Consumer confidence in food safety drops to historic lows in US –Survey

*A recent study has shown that consumer confidence in United States food safety regulations has sharply declined, with food-borne illness as a top concern for consumers, who believe that profit is being prioritised over safety

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

A recent survey has shown that confidence in United States (US) food safety regulations has sharply declined, with foodborne illness as a top concern for consumers.

ConsumerConnect gathered the increasing food recalls might be eroding consumer confidence in the American country.

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The study indicated that only 55 percent of American consumers said they were very or somewhat confident in the safety of the US food supply in 2025.

The figure, however, is regarded as a sharp decline from 62 percent 2024 and 70 percent 2023 respectively.

Only 11 percent of respondents then reported being very confident in food safety — down from 24 percent 2022, 17 percent 2023, and 14 percent 2024.

This decline spanned nearly all demographics, including age, income, education and region.

Foodborne illness (from bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria) is the top safety concern for consumers, with 50 percent naming it among their top three.

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Consumers’ concerns also highlighted that many believe profit is being prioritised over safety, and that not all parts of the food system coordinate adequately to ensure their safety.

The survey further found that food recalls have proliferated in recent months, and that may be shaping how consumers view the food supply in the country.

The International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2025 Food & Health Survey revealed a growing erosion of consumer trust in the safety of the US food system, along with evolving patterns in how Americans view dietary guidance.

The recent survey of 3,000 American adults aged 18 to 80 tracked perceptions, behaviours, and attitudes towards food, nutrition, ingredients and safety.

Confidence in food safety has dropped to historic lows, the survey noted.

Many believe there’s an imbalance in priorities: 59% think the system puts profit ahead of safety; 54% believe that not all sectors of the food system coordinate properly to protect consumers.

Amid these safety concerns, the survey also examined closely how well Americans understand dietary guidance and labeling, and how that is shifting.

Key insights include:

• Familiarity with the MyPlate graphic is at a high: 77% of Americans say they have seen it (versus about 61% in its early years).
• Nutrition literacy (measured via a short quiz about dietary guidance) remains variable, with many still unsure of specific recommendations or how to interpret food labels.

In terms of the implications of these findings,

The IFIC findings as well suggested that as Americans become less sure about the safety of food supply chains, there is also increasing demand for clearer, more trustworthy communication, better coordination of food safety oversight, and labeling practices that foster understanding rather than confusion.

The survey concluded that this may call for:

Better regulatory oversight and transparency across all levels of the food system

Enhanced labelling standards to provide clearer, more actionable guidance

Greater public education around what constitutes safe, healthy food — especially when it comes to interpreting labels and understanding risk.

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