This book, edited and authored by a group of scientists experienced in European cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research in the field of consumer food perceptions, sensory evaluation, product image and risk research, delivers a unique insight into decision making and food consumption of the European consumer. The volume is essential reading for those involved in product development, market research and consumer science in food and agro industries and academic research. It brings together experts from different disciplines in order to address fundamental issues to do with predicting food choice, consumer behavior and societal trust into quality and safety regulatory systems. The importance of the social and psychological context and the cross-cultural differences and how they influence food choice are also covered in great detail.

Allergy is an immunological disease caused by multiple factors and characterized by variability, specificity and complexity. "Multidisciplinary Approaches to Allergies" covers diverse aspects ranging from basic molecular mechanisms to societal issues within the framework of multidisciplinary approaches to allergies. It contains 29 chapters in 6 parts: General Allergy; Allergenic Sources and Allergens; Diagnosis; Therapies and Pharmacy; Hypoallergenic Products; Environment, Hygiene and Societal Issues. It can be used in education and research as introductory and supplementary material. It is also an indispensable tool for scientists and doctors who are searching for an integrated way for allergy prevention, treatment and management.

Zhong-Shan Gao, Ph.D., is Professor of Fruit Science and Allergy at the Department of Horticulture and the Allergy Research Center, Zhejiang University, China. Hua-Hao Shen, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor of Respiratory Diseases at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China, and Professor in the Chang Jiang Scholars Program (MOE). Min Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China. Lynn J. Frewer, Ph.D., is Professor of Food & Society at the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, UK. Luud J.W.J. Gilissen, Ph.D., is senior researcher at Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands.

A unique insight into the decision-making and food consumption of the European consumer. The volume is essential reading for those involved in product development, market research and consumer science in food and agro industries and academic research. It brings together experts from different disciplines in order to address the fundamental issues related to predicting food choice, consumer behavior and societal trust in quality and safety regulatory systems. The importance of the social and psychological context and the cross-cultural differences and how they influence food choice are also covered in great detail.