Majority of NI consumers concerned about meat safety

A new survey has found that the majority of people Northern Ireland are increasingly worried about the safety of all types of meat.

The findings, which are part of a survey carried out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) annually, revealed that 84% of people in the province are concerned about meat safety compared to just 43% in 2001.

Further findings from the 'Northern Ireland Consumer Attitudes to Food Survey 2003' included:

• Food labeling: 48% of NI respondents were concerned about the accuracy of health claims on food labels though the majority (58%) of this group were “fairly” rather than “very concerned”.
• General food safety: Between 45% and 52% were concerned about the amount of fat, salt and sugar in food.
• Shopping and eating habits: Most food shopping is done at supermarkets (86%), but local shops play an important role in “top-up” shopping (92%).
• Healthy eating and nutrition: There has been a significant increase in the number of respondents aware of the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables to be consumed every day.

This year's survey was devised to help track any changes in NI consumer opinions about food since the Agency was set up in April 2000.

The FSA says this will help improve its knowledge and understanding of consumer views, as well as to help gauge changes of public confidence in food safety.

(MB)