Consumer trust in food safety holds steady

Published

Results from our 2024 CIT survey have been published, providing our annual snapshot of consumer attitudes to food safety, labelling and the regulation system across Australia and New Zealand.

Now in its second year, the survey shows confidence in the safety of our food supply remains steady with 69% of consumers saying they trust the food they eat. FSANZ remains trusted to do our job, with 81% of people familiar with us expressing confidence in our work.

Labelling remains an important factor in how people choose food. More than 70% of consumers feel confident using labels, but this is limited by readability, understanding and concerns about trustworthiness. Since 2023, trust in labelling regulated by the Food Standards Code has increased slightly in Australia, but not New Zealand.

The Health Star Rating (HSR) is widely recognised, with 87% of consumers aware of it. While 54% of consumers trust the HSR, 66% say they use it at least some of the time.

Views on new food technologies are evolving slowly. This year, confidence in cell-cultured meat and dairy increased slightly, but most people remain unfamiliar with new technologies like precision fermentation.

The CIT provides valuable insights to understand everyday consumers’ views on the food regulatory system, helping industry, public health agencies and regulators continue to meet consumer expectations.