December 7, 2007

US consumers skeptical about meat safety regulations

After last year's ground beef recall, only 46 percent of Americans expressed confidence on food safety regulations for meat and poultry, according to GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media survey.

The survey, commissioned by The Worldcom Public Relations Group, showed only 46 percent of 1,009 adults polled were confident meat and poultry were adequately regulated, compared to 48 percent for seafood, 57 percent for dairy, 58 percent for fruits and vegetables and 65 percent for cereals and grains.

At an average of 50 percent, confidence in food regulation in general ranked below every other category polled.

The survey results also indicate that US consumers have more faith in activists and retail grocers than either the government or food companies when it comes to providing information about food choices.

While 64 percent said advocates and activist groups have the best interests of consumers in mind when providing information about food choices, 62 percent felt that way about grocers, 53 percent about food manufacturers, 47 percent about the US government and 26 percent about fast food companies.

These results support the idea that activists may have been successful in dominating discussions about food policy, according to Bob Giblin, a senior public relations counselor and research director.