The UKs Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the latest results of its Biannual Public Attitudes Tracker survey, which monitors changes in consumer attitudes towards the FSA and food related issues.

The top two food safety issues of total (ie spontaneous plus prompted) concern for consumers were food hygiene when eating out (37%) and the use of additives in food products (29%).

The top wider food issues of total concern were the amount of sugar in food (51%), food waste (49%) and the amount of salt in food (47%).

In total, 48% of respondents reported concern about food safety in UK restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways. In addition, 42% of respondents reported concern about food safety in shops and supermarkets.

Results show that 80% of respondents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reported being aware of the FSA. The main issue these respondents reported the FSA to be responsible for was ensuring food bought is safe to eat (89%). Of those who reported being aware of the FSA, 65% said they trusted, and 7% said they distrusted, the FSA to do its job.

The survey shows that 83% of respondents reported being aware of the hygiene standards in places they eat out at or buy food from. The most commonly reported ways of knowing about hygiene standards were the general appearance of premises (61%) and the appearance of staff (46%). Of these respondents, 43% also reported using hygiene certificates and 32% reported using hygiene stickers.