IFIC Spotlight Survey: Trends, Habits & Attitudes Related To Food Safety
September 2, 2020
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Food safety is an issue that never seems too far from our minds—whether it’s hearing about a new food recall, trying to keep our kitchens and food prep spaces clean, or learning how to shop and keep food safe during a pandemic, this important topic is something each of us is engaged with every day.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food safety. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from July-13, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Nearly half are concerned about food safety when preparing food at home; coronavirus exposure and food contamination are among the most common food safety worries.
- There is widespread concern about specific food-safety issues like contamination, safe cooking techniques and allergens.
- Washing hands and cleaning cutting boards are the top food-safety actions taken when making food.
- There is a greater sense of control over food safety when eating food made at home compared with food made outside the home.
- Nearly one in four tries to avoid certain ingredients in foods and beverages; sugar, salt, fat, meat and food additives are the most commonly avoided categories.
- Most consumers agree that the food industry prioritizes many aspects of food safety.