Consumer research
We commission an annual Consumer Survey of your attitudes toward food safety, standards, nutrition, diet and shopping. We also carry out a number of regular scientific surveys on the nutrient content of foods and the national diet.
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Annual consumer surveys
Each year we conduct an annual investigation into your attitudes to food, covering issues such as safety and hygiene, nutrition, diet and shopping.
Public Attitudes Tracking Survey
The Agency conducts a mini survey amongst consumers on a quarterly basis to monitor changes in consumer attitudes towards the Agency and food related issues.
Consumer priorities for sustainable development
This research was commissioned to explore consumer interest in relation to sustainability issues around food and to help inform the debate on the Agency’s approach to sustainable development in policymaking.
Cloned animals research report published
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published research into the views of the UK public about cloning animals, and cloned animals, their offspring and their products (such as milk and eggs) entering the food chain.
Why do people take vitamin and mineral supplements?
The Agency has published research carried out to provide a more complete picture of the consumption of vitamin and mineral food supplements in the UK and offer an insight into what motivates people to take such supplements.
Minced meat labelling research
Qualitative research was commissioned to explore consumers’ understanding of the nature of minced meat and their requirements or preferences for labelling and descriptors, in particular exploring the terms 'lean' and 'extra lean'.
Food additives and children's behaviour
Research undertaken by Southampton University suggests that eating or drinking some artificial food colours could be linked to a negative effect on children’s behaviour. In light of these findings, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revised its advice to consumers.
Consumer research on fats
To support its Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme, the Agency has carried out research to explore people’s views of saturated fat and energy in their food.
Consumer research on eating out
The aim of this research was to inform the development of the Agency's approach to engaging with catering outlets, and the development of possible approaches by businesses.
Perception of veterinary medicines
The Health and Safety laboratory (HSL) was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency to carry out a pilot study to examine the scope for developing practical tools for regulators and policy makers that characterise and quantify public concern over food related hazards, with a view to informing risk communication practice.
Country of Origin Labelling
In July 2007, the Agency commissioned research to investigate consumer views of the importance of country of origin labelling, why it is considered important, what food products it would most likely be used on and what specific information consumers want about country of origin to be included on the label.
Meat hygiene service review
This qualitative research, commissioned in May 2007, looks at consumer knowledge of and attitudes towards meat hygiene.
Consumer research on BSE and Atypical Scrapie in Sheep
In May 2006 research was conducted to explore how members of the public feel about the issues surrounding BSE and atypical scrapie in sheep and goats and the possible risks to human health.
Labelling of alcoholic drinks and information requirements for food purchased online/by mail order
In order to inform an EU Review of food labelling legislation, the Agency commissioned research into consumer views about ingredients listing on alcoholic drinks bought from retail. The second part of the research explored more generally the information consumers would like be provided for food bought online or by mail order.
Consumption of fruit peel
The Agency commissioned this research to gather more evidence of the quantity and frequency of fruit peel consumption.
Allergies and 'free from' foods
Research was conducted to explore the consumption of 'free from' foods amongst those with an allergy/intolerance and those without, consumer understanding of such terms was also explored.
Purchasing minced meat
This survey explores consumer understanding and perceptions of minced meat composition and labelling, it was commissioned by the Agency in March 2007.
Meat Products Regulation 5 Research
The Agency commissioned qualitative research to explore consumer awareness and understanding of The Meat Products Regulations, Regulation 5 (MPR5) meat products and the ingredients which are added to them, and subsequently preferences for the labelling of them.
Purchasing Ham
In March 2007 the Agency commissioned research to help explore consumer understanding and perceptions of meat products which fall within the Meat Products Regulations, using ham as the example.
Research into the views of children
In February 2007 the Agency commissioned a survey of 7-16 year olds to investigate their views about food and healthy eating . The questions were adapted from the Agency's annual Consumer Attitudes Survey to enable comparison with adults.
Local food report
In January 2007, the agency commissioned research to assess shoppers' understanding of the term 'local food' and how important buying local food is to UK consumers.
FSA powdered infant formula research
The World Health Assembly adopted a resolution in 2005 that Member States should inform healthcare workers, parents and other caregivers about best practices for preparation, use and handling of powdered infant formula.
Information for teenagers with food allergy
The Agency commissioned qualitative research to establish the information needs of teenagers and young people with food allergies and intolerance, and to explore how best these needs can be met and how better to communicate with children and young people.
Food scares consumer research
The FSA requires insight into consumer's concerns about food, their attitudes to food scares and how these have changed, to help it determine how best to inform the public and address fears.
Public's views of pesticides
In March 2004 the Agency funded research to improve its understanding of people's concerns about pesticides. The research found differing levels of concern among the public, but it was clear that most people did not have a good understanding of pesticides.
Views on semicarbazide
This research was commissioned to discover the views of mothers of young babies about the issue of semicarbazide (SEM).
Teenagers and nutrition: strategy development
Recent FSA research has highlighted the fact that messages about healthy eating are not getting though to a range of groups, including young people. As a consequence of this, and other studies, the FSA is to launch an initiative to promote healthy eating amongst this age group.
Food fundamentals report
COI Communications commissioned qualitative research on behalf of the Food Standards Agency to explore public perceptions of some of the fundamental issues in food purchase and consumption.
GM Focus Group Report
The report is a result of our focus group activity into public perceptions about and attitudes towards various key issues surrounding GM food.