Consumer Research Survey shows US consumer fears

The IFIC Food and Health Survey is conducted annually and in 2014 the percentage of consumers who expressed concern about chemicals in food and packaging was much lower, at 23% compared to 34% who said they were concerned about food borne illness. However, it must be noted the questions on the surveys were different.
In 2014, IFIC asked “What is the most important food safety issue you consider when shopping for food.” In 2015, the question was changed to “In your opinion, what is the most important food safety issue for you and your family today?” It is unclear how the changed question may have affected the results, but a 13% jump from one year to the next must not go unnoticed.
The IFIC survey further notes 60% of respondents said they have confidence in the safety of the US food supply. That number has fallen from 70% in 2013 and, IFIC speculates, it is “a symptom of the heightened level of ‘noise’ in news coverage and on-line commentary about food.”