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The latest research findings from Gallup and the International Food Information Council (IFIC) reveal a concerning trend: trust in food safety is at an all-time low. With high-profile food recalls and growing concerns over ingredients, American consumers are becoming increasingly wary of the foods they buy and consume. This shift has far-reaching implications in the US and Canada for food professionals, from retailers and manufacturers to health experts and nutrition professionals.
Trust in Government Food Safety at Record Lows
According to Gallup’s September 2024 report, confidence in the U.S. government’s ability to ensure food safety has plummeted. Only 57% of Americans say they have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of confidence in the government to keep food safe, an 11-point drop from 2019. Similarly, consumer confidence in the safety of grocery store food has declined, with only 72% of respondents saying they feel safe purchasing food in stores, down from 81% in 2019.
The drop in confidence spans political parties, socioeconomic groups, and especially parents of young children, many of whom express significant concern over food safety. Declining consumer trust in food safety speaks to the challenges that the industry and the government will face moving forward in both keeping food safe and reassuring consumers that it is safe.
Food Ingredient Safety: What US Consumers Fear Most
The IFIC’s Spotlight Survey on food ingredient safety paints a similar picture. Americans are increasingly cautious about what goes into their food, with concerns about microbial contamination (E. coli) and heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury) topping the list. One-third of survey respondents reported being “extremely concerned” about E. coli in ground beef, while 29% expressed worry about heavy metals in baby food.
Americans are also avoiding certain ingredients more than ever. Dyes, sugar substitutes, and MSG are among the top food components consumers try to avoid. Ultraprocessed foods are also under scrutiny, with 41% of Americans steering clear of them. Interestingly, 31% of consumers care more about the presence of an ingredient than its amount, and 25% of respondents admitted they don’t think much about health risks or benefits at all.
How Food Professionals Can Rebuild Consumer Trust
In the face of declining trust, food professionals have an opportunity to rebuild consumer confidence by focusing on transparency, safety, and education. Registered dietitians are uniquely positioned to play a key role in this effort. According to IFIC’s Survey, dietitians are among the most trusted sources for food safety and ingredient information, with 73% of consumers expressing confidence in their advice.
I’m Honoured to Contribute to Health Canada’s Food Safety Online Course
I’m thrilled to share that as a health professional member of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s stakeholder registry, I’ve been asked to test pilot Health Canada’s new Food Safety Online Course. My role involves reviewing the course and providing valuable feedback to ensure it meets its objectives for health professionals and educators. This science-based course, led by Dr. Marcia Cooper, equips participants with essential food safety knowledge to better inform their clients, patients, or students. I’m excited to help Health Canada’s study on the Food Safety Online Course
Dietitians can help your business by:
- Providing credible, science-backed guidance on food safety, helping dispel myths, and addressing consumer concerns.
- Developing educational materials that inform consumers about the safety of ingredients, the importance of food recalls, and practical steps for safer eating.
- Collaborating with food companies to offer nutrient dense product options that meet safety expectations while catering to dietary preferences.
- Leading food safety workshops for staff or consumers, increasing awareness and building trust in your brand.
By partnering with a dietitian, food companies can not only improve their food safety protocols but also regain consumer confidence. We can help tailor strategies that align with both safety standards and consumer demands, making sure you are prepared to meet the evolving concerns of your customers.
If you have questions or need guidance on how a registered dietitian can support your business in navigating these challenges, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you foster consumer trust and ensure the safety of the foods you provide.
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Acknowledgement:
- AI systems (ChatGPT) was used for editing and grammar enhancement.
Written by: Lucia Weiler, BSc, RD, PHEc – Award-winning dietitian and Owner, n4nn
