Food/Product Selection or Purchase Criteria

Consumer Reports examines the public's perception of and confidence in the U.S. food system. The specific issues addressed includes consumer attitudes toward country of origin labeling and "naturally raised" meat, as well as genetically engineered and cloned animals.

This Ipsos/McClatchy survey found that 54% of U.S. adults rate the level of food safety in the United States as an "A" or "B," although 28% feel that food safety has gotten worse in the six months preceding the survey.

This study of consumer attitudes shows that increasing food prices are becoming a bigger concern for U.S. consumers and are affecting the food choices and purchasing habits of these food purchasers.

A study of consumer buying habits found that healthfulness, quality, and flavor or taste are among the factors that most influence buyers of niche pork products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture report highlights significant epidemiological events of 2007 and provides insight into the nation's animal health surveillance activities. The report also presents an update on programs, both new and existing, that strive to maintain healthy livestock, poultry, and aquaculture populations.

According to research by Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), more than 80% of the total U.S. adult population show some type of "green motivation." Moreover, the number of consumers who are "sustainability active" has increased since 2004 and now extends to several consumer segments identified by NMI.

Consumer demand for more humanely raised and healthier foods has led to labels such as "cage free," "no antibiotics used," and "no hormones administered." However, these labels typically cover only a single aspect of the product's origin and may be redundant or misleading. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has categorized these different labels and surveyed their availability among the U.S.'s top 23 grocery chains.

U.S. consumers are losing confidence in the food industry’s handling of farmed animals, according to a new survey conducted by the Center for Food Integrity. Relative to last year, consumers are now more likely to disagree with the statement, "U.S. meat is derived from humanely treated animals." Consumers tend to agree with the statement, "I would support a law in my state to ensure the humane treatment of farm animals."

Business consulting firm Deloitte's survey of U.S. consumers found that, to improve their buying decisions, consumers want their foods to clearly display key information (including the food's country of origin), even if this means additional cost to the consumer.

A survey of consumers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Argentina, and China reveals that consumers are most concerned with taste, quality, and the price of food; health is also important, particularly in China. Consumers predict that what we eat will be different in 2020, and while they would like to consume more local foods, they expect that more of their food will be imported.