IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Chemicals In Food & Packaging
June 18, 2026
Research Type
Topics
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers tomeasure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about chemicals in food and food packaging. One thousand four adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from February 13 through February 22, 2026, andwere weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Most Americans trust the foods and beverages they purchase are safe.
- Americans place the greatest trust in themselves and farmers and ranchers to ensure the safety of their foods and beverages.
- Three in ten Americans say they have changed their food and beverage purchasing habits in the past year due to safety concerns.
- Most Americans recognize that a hazard may not always be high risk.
- Americans are mixed on the relationship between risk and hazard.
- Nearly half of Americans say they avoid certain food and beverage packaging materials.
- Most Americans feel confident that food and beverage packaging materials have been evaluated for safety.
Suggested citation: International Food Information Council (IFIC). IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Chemicals In Food & Packaging. June 2026.