Thursday, 25 September 2025
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today welcomes EU-wide research published by the European Food Safety Authority on citizen's awareness of EU food safety. The 2025 Eurobarometer on food safety, the first to be commissioned since 2022, focused on a range of topics including concerns about food safety, trust in sources of information on food risks, and personal interest in food safety.
When asked about factors affecting food purchases, consumers in Ireland ranked cost (66%) as the most important consideration, with nutrient content (51%) and food safety (48%) following close behind. Notably, these results are higher overall than the average top concerns across the whole EU of cost (60%), nutrient content (39%) and food safety (46%).
Other findings from the Eurobarometer specific to Ireland include:
- Pesticide residues in food (35%); microplastics found in food (35%); and additives like colours, preservatives or flavourings used in food or drinks (33%) ranked as the top three food safety concerns
- A strong majority of consumers in Ireland (84% of men and 82% of women) would change their food preparation or consumption behaviour if they were made aware of a foodborne disease outbreak news story, with 87% of those aged 15-24 stating they would do so
- Scientists and consumer organisations are the most trusted sources of information on food safety in Ireland, while social media is trusted far less
- When asked for their reasons for not engaging with the EU food safety system, consumers in Ireland (46%) responded; “I take it for granted that the food sold is safe”
Mr. Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI said, “With the ongoing high cost of living, it is understandable that Irish consumers report cost as the main factor when purchasing food. However, from a food safety perspective, it is encouraging that Irish consumers consider food safety as one of the three most important factors when buying food.”
“Over 1,000 consumers in Ireland participated in this survey, with 90% agreeing that regulations are in place to ensure the food we eat is safe, and 83% trusting national authorities as a source of information on food risk, a figure well above the EU average of 70%. These findings highlight the continued confidence consumers in Ireland place in our regulatory system, and the importance of keeping that trust through rigorous enforcement and guidance”.
“75% of people in Ireland surveyed said they have a personal interest in food safety. This is very positive. Food safety extends from the farm to the table, with consumers playing an important role in the food safety chain. How we handle, prepare, store and cook food in our home is just as important as how it is managed in a food business. The FSAI, together with the food inspectorate, continues to work closely with food businesses across Ireland to uphold food safety regulations and raise compliance throughout the industry,” Mr Dempsey concluded.
-ENDS-
Note to Editors:
The Eurobarometer on food safety in the EU is the fifth such survey since 2005.
Findings are based on interviews with 26,370 people across the EU and conducted between 26 March and 22 April 2025. It presents an evolving picture of how Europeans choose food, their food safety awareness, and concerns, and who they trust for information on food safety issues. Commissioned at an EU Member State level by the European Food Safety Authority, the data on consumers in Ireland was collected by B&A Research.
• Full report: 2025 Eurobarometer Survey on Food Safety in the EU
• Ireland Factsheet
• Dynamic Map of Food Safety Concerns in the EU (2022 & 2025)
