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For decades, most Americans trusted that the food on their grocery shelves and dinner plates was safe. That trust is now at an all-time low, with only 11% of Americans stating that they are “very confident” in current U.S. food safety standards, less than half the level recorded in 2022.
A wave of new consumer surveys released this year shows confidence in food safety falling sharply, fueled by concerns over recalls, foodborne illness and effectiveness of government regulations.
Confidence in the U.S. Food Supply Plummets
The 2025 Food & Health Survey, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), found that only 55% of Americans feel confident in the safety of the U.S. food supply - down from 62% in 2024 and 70% in 2023.
The decline spans nearly every demographic group, but the sharpest drops are seen among younger adults, men, higher-income households and Asian Americans. Researchers describe the trend as the lowest confidence levels recorded in more than a decade of tracking public attitudes.
What Consumers Fear Most
When asked what worries them, half of respondents listed foodborne illness caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella or Listeria as their top concern. Cancer-causing chemicals, pesticide residues and heavy metals also ranked high on the list, while worries about food additives and ingredients rose significantly from last year.
Frequent food recalls are also shaping public opinion. Around 4 in 10 consumers see recalls as proof the system isn’t working, while more than half believe companies put profit over safety or that the industry lacks coordination on safety practices.
A Political Divide Emerges
Findings from Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits poll reveal a sharp partisan divide in confidence in government oversight of food safety.
Overall, 53% of Americans said they have at least a “fair amount” of confidence in regulators to maintain a safe food supply. But within that number, confidence among Republicans has held steady at 41%, while confidence among Democrats has fallen from 74% in 2024 to 48% this year.
The drop comes as federal health agencies face tighter budgets and staffing pressures, with ongoing challenges to inspection capacity following the pandemic.
A Path Forward: Education and Transparency
Despite the grim numbers, the surveys also point to potential solutions.
4 in 10 Americans said their confidence would increase if they had a clearer understanding of how food safety is monitored and enforced. A similar share said they would feel reassured by stronger regulations.
“Americans are asking for more transparency and collaboration across the food system,” said IFIC President & CEO Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak. “We must meet this moment with credible information and a renewed commitment to building trust through clear and consistent communication. Food safety is foundational to public health and trust is its cornerstone.”
A System at a Crossroads
Experts warn that confidence will not rebound on its own. Rebuilding trust will require industry, government and health leaders to work together to strengthen safeguards and communicate more openly with the public.
For consumers, the stakes are simple - they want to trust that the food they buy is safe. With confidence at historic lows, restoring that trust may be one of the greatest food safety challenges of the decade.
Education and Training
Building confidence in food safety takes education, transparency and robust training. If you work in the food industry, now is the time to stay informed and up to date on best practices. Continue growing your expertise by reading our blogs on food safety and regulatory requirements, giving you the knowledge to face food industry challenges with confidence:
Food Allergen Management: 6 Essential Steps for Safer Food Service
What Is the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting?
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Food Protection Manager Certification
