A survey of the European Directorate for Food Safety (EFSA) showed how many people know and pay attention to food safety.
EFSA has been conducting a survey every three years. This year it includes 27 EU member states and seven EU Candidates countries. The field work of the Eurobarometer in March and April conducted more than 26,300 interviews in the EU countries and 5600 interviews in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey from March to May.
Seven of 10 Europeans said they Personally interested in food safetyThe field of interest among Greece, Cyprus and Finland, but with a low level in Poland, the Czech Republic and Estonia.
Food safety takes third place by 46 percent, costs of 60 percent and taste by 51 percent, among factors affecting the choice of food. Food safety in Italy and Romania.
The role of consumers
The main reason not to follow information about the safety of food products is to perceive itself that food is safe, as indicated by four out of 10 people, and then knowing enough to avoid or soften food risks and find such information very technical and complex.
In Sweden, Portugal, Finland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, more than half of citizens do not pay attention to information about food safety, because they suggest that the food sold is safe. Only 31 percent think about it in Romania and France.
Barbara Gallani, the head of the communication and partnership department in EFSA, said: “It is positive that many people in the EU are sure of the safety of their food. At the same time, we and our partners must continue to emphasize that food safety is a common responsibility. Consumers play an important role, for example, in relation to food hygiene, cooking and compliance with healthy and varied diets. ”
In response to a fictitious outbreak of Salmonella eggs, almost eight out of 10 indicated that they would probably have changed their cooking or consumer behavior if they were reported about such an incident, and the authorities recommend taking precautions. This share varies from 86 percent in Greece to 62 percent in Latvia.
More than one quarter believe that all types of products are taking some risk, and it is impossible to check and avoid them all. Another common cause of non -changing behavior was that they could say in appearance, smell or taste, if the food was polluted – however, this is wrong.
More awareness of food poisoning
Most Europeans have heard about 15 topics that they were asked about. The most familiar are food additives and pesticides in accordance with previous results, but an increase was noticed in the awareness of animal diseases, microplastics in food and food poisoning. Eating poisoning from food or drinks contaminated with bacteria, viruses and parasites is the most commonly reported response in Romania.
In the main problems, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones or steroids in meat and food additives remain among these problems. In case of freeness, concern for chemical pollution is most mentioned.
Eight out of 10 citizens of the EU agree that there are rules to make sure that the food they eat is safe; 76 percent know that the EU relies on scientists to give an expert council; 68 percent agree that the EU has a separate institution that gives scientific councils; And 71 percent agree that the EU and the national authorities work together.
Nine out of 10 people entrusting doctors and doctors -specialists as sources of information about food risks. Scientists working at the university or a financial research organization, groups of consumers, farmers and primary manufacturers report a high level of trust. Seven out of 10 trusted national bodies and EU institutes trust 69 percent.
Nikolaus Cris, Executive Director of EFSA, said: “New figures about the awareness of citizens about the safety of EU foods are very encouraged for EFSA and our many partners throughout Europe. We will continue to combine efforts with the European Commission and our national partners in order to inform citizens about how the safety system of the food industry benefits them. ”
(To subscribe to a free subscription to news about food safety, press Here)
