Despite the frequency of recent food safety outbreaks and recalls, concerns among consumers about the safety of the U.S. food supply has remained relatively constant, with temporary spikes when news of an outbreak occurs, according to new research by The NPD Group market research firm.
NPD’s Food Safety Monitor, which tracks consumer awareness and concern about food safety issues, shows that from January through August 2012, on average, 60 percent of U.S. consumers were somewhat or slightly concerned about the safety of the U.S. food supply, 25 percent were extremely or very concerned, and 15 percent not concerned at all.
These results are on par with research from previous years, NPD said in a news release about the results.
On a bi-weekly basis, when the Food Safety Monitor survey is conducted, fluctuations occur in the percentages of consumers who are or are not concerned about the safety of the U.S. food supply based on whether or not there is a food safety issue in the news, but the annual averages remain relatively constant.
“The impact of a food recall on consumer attitudes and perceptions often depends on the amount of news coverage received or the severity of the situation,” says Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst.
“Recalls, unfortunately, have become more commonplace, but consumers are creatures of habit. It takes a lot for us to change what we eat.”
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
Back to News Headlines