Food prices are the “top concern” for 50% of consumers, according to the latest biannual public attitudes tracker published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Questioned on food safety issues, consumers listed food hygiene when eating out, food poisoning, the use of additives in food products and date labels as their four top concerns. On wider food issues, however, the tracker showed food prices as the top item with a 50% consumer vote, putting it ahead of food waste (48%) and the amount of sugar in food (47%).
When asked about food safety in shops and supermarkets, 45% of respondents reported concern, although the work being done by FSA to protect consumers was widely recognised by consumers with 78% of respondents saying that were aware of the FSA.
As in previous waves, the main issue respondents reported the FSA to be responsible for was ensuring food bought is safe to eat (89%). Of those who reported being aware of the FSA, 65% said they trusted the agency to do its job with only 7% saying that they didn’t.
