{"id":1109,"date":"2025-11-17T16:22:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1109"},"modified":"2025-11-18T16:26:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T15:26:36","slug":"food-safety-the-european-barometer","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/securite-alimentaire-le-barometre-europeen\/","title":{"rendered":"Food security in Europe 2025: The gap between perception and reality"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>The European paradox: record food safety... and persistent concern The European Union has the most rigorous food safety system in the world. Yet the Special Eurobarometer 103.3 published this year by EFSA reveals a fascinating gap between this regulatory reality and the perception of the 26,370 citizens surveyed in the 27 Member States.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The figure that sums it all up<\/strong> 72% of Europeans say they are personally interested in food safety. A massive majority, to be sure. But when you scratch the surface, what really worries consumers tells a different story - that of a food industry facing a major communication challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wallet arbitrage: when price dictates food choices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cost comes first: up 6 points in three years<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first strategic lesson for B2B players: <strong>60% of Europeans cite cost as a decisive factor when buying food<\/strong>, This represents an increase of 6 percentage points since 2022. The inflationary context has clearly reshuffled the cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The top three purchasing criteria are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cost<\/strong> 60% (+6pp vs 2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/when-microbes-redefine-taste\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"801\">Taste<\/a><\/strong> 51% (stable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food safety<\/strong> 46% (stable)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This hierarchy masks revealing geographical disparities. In Latvia and the Czech Republic, 76% of consumers put price first. Conversely, Italians (55%) and Romanians (51%) give priority to food safety - an interesting signal for the premium positioning of ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The lesson for the ingredients industry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For suppliers of functional ingredients, de <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/prebiotics-and-probiotics-now-available-in-snacks\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"562\">prebiotics<\/a> or plant-based alternatives, the message is clear: <strong>the \u00absafety\u00bb argument is no longer enough<\/strong>. In a context of pressure on prices, the value proposition must include a credible economic dimension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The winning strategies will combine :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Optimising production costs without compromising quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/narrative-style-as-a-memory-aid\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"1010\">Communication<\/a> transparent value for money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making the most of co-benefits (nutrition, sustainability, performance)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Food safety in the EU\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hy2GE5rG7G8?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The infernal trio of food safety concerns: pesticides, antibiotics and additives<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What's really keeping Europeans awake at night<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked to rank their concerns from a list of 15 food safety issues, three themes emerge overwhelmingly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The podium of mistrust :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pesticide residues in food<\/strong> : 39%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antibiotic, hormone or steroid residues in meat<\/strong> : 36%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food additives<\/strong> (colourings, preservatives, flavourings): 35%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The meteoric rise of <strong>microplastics<\/strong> deserves a special mention: 33% of Europeans are now concerned (+4pp vs 2022), with peaks of 51% in Denmark and Finland, and 48% in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>European chemophobia: a structural challenge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spontaneous mentions reveal an underlying trend: <strong>28% of Europeans immediately cite the \u00abpresence of chemical contaminants\u00bb<\/strong> as the main concern - a catch-all term encompassing pesticides, heavy metals, toxins and \u00abchemicals\u00bb in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This perception poses an existential challenge for the ingredients industry. How can innovation (precision fermentation, genomic editing, food nanotechnologies) be promoted in a context where the word \u00abchemical\u00bb has become almost toxic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Missing from the barometer: biotech and nanotech<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It's a delicious paradox that the technologies that are the focus of expert debate are of little concern to the general public. Just <strong>9% are alarmed by the use of new biotechnologies<\/strong> (genome editing) and <strong>6% in food nanotechnology<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategic translation: these innovations suffer more from a lack of awareness than from active rejection. A window of opportunity for proactive, educational communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The health equation: healthy food vs. food safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The big match: 41% of undecideds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fascinating question from the barometer: are you more concerned about eating healthily or about food risks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Result: <strong>41% of Europeans say they have the same level of concern about both<\/strong> (-5pp vs 2022). This significant fall reflects increasing polarisation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>34% are more concerned about healthy eating (+3pp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>23% food risks (+2pp)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Netherlands, a champion of conscious nutrition, 67% give priority to healthy eating. Conversely, in Malta (34%) and Bulgaria (33%), food risks dominate concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The 5 commandments of healthy eating according to Europeans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When people are asked about the key behaviours for a balanced diet :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eat more fruit and vegetables<\/strong> 53% (-8pp vs 2022!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reducing sugars<\/strong> : 41%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limit fat<\/strong> : 40%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/ultra-processed-foods-and-health-implications-for-ingredient-producers\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"453\">ultra-processed foods<\/a><\/strong> 39% (+7pp - the rising star)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Favouring local food<\/strong> : 35%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The spectacular decline in fruit and vegetables in favour of the fight against ultra-processing reveals a <strong>growing consumer maturity<\/strong>. Nutritional discourse is evolving from \u00abeat this\u00bb to \u00abavoid that\u00bb - a crucial signal for product reformulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Information sources: the end of the television era?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>TV holds out... but loses ground<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>55% of Europeans still watch television<\/strong> as the main source of information on food safety. But the trend is clear: -6pp in three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new information landscape is taking shape:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Television<\/strong> 55% (-6pp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interpersonal exchanges<\/strong> (family, friends, colleagues): 42%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Search engines<\/strong> : 38%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social networks and blogs<\/strong> 26% (+4pp)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Massive generational divide: among 15-24 year-olds, social networks (48%) rival personal exchanges, while television falls to 37%. Conversely, 55+ year-olds remain glued to the small screen (65%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Involvement in B2B communication strategies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For ingredient brands and manufacturers, the message is clear: <strong>the battle of perception is now being fought on digital platforms<\/strong>. Investing in content marketing, partnerships with scientific content creators and a presence on LinkedIn is becoming non-negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trust: who do Europeans really believe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The credibility trifecta<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/national-cancer-institute-NFvdKIhxYlU-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Food safety: health professionals are the best sources of information\" class=\"wp-image-1112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/national-cancer-institute-NFvdKIhxYlU-unsplash-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/national-cancer-institute-NFvdKIhxYlU-unsplash-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to finding out about food risks, Europeans put their trust overwhelmingly in :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>General practitioners and specialists<\/strong> 90% of confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scientists from public universities<\/strong> : 84%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consumer organisations<\/strong> : 82%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Farmers and primary producers<\/strong> 82% (+8pp vs 2022 - remarkable)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The spectacular rise in farmers' confidence (+8pp) deserves to be highlighted. It comes against a backdrop of repeated crises (inflation, war in Ukraine, farm protests) and shows that farmers are more confident than ever. <strong>rehabilitating the image of the local producer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The soft underbelly: institutions and industry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>European and national institutions score well, but there is room for improvement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National authorities<\/strong> 70% (+4pp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>European institutions<\/strong> 69% (+3pp)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The food industry, on the other hand, is finding it hard to convince: <strong>49% confidence only<\/strong> (+4pp admittedly, but still a minority). Scientists in the private sector did barely better (66%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Influencers: a non-issue (for now)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Only <strong>22% of Europeans trust celebrities, bloggers and influencers<\/strong> for information on food risks. With a gulf between Croatia (50%) and Sweden (2%!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For B2B brands tempted by influencer marketing: caution is called for. In the sensitive field of food safety, expertise is more important than brand awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Regulatory awareness: do Europeans know their system?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A growing level of knowledge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>79% of Europeans are aware of the existence of regulations<\/strong> to guarantee the safety of their food (+6pp vs 2022). An encouraging score that testifies to the relative effectiveness of institutional communication campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other indicators of awareness :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>76% know that the EU relies on scientists to assess risks (+6pp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>71% understand that the EU and national authorities work together (+6pp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>68% identify the existence of a dedicated institution (EFSA) (+7pp)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Portugal, Malta and Belgium have the best knowledge scores. By contrast, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic lag significantly behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The under-exploited EFSA opportunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this progress, <strong>32% of Europeans are still unaware of EFSA's existence<\/strong>. For an agency that orchestrates the risk assessment of 450 million citizens, this is both a failure and an opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Message to manufacturers: highlighting EFSA compliance in your B2B and B2C communications is not a detail. It is a marker of seriousness that can make all the difference in an environment of mistrust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Case study: how would Europeans react to a health crisis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Salmonella egg test<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The barometer subjects respondents to a fictitious but realistic scenario: a case of Salmonella poisoning via eggs, with recommendations from the authorities (washing hands, thorough cooking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>78% say they would probably change their behaviour<\/strong>. A reassuring score that testifies to our ability to react.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the 78% who would change their habits :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>47% would adopt better hygiene and cooking practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>44% would reduce or eliminate their egg consumption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>41% would follow developments in the media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>36% are looking for additional information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resisting change: why won't 20% budge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the 20% who would not change their behaviour :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>42% believe they already prepare their food correctly<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>27% think that \u00aball foods carry risks\u00bb and that we can't control everything<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20% believe they can detect contamination by smell or appearance (!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This \u00abfatalist\u00bb faction poses questions for crisis management: how can we reach those who feel invulnerable or powerless?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5 strategic lessons for the ingredients industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Integrate the price-value equation right from the R&amp;D stage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With 60% price-driven consumers, <strong>innovations must incorporate a cost discipline right from the design stage<\/strong>. Differentiation can no longer be based solely on technical or nutritional performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Demystifying chemophobia through radical transparency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>28% of Europeans spontaneously cite \u00abchemical contaminants\u00bb as their main concern. This widespread fear requires brands to <strong>total transparency on processes<\/strong> where the ingredients come from, how they are processed and what controls are applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Riding the anti-ultra-transformation wave<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fight against ultra-processed foods is the rising nutritional trend (+7pp). For formulators : <strong>\u00abclean label\u00bb is no longer a bonus, it's a prerequisite<\/strong>. Reduce the list of ingredients, favour gentle processes and communicate simplicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Capitalising on renewed confidence in farmers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 8pp rise in confidence in primary producers offers a golden opportunity for <strong>backward integration<\/strong> and <strong>enhanced local sourcing<\/strong>. Partnerships with agricultural cooperatives can be a powerful marketing asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Massive investment in digital technology and scientific education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With the generational shift towards digital sources, B2B brands need to <strong>strengthen their editorial presence<\/strong> LinkedIn content, webinars, podcasts, collaborations with scientific media Expertise needs to be demonstrated, not asserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ: 7 questions to decipher the EFSA 2025 barometer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. What is the main food concern for Europeans in 2025?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>pesticide residues<\/strong> top the list of concerns (39%), followed by antibiotic\/hormone residues in meat (36%) and food additives (35%). These three issues form the \u00abinfernal trio\u00bb of risk perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Does the cost of food really influence consumer choice?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely. <strong>60% of Europeans cite price as the decisive factor<\/strong> (+6pp vs 2022). In some countries, such as Latvia and the Czech Republic, this figure rises to 76%. The inflationary context has clearly shifted priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Do Europeans trust the institutions when it comes to food safety?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, overall. <strong>70% have confidence in the national authorities<\/strong> and 69% to the European institutions. Confidence has even risen by 3-4pp since 2022. The food industry, on the other hand, has only 49% of confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Where do Europeans get their information about food risks?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>La <strong>television remainder n\u00b01 (55%)<\/strong> but down 6pp. Interpersonal exchanges (42%) and search engines (38%) are gaining ground. Among young people, social networks (48%) are already rivalling TV (37%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Are Europeans aware of the EU's food safety system?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More and more. <strong>79% are aware that there are regulations<\/strong> (+6pp vs 2022) and 76% that the EU relies on scientists. However, 32% are still unaware of EFSA's existence - a significant margin for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Are consumers worried about innovations such as genome editing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, not really. Just <strong>9% are concerned about new biotechnologies<\/strong> and 6% nanotechnologies. These innovations suffer more from a lack of awareness than from active rejection - a window of opportunity for proactive communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. How would Europeans react to a food crisis?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>78% say they would change their behaviour<\/strong> in the event of a health scare (such as Salmonella). Of these, 47% would adopt better hygiene practices, 44% would reduce their consumption of the product concerned, and 41% would follow the news closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: navigating between perception and reality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The EFSA 2025 barometer paints a portrait of a European consumer <strong>informed but worried, rational but emotional, demanding but constrained by budget<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For B2B players in the food industry - ingredient suppliers, biotech, food-tech - this report is a strategic compass. It reveals where to invest (transparency, clean label, affordability), where to reassure (residues, additives, microplastics) and where to educate (biotechnologies, regulatory system).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>European food safety is an objective success story. The challenge over the next few years? <strong>Transforming regulatory excellence into perceived confidence<\/strong>. A battle that will be won as much in the laboratories as on the social networks, as much through technical innovation as through education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reference<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)<br><\/strong> <em>Special Eurobarometer 103.3 - Food safety in the EU<br><\/em>Survey conducted between March and April 2025 among 26,370 citizens in the 27 EU Member States<br>Published in November 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reference link<\/strong> :<a href=\"https:\/\/www.efsa.europa.eu\/en\/corporate\/pub\/eurobarometer25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> EFSA Eurobarometer Reports<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false},"class_list":["post-1109","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}