An increasing number of Europeans feel familiar with the EU's complex food safety system. According to the latest Eurobarometer, published by EFSA, 79% of citizens say they are aware that there are rules in place to keep their food safe; an increase of six percent compared to 2022.
Every three years, EFSA measures how much people know about food safety. The 2025 edition was slightly broader than usual: in addition to the 27 EU Member States, seven candidate countries took part this time.
The results are encouraging for EFSA. “The new figures on citizens’ awareness of EU food safety are hugely encouraging for EFSA and our many partners across Europe,” said Executive Director Nikolaus Kriz. He highlighted the importance of working together with the European Commission and national authorities.
Since 2019, new rules on transparency and risk communication have been in place. And they appear to be making a difference. Eight in ten Europeans (79%) acknowledge that there are regulations to ensure their food is safe. Trust in science is growing too: 76% are aware that the EU relies on scientists for expert advice.
Even so, food safety only ranks third when people choose what to eat. Price remains the top concern at 60%, followed by taste (51%), with safety coming in at 46%. That emphasis on cost has risen by six percent since 2022 and is now the most important factor in 20 Member States.
Seven in ten Europeans say they’re personally interested in food safety. Still, many don’t actively seek out information. Four in ten assume the food they buy is safe and see no reason to check further.
“It is positive that so many people in the EU have confidence in the safety of their food,” said EFSA’s Barbara Gallani. At the same time, she stressed: “Food safety is a shared responsibility.”
Familiarity with food safety topics is increasing. Additives (71%) and pesticides (67%) are still the best-known issues, but others are gaining ground. Awareness of animal diseases (65%), microplastics in food (63%), and food poisoning (62%) has all risen since 2022.
When it comes to concerns, pesticides (39%), hormones and antibiotics in meat (36%), and additives (35%) remain at the top of the list. But microplastics are moving up: 33% now name them as a concern, up four percent compared to two years ago.
Where do people get their information? Most still name television (55%), though that number is falling. Talking to friends, family or colleagues (42%) and using search engines (38%) are the next most common sources. Notably, one in four now mention social media and blogs, an increase from the previous survey.
Source: EFSA
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