A recent survey carried out in the UK shows that food safety is becoming an increasingly important part of consumers' habits, according to a report by Mintel.
Such news will undoubtedly come as an added bonus to the food safety industry, which in recent years has rapidly grown off the back of a number of serious food poisoning scares.
Mintel's research showed that the number of adults in the UK who said they were aware and concerned about food safety had grown from 41 per cent in 1997 to 44 per cent this year. However only 24 per cent said they would pay attention to government guidelines on food safety. The report also highlighted that this figure had grown from 15 per cent in 1997, and also highlighted the fact that there was less scepticism towards such guidelines - a positive vote for the government's Food Standard Agency (FSA).
"Although The FSA has had some success with providing concise, up-to-date, readily accessible information, there still exists much concern about the safety of food in general. More public education on hygienic food preparation andstorage by both the FSA and FDF (Food and Drink Federation) will help to alleviate concerns and reduce incidences of deterioration and cross-contamination of food that can lead to health problems,"commented Amanda White, Mintel consumer analyst.
On both the part of consumers and manufacturers there has also been an increase in the demand for information on food safety, according to the report. Some 36 per cent of consumers agreed that there should be more detailed labelling of food ingredients on packaging. Foods particularly proned to bacteria, such as processed meat and ready meals, were highlighted as the most important examples.
A great deal of media coverage questioning the value of organic foods has also swayed public opionion. In 1997 a quarter of adults were of the opinion that organic food was worthwhile. Now that figure stands at one fifth, a more encouraging prospect for conventional food processors.
Pesticides top the list of food safety issues that concern consumers at 35 per cent closely followed by GM foods and food poisoning, which both received 34 per cent.
It is surprising that with the BSE scare prominent in the European media during 2002, this issue falls behind pesticides, food poisoning and GM foods, but is still of concern to 31 per cent of respondents.
Despite ongoing concerns about BSE, there is a continued high consumption of red meat, with beef remaining the most popular type. Nevertheless, intense problems in the beef market have persuaded consumers to switch to higher end premium. On a positive note for the meat industry, consumer confidence is returning and the meat market is now entering a period of stability.
"While volume sales of beef will remain relatively constant, consumers will spendmore on buying better quality premium cuts, and this will expand value within the beef sector" said White.
*'Food Safety' is available from Mintel, priced £545.Further details, tables and charts available from the press office + 44 20 7600 5703, or go to www.mintel.com