05.10.2022

EFSA

Food safety is among the most important factors affecting Europeans’ food-purchasing decisions.
Cost (54%) is most frequently selected by respondents when it comes to the most important factors when buying food;
Taste (51%) comes second, followed by food safety and where the food comes from (both 46%);
These are followed by nutrient content (41%), while the impact on the environment and climate (16%) and ethics and beliefs (15%) rank lowest in importance;
Seven in ten respondents across the EU (70%) are ‘personally interested’ in the topic of food safety;
More than half of respondents are aware of food poisoning from items contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and parasites;
Almost eight in 10 Europeans indicate they are likely to change their food preparation or consumption behavior if a food poisoning incident is reported and authorities advise precautionary measures;