About 38% Unaware That Food Poisoning and Infectious Gastroenteritis Causes Can Be Identified Through Stool Tests; Top Scenario for Wanting to Use 'Home Stool Test Kit' Is 'When I Have Symptoms'

The Reality of Food Poisoning and Infection Prevention at Home, and Awareness of Stool Testing

News about food poisoning and infectious gastroenteritis reaches us year-round, regardless of season.

Names like norovirus, O157, and Salmonella are probably familiar to most people.

But to what extent do households actively try to prevent such illnesses?

And how aware are people of the fact that the causes can be identified through stool testing (fecal examination)?

To explore these questions, we conducted a joint survey with Moriyama Environmental Science Laboratory, targeting 500 men and women across Japan, on awareness of home-based infection and food poisoning prevention and stool testing.

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Survey Overview: "Public Awareness of Home-Based Infection/Food Poisoning Prevention and Stool Testing"

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: May 21 – May 28, 2026

Respondents: Men and women across Japan

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: To what extent do you normally pay attention to preventing food poisoning and infectious gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus, O157, Salmonella) at home?

Question 2: Please describe any food poisoning or infection prevention measures you practice at home.

Question 3: Have you or your family members ever experienced symptoms similar to food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever?

Question 4: If so, how did you respond?

Question 5: Were you aware that the causes of food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus, O157, Salmonella) can be identified through stool testing (fecal examination)?

Question 6: If a "home stool test kit" were available—easy to order from home and delivering results within a few days—would you want to use it? (Tests for norovirus, foodborne pathogens, etc.)

Question 7: In what situations would you want to use it? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 8: Please describe the situation in which you would most want to use it, and why.

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest hundredth, so totals may not add up to exactly 100%.

50.0% of Respondents Say They Do Not Pay Attention to Preventing Food Poisoning and Infections at Home

First, we asked how much attention people pay to preventing food poisoning and infectious gastroenteritis at home.

The results showed that 15.6% "pay very close attention," and 34.4% "pay somewhat close attention," totaling 50.0% who are aware. On the other hand, 26.2% said they "do not pay much attention," and 23.8% said they "do not pay any attention at all," totaling 50.0% who are not aware.

This indicates that awareness of food poisoning and infection prevention at home is evenly split between those who are aware and those who are not.

We also asked those who are aware about the preventive measures they practice at home. Below are some examples:

Please describe any food poisoning or infection prevention measures you practice at home.

・ I always freeze food if I don't plan to eat it the next day. (Male, 20s)

・ I try not to eat oysters raw. (Female, 20s)

・ Frequent handwashing, disinfecting kitchen tools, and storing uneaten food in the refrigerator. (Female, 20s)

・ When cooking meat or fish, I use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C. (Female, 30s)

・ I never cut raw vegetables on a cutting board used for raw meat. (Female, 30s)

・ I use Purrel, change towels frequently, and wash my hands thoroughly. (Female, 30s)

Many of the responses highlight simple, everyday practices such as handwashing, disinfecting utensils, and refrigerating or freezing food. Others show awareness of hygiene during cooking, such as avoiding cross-contamination and monitoring cooking temperatures.

Preventive measures at home don't need to be complicated—consistent attention to basic practices like food handling, storage, and hand hygiene is key.

32.8% Report Having Experienced Symptoms Similar to Food Poisoning or Infectious Gastroenteritis

Next, we asked whether respondents or their family members had ever experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever similar to food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis.

The results showed that 14.6% had experienced it themselves and with family, 11.4% had experienced it themselves only, and 6.8% had experienced it with family only.

Combined, 32.8% of respondents had experienced such symptoms themselves or through a family member.

Meanwhile, 67.2% said neither they nor their family had ever experienced such symptoms.

When symptoms occurred, how did they respond?

We asked about their responses.

The most common response was "immediately visited a medical facility" at 41.5%.

This was followed by "rested and waited for natural recovery" at 25.6%, "waited a while before visiting" at 17.7%, "self-treated with over-the-counter medication" at 14.6%, and "other" at 0.6%.

While visiting a medical facility was the most common response, many also chose to wait for natural recovery or use over-the-counter medication. In cases where the cause remains unclear, there is a risk of spreading the illness within the household, especially if it is food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis.

38.2% Were Completely Unaware That Stool Tests Can Identify the Cause

Next, we asked whether respondents knew that the causes of food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis can be identified through stool testing (fecal examination).

The results showed that 38.2% were "completely unaware," and 19.8% had "heard the term but not much more," meaning 58.0% lacked sufficient understanding of stool testing's role.

On the other hand, 34.2% said they "had a general idea," and 7.8% said they "knew in detail."

It appears that few people think of stool testing as a method to identify the cause when symptoms of food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis arise.

Knowing the cause can lead to more appropriate responses and better infection control within the household.

Therefore, being aware that stool testing can help identify the cause should be considered part of household preparedness.

23.2% Expressed Interest in Using a Home Stool Test Kit

Finally, we asked whether respondents would be interested in using a "home stool test kit"—one that can be easily ordered from home and delivers results within a few days.

The results showed that 4.0% said they "would definitely like to use it," and 19.2% said they "would probably like to use it," totaling 23.2% who expressed interest. On the other hand, 41.6% said they "would probably not want to use it," and 35.2% said they "would definitely not want to use it."

Although many remain hesitant to use such a kit, having a way to identify the cause from home when diarrhea or vomiting occurs could provide peace of mind.

We also asked those interested in using the kit about the situations in which they would want to use it.

The most common response was "when I myself have symptoms," at 66.4%.