FSA reveals increase in confidence around food issues

Since the initial survey in 2000, the number of people concerned about issues such as food poisoning, additives and food safety in general has been steady, but the latest survey reveals the first dip in the number of people in England and throughout the UK who are concerned about food safety issues. The latest findings also suggest that people in England, and particularly those in London and the South East, are more adjusted to healthier eating than other parts of the UK, placing greater importance on food labels and with higher awareness of 'five a day'. Some 61% of consumers in the capital agreed that issues such as 'best before' dates, allergy advice and additives in foods are 'very' or 'quite' important. Although people in the North East placed least importance on them and were more likely to never refer to them. And almost half of respondents in the survey did not know the difference between 'use by' and 'sell by' dates on food. Just 54% of English respondents correctly stated the meaning of 'use by'; that it means food will be safe to eat up to this date but should not be eaten past this date. Awareness was the lowest in the South West, where only 42% knew the meaning of 'use by' and at 66%, highest in Yorkshire and Humberside. Further research reveals that three quarters of consumers in the England are now aware that we should be eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day, and a growing number are also claiming to be putting this into practice. Around 73% of Londoners claimed to have done so on the previous day compared with just 47% of those living in the North West. Andrew Wadge, chief scientist at the FSA, commented on the findings: "This most recent survey is encouraging as it shows the majority of people in England do realise how important it is to eat healthy, and many are also savvy when it comes to shopping around and checking labels." He continued: "A dip in concern over many food safety issues could point to growing consumer confidence in the regulations of the food industry. Alternatively, it might indicate a decreasing awareness of the importance of food hygiene – and this is something we will be addressing during Food Safety Week in June." Weblink: www.food.gov.uk