Consumers Most Concerned About Economy, Food Safety

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Economic issues continue to top the list of consumer concerns, with food safety as the highest-rated non-economic issue for the second consecutive year. This according to a recent consumer survey by the Center for Food Integrity (CFI).

Ranking as being of most concern to consumers were the U.S. economy, rising energy costs, rising cost of food, rising health care costs and personal financial situation with concern over global warming receiving the lowest rating of 11 current issues on which the survey focused. The top five issues each had a mean score above 8 on a 0 to 10 scale, which indicates a very high level of concern on a national survey.

The high ranking of food safety concerns is consistent with the results of CFI’s national focus group research in April, in which consumers said their priorities are food that is safe, affordable and nutritious, said Terry Fleck, CFI executive director. “The number and frequency of high profile food safety incidents over the past several years results in heightened consumer awareness.”

More than 2,000 consumers responded to the national survey conducted in August and September. Information on the survey and CFI October 6-7 Food System Summit at which complete results will be released is available at CFI.