Items Tagged with 'consumers'

The way people shop, cook, and seek information is evolving rapidly, and with it, the expectations placed on food safety educators, regulators, and industry partners.

The Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT’s) Science and Policy Initiatives team has revealed the top five food trends of 2026 that are predicted to impact the food and policy landscape related to innovation, safety, sustainability, and consumer trust.

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Kris Sollid, RD of the International Food Information Council (IFIC) about IFIC’s recent consumer surveys measuring Americans' confidence in, and understanding of, the safety of the U.S. food supply, as well as how “MAHA” may be influencing consumer perceptions. 

A recent survey of UK consumers by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) reveals high levels of public confidence in food safety and regulatory oversight, standing in stark contrast to the lack of faith being reported in surveys of U.S. consumers.

A Gallup poll has found that U.S. consumers’ confidence in the federal government’s ability to ensure food safety has hit a record low.

A University of Missouri research project is exploring the use of blockchain for improved traceability of food served at restaurants, and increased transparency for diners. The findings suggest that clear traceability information would increase consumers’ confidence in food safety.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its 2025 Eurobarometer Survey on Food Safety in the EU, which gauges the awareness and perceptions of EU food safety systems and risks among European citizens.

A series of U.S. consumer surveys from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) show that consumer confidence in U.S. food safety has hit an all-time low, and explore consumer perceptions of food recalls and FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule.

According to the 2025 International Food Information Council (IFIC) Food and Health Survey, consumer confidence in U.S. food safety has hit an all-time low in the 13 years since the survey began gauging the metric. Foodborne bacteria are the number one ranked concern in 2025, and attention to food additives and ingredients is rising. 

The Partnership for Food Safety Education’s 2025 Consumer Food Safety Education Conference will be held March 13–14 in Houston, Texas. The event will equip health and food safety educators with knowledge and tools to prevent foodborne illness at the consumer level.