Veterinary medicines consumer research

The FSA has considered various research into consumer attitudes on veterinary medicines.

This research includes:

• FSA annual consumer attitudes surveys
• the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) pilot study, Consumer perceptions of risk of veterinary medicine residues
• the National Office of Animal Health Consumer Attitudes Survey

The main points that came to light from these research findings matched those from studies into consumer attitudes to pesticides – namely:

• Consumers are aware that animal medicines and vaccinations are used in farm animals but do not have detailed knowledge of the food production process.
• There is limited concern about the use of animal medicines and vaccinations, but some consumers are concerned about antibiotic growth promotion and hormones.
• Consumers are less supportive of the preventative usage of veterinary medicines.
• Consumers want reassurance that veterinary medicines are safe and that regulations exist to ensure that food is safe.
• Consumers are concerned over animal living conditions and hygiene in factories. There is an underlying suspicion of large-scale food production and marketing practices.