Food safety – consumer concerns

Outlines the findings of a simple piece of research into consumers’ greatest concerns over food. Using the Scottish Consumer Council’s Consumer Network as a sample, each was asked to complete a questionnaire asking about the three issues which gave them greatest concern. Food hygiene standards, GM foods, and the use of chemicals, pesticides and additives came out very strongly. Other issues are also listed. Overall there was an overwhelming feeling by consumers that they did not have all the information and knowledge and there was much confusion about the facts.