Only about 60 percent of Americans search their homes for foods recalled because of contamination, researchers reported on Tuesday.

The United States has had several major food recalls in recent years, including a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 700 people and was linked to the deaths of nine this year and an ongoing recall of pistachios contaminated with the bacteria.

But a survey by Rutgers University in New Jersey showed that many Americans believe they are less likely than others to have bought recalled products.

"Getting consumers to pay attention to news about recalls isn't the hard part. It's getting them to take the step of actually looking for recalled food products in their homes," said William Hallman, a professor of human ecology who led the study.

The Rutgers team surveyed 1,101 Americans in August and September of last year.