Food Safety, Additives or Diseases

The perception of food-related illnesses can be a major problem for food manufacturers and suppliers, resulting in a backlash against consuming a product after a bad experience. In this survey, 69% of those who attribute an illness to a food item think they know what made them sick. Approximately one-fifth of all consumers are extremely or very concerned that fresh foods (including meat products) are safe to eat.

A report commissioned by the U.S. beef and pork checkoff funds found no association between cancer and the consumption of red and processed meats. This report discusses epidemiological science and summarizes current studies on this link, based on a review by consulting firm Exponent.

According to this report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world would need to double its supply of meat by the year 2050 to meet growing demand; the global farmed animal sector currently produces 228 million metric tons (mmt) of meat.

This study, funded by the U.S. beef and pork checkoff programs, concludes that epidemiological studies finding a link between cancer and consumption of red meat (and/or processed meat) "is not supportive" of a causal relationship.

Research conducted by the University of Hokkaido found that mercury levels in hair samples of the residents of Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture (Japan), are about ten times the average in Japan, possibly due to the consumption of whale meat with high concentrations of mercury. Inhabitants of this region are known for eating significant quantities of whale meat caught by coastal whaling.

Research by Pfizer Animal Health provides insight into consumer attitudes about pork products and how pigs are raised. This survey found that most consumers do not have a good understanding of how farm animals are raised, particularly with respect to sick or at-risk animals.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found increased levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on the surfaces of and in the air inside cars traveling behind trucks carrying broiler chickens.

This 2008 report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) describes the highest level of food insecurity (15%) among U.S. households since the department first began reporting figures in 1995.

This study examines how consumer concerns influence their food purchases and also identifies recent food buying trends and influences. The study found that a "humanely raised" claim on animal products is considered "very important" or "important" by 48% of consumers.

This national study covers the purchasing behavior and social values of U.S. consumers and finds that 77% of U.S. consumers believe they can make a difference by purchasing products from socially responsible companies.