We're getting more health-conscious, survey shows
Wednesday 1 March 2006
The Food Standards Agency's sixth Consumer Attitudes to Food survey shows we are taking a more active interest in our food and diet, with more of us checking labels and trying to eat more fruit and vegetables.
The 2005 survey, published today, shows that 67% of people are now aware that we should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, up from 43% in 2000.
More people also say they check the nutritional information on food labels. Of that figure:
- 53% of people now check labels for salt/sodium content (up from 22% in 2000)
- 48% say they check the sugar content (up from 28% in 2000)
- 60% say they check labels for fat content (up from 42% in 2000)
There were also increases in the number of consumers who claim to be eating more vegetables, salads and fruit compared to a year ago, and a rise in the number of people claiming never to eat ready-made meals.
The survey also showed a rise in the number of people who claim to prepare/cook a meal from raw ingredients at least once a day, plus a rise in the proportion of consumers who claim to sit down together for a main meal at least once a day.
‘It's encouraging that the Agency's survey shows a growing awareness among consumers towards healthier eating.’
Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health at the Food Standards Agency, says:
'It's encouraging that the Agency's survey shows a growing awareness among consumers towards healthier eating. The rise in the number of people who say they are eating more fruit and veg, and checking their food labels shows a real shift in attitudes since the Agency first began these surveys in 2000.
'It's also reassuring that consumers who are aware of the FSA, rate it as an organisation they feel they can trust and that there is a rise in the number in consumers who say they are confident in the role played by the FSA regarding food safety issues.'
Along with tracking awareness of key food issues, the 2005 Consumer Attitudes survey also highlighted consumers' rising awareness of the FSA and its role in providing clear consumer advice.
Awareness
The survey also highlighted consumers' rising awareness of the Food Standards Agency and its role in providing clear consumer advice.
Figures of note include:
- consumer awareness of the FSA now stands at a new high after increasing steadily since 2000
- a substantial increase since 2001 in the number of consumers who believe the FSA is an organisation that they can trust
- a substantial increase from 2000 in the number of consumers who described themselves as confident about the Agency's role in protecting health with regard to food safety
- a decrease in the number of consumers who feel that the FSA reflects the views of the food industry
- an increase in the number of consumers who are more likely to cite the FSA as an organisation that they would use for information, compared with previous years
- a substantial increase in the number of consumers who believe that the FSA provides clear advice
- a decline in the number of consumers expressing concern over BSE
About the survey
The Consumer Attitudes Survey is conducted annually by the Food Standards Agency to provide a better understanding of attitudes, knowledge, behaviour, and awareness among the public with regards to food standards and safety.
The first study, in 2000 (published January 2001), enabled benchmarks to be set, and each additional study allows the Agency to track changes in behaviour and attitude, and measure trends.
Research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres conducted more than 3000 interviews among a representative sample of the UK population.
Interviews were conducted face-to-face in people's homes between 5 September and 16 October 2005.