US consumer trust in food safety hits record low after outbreak and recalls

· Agriculture & Food · United States

A Gallup survey reported by Food Dive shows US consumer trust in food safety has fallen to a record low, driven by a Cyclospora outbreak and a string of product recalls. The erosion of confidence is prompting shoppers to change their buying habits, according to the polling data. The finding lands as food manufacturers and retailers face heightened scrutiny over supply-chain hygiene and traceability. For an industry that depends on repeat purchase and brand trust, a sustained drop in confidence can shift volumes toward private label, shorten shelf-life assumptions, and raise the cost of protective measures such as testing and recalls. The items give no further detail on the size of the decline or which companies and products were affected.

Why it matters：Food safety confidence is a core demand driver for the packaged food industry, so a record-low reading signals possible volume shifts and higher compliance costs across manufacturers and retailers.

Key points

  • Gallup data show US consumer trust in food safety at a record low.
  • A Cyclospora outbreak and multiple recalls are cited as the main causes.
  • Consumers are reportedly shifting their buying habits in response.

Sources (original reporting)

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