Identity-based motivated reasoning and moral judgements in sharing behavior: A case study on mycotoxin risk in Germany

This paper addresses a critical dilemma where environmental sustainability and public health considerations may clash about the avoidance of food waste and the risk of mycotoxin exposure. Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites from filamentous fungi, are widespread contaminants in food and feed items and toxic for humans and animals. In our intervention study (German convenience sample, n = 140), we evaluate whether identification with the German Foodsharing movement (and hence high desire to avoid food waste) can lead to a biased processing of information about food that is most likely contaminated by toxins (i.e. mycotoxins) and whether this influences moral judgments about sharing or disposing of food. Our results indicate that participants in the control group (no information) consider sharing probably contaminated apples as moral, independent of their identification with Foodsharing. Participants in the intervention group (with information) consider sharing probably contaminated apples generally as less moral. However, this effect is significantly stronger the less individuals identify with Foodsharing. The findings suggest that providing information about food safety risks can shift moral judgments, even when identity-related motivations are at play. However, the complexity of psychological processes influencing sharing behaviors emphasizes a need to optimize food safety protocols within food sharing movements. Our study was conducted in Germany and gives primarily insights into that specific situation. • Social identity might challenge food safety within food sharing movements. • Judgment of risky sharing as immoral is reduced with stronger food sharer identity. • Judgment of risky sharing as immoral increases with exposure to risk information. • Food risk information among food sharers can enhance food safety in food sharing. • Food sharing movements urgently need to effectively communicate food risks.