Americans are a resilient bunch—for better or worse. It seems despite increased food recalls and outbreaks of contamination, consumers in the U.S. are not any more concerned over the safety of the food supply. Research firm NPD’s latest Food Safety Monitor report shows that for the period of January through August of this year, on average, 60 percent of U.S. consumers were somewhat or slightly concerned about the safety of the U.S. food supply, 25 percent were extremely or very concerned, and 15 percent were not concerned at all.
These results are pretty much consistent with previous years, says NPD. However, there are spikes when a significant recall or outbreak does occur, but the annual averages remain relatively constant.
“The impact of a food recall on consumer attitudes and perceptions often depends on the amount of news coverage received, or the severity of the situation in terms of numbers sickened or dead as a result,” says Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst. “Recalls, unfortunately, have become more commonplace, but consumers are creatures of habit. It takes a lot for us to change what we eat.”
For more information, visit NPD Group at www.npd.com.
