Last updated on 1 August 2012
Latest research published by the FSA
The Agency has produced a summary of its research published in July 2012. This includes a survey of public opinion and awareness of the Agency, and three healthy eating projects carried out in Northern Ireland.
Biannual public attitudes tracker survey
The latest results of the tracker survey show that the main food safety issues that people were concerned with were food hygiene when eating out (38%), food poisoning (32%) and the use of additives in food (28%). Eighty four per cent of respondents were aware of the hygiene standards in the places they ate out in or buy food from. The main way people were aware of the hygiene standards were from the general appearance of the premises (69%), appearance of staff (54%) and its reputation (41%).
When asked questions about the FSA, 81% of respondents reported being aware of the Food Standards Agency. Of these, 85% reported the main issue the FSA is responsible for was ensuring food bought is safe to eat, while 64% reported that they trusted the Agency to do its job. These figures remain similar to the previous waves of the tracker (November 2010 to November 2011).
The tracker is a biannual survey that monitors public opinion and awareness of the Food Standards Agency and key food issues.
Evaluation of 'A Survival Guide to Food'
The 'Survival Guide to Food', launched in Northern Ireland in 2009, was designed to provide information and advice on nutrition, cooking skills, budgeting and food safety for students who will be living away from home. This evaluation covered the usefulness of the guide and the associated marketing campaign. It has identified ideas for future communication and promotion of the guide using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Evaluation of the Northern Ireland Nutrition Award Scheme pilot
An evaluation of the pilot Nutrition Award Scheme in Northern Ireland has provided encouragement that the scheme could help people eat more healthily when they eat out. There are recommendations for how the scheme could be refined prior to roll out of the scheme throughout Northern Ireland.
Understanding of healthy eating messages in Northern Ireland
This research suggests many consumers over-indulge in fatty and sugary foods at the expense of more nutritious alternatives, and also underestimate the amount of starchy food that should be included in a healthy balanced diet. It also suggests there is a lack of willpower to make improvements to eating habits, even when there is an awareness of healthy eating messages. A number of recommendations have been identified to help improve the diets of people in Northern Ireland.
