The Choice of Fish Species: An Experiment Measuring the Impact of Risk and Benefit Information

An experiment was conducted in France to evaluate the impact of health information on consumer’s choice. Fish have positive and negative health attributes, and we focus on fish species of diverging risk-benefit ratios. Successive messages revealing risks (methylmercury) and benefits (omega-3s), along with consumption recommendations, were delivered to experiment participants. Results show significant differences in reaction among participants depending on the sequencing order of information on risks and benefits. The results of the experiment are combined with a partial equilibrium model to determine the value of information. Acknowledging adjustments of equilibrium prices, health information is shown to have significant value to consumers.