapidly around the world. And risk communication travels just as quickly. This chapter provides specific strategies for international risk communication. To plan risk communication strategies for individual countries, be sure to consult experts from those locations and review countryhspecific research. Do not immediately assume that risk communication is wildly different worldwide. Each country and population group may have its own characteristics that affect how people perceive and communicate risks. These characteristics may include religious beliefs, health and environmental regulations, and community traditions. Understand the cultural attributes of the areas in which you are communicating and form strategies around them. When communicating across countries, research all applicable laws and regulations that affect the situation.