Consumers are willing to pay more for HAB-free mussels
Key Messages
● Consumers may avoid consuming mussels if they perceive a high risk of HAB contamination, even under government monitoring.
● HABs have significant welfare losses for consumers, but policies to ensure food safety in seafood markets can improve social welfare.
● Perceptions about HABs and mussel attributes play a role in explaining consumer preferences, but the link varies across contexts.