Americans Looking to Government for Better Food Safety Oversight

One-in-six U.S. adults say if a brand they usually purchase is involved with a recall or safety concern issue, they would permanently switch to another brand.

February 06, 2014

NEW YORK – A new Harris poll reveals that nearly three-quarters (73%) of U.S. adults believe there should be more government oversights regarding food safety.

The result reflects a growing uneasiness among Americans about the number of food recalls over the past few years. According to Harris, 86% of U.S. adults say food recalls have them at least somewhat concerned, while 58% report feeling somewhat concerned and 28% seriously concerned.

Food recall concerns are stronger among women than men and in low-income households (specifically those with an annual income under $35,000) than those in higher earning households.

The corporate impact on a company announcing a food recall can be profound. More than half of U.S. adults (55%) said that if a brand they usually purchase is involved with a recall or safety concern issue, they’ll temporarily switch to another brand. Meanwhile, 16% said they would switch brands and never purchase the recalled brand again.

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