Building Trust In The Safety Of Our Food

Trust is the bridge that carries many of us across the swirling waters of uncertainty. In the case of food safety, consumers navigate concerns regarding foodborne illness, chemicals in food, and pesticide residues while also trying to enjoy their meals with confidence. Guardrails keep a bridge safe, yet if they are invisible – or perceived as weak – some people may worry about what lies below.

Cultivating Consumer Insights To Guide Food Safety Communications

Many would say the U.S. has the safest food supply in the world. Yet the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey found consumer confidence is at an all-time low. Only a little over half of Americans express assurance in overall safety of the U.S. food supply—a perception heavily influenced by the belief that there are “too many recalls.”

In alignment with September as National Food Safety Education Month, we published two IFIC Spotlight Surveys that, together with the annual IFIC Food & Health Survey, provide insights into knowledge, perceptions, and pain points regarding how the U.S. public feels about various aspects of the food safety. The IFIC Spotlight Surveys focus on two main areas – food ingredient safety addressed in “Americans’ Perceptions Of The U.S. FDA GRAS Program” and contamination probed in “Americans’ Perceptions Of Food Recalls.”

Recognizing The Power Of Perception

Eating evokes powerful emotions – comfort and celebration on one side, anxiety and guilt on the other. Food safety concerns spark a similar spectrum, from reassurance and empowerment to skepticism and outrage. And it’s understandable because the stakes are high and very real: foodborne bacteria from unsafe or recalled food can sicken within hours, undeclared allergens can lead to life-threatening reactions and often fatal anaphylaxis and even death. Elevated exposures to chemical and environmental contaminants as well as unknown carcinogens in food can also pose potential negative public health risks. As a result, strong feelings can override facts, complicating both decision-making and positive behavior change.

Around-the-clock media and social sharing amplify consumer fears about food, often faster than science can provide data, let alone context. Recent rhetoric – not necessarily scientific consensus – has fueled questions about the safety food and color additives as well as corresponding regulatory approval frameworks, including the U.S. FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) program, signally a potential decrease in once-highly trusted institutions.

Building Bridges One Step At A Time

Consumer trust must be constantly nurtured. As food and nutrition communicators, we have confidence that there are federal and global regulations (guardrails), laws, dietary guidance recommendations, and industry best practices in place to ensure the safety of the food supply. Building and keeping trust among Americans requires deliberate, step-by-step communication with individuals and the public at large.

While it can be tempting to correct misinformation head-on and share every bit of information we know, this approach rarely strengthens trust in one-on-one conversations. Instead, consider these deliberate and iterative steps—even if they are not easy or intuitive at first:

Keeping Connections Strong With Trusted Messengers

Direct-to-consumer communication is more effective when it feels relatable rather than preachy. Judging personal food decisions – even if well-intentioned – can erode connection.

Beyond individual interactions, food and nutrition professionals also play a critical role at the macro level, serving as credible voices to counter misinformation that can discourage healthy eating. Americans have long struggled to follow the healthy eating patterns recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; we must make it simpler and more motivating – not more confusing or paralyzing.

Experts can help by reinforcing that the U.S. food supply, including ingredients approved for use, is safe, and by engaging across social and traditional media to provide clear context. Media coverage that frames recalls and ingredient risks in proper context is essential to aligning perception with reality.

As communicators, we share responsibility for reinforcing the guardrails – through transparent, science-based communication and clear, empathetic messaging. Strengthening these connections keeps the bridge to confidence strong.