Consumers are cluing up on food safety. Findings from the FSA’s latest survey

The FSA have published the results of their fifth ‘consumer attitudes and behaviours survey’. Conducted on a two-yearly basis, the latest data revealed some interesting findings in regards to food safety awareness.

Since the introduction of Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme (FHRS) stickers in 2010 recognition of the scheme has increased year-on-year. But with 87% of respondents now reporting to recognise the consideration scoring system, compared to just 34% who did in 2012, data reveals a significant increase in overall awareness.

Consumer

With greater awareness comes greater influence. 3/5 of respondents cited the score as an important factor when deciding where to eat out. 61% relied on the score as their primary measure when assessing an establishment’s hygiene standards, although this method was more prevalent amongst those under 35, with those over 75 more likely to judge hygiene standards based on the general appearance of premises and staff.

Food Poisoning at an explosive all-time high

With almost half (47%) of respondents found to have experienced food poisoning at some point in their lives, data revealed a worrying 18% increase in cases since the first 2012 survey. 16% of those who’d suffered food poisoning had done so in the last 12 months, with 3% experiencing it more than once. Following these incidents 33% of respondents reported actively avoiding certain establishments.

Forking out. A rise in Food Safety and Hygiene fines

The general trend to emerge from the survey was one of heightened consumer awareness and due diligence. This, combined with an increase in fines following the enforcement of the 2016 sentencing guidelines further emphasises the need for businesses to achieve good scores on their doors.

It’s perhaps surprising then that recent research carried out by NFU Mutual, revealed over 10,000 organisations where food is supplied, sold or consumed across the UK scored a food hygiene rating of 1 or 0. In addition, the number of organisations sentenced for food safety and hygiene offences has more than doubled since 2013.

Following the findings NFU Mutual issued a stark warning to UK business owners about the dangers of poor food hygiene and safety practices. “Managers have a duty to put hygiene and safety at the heart of the company’s values to prevent serious situations occurring in the first place. Damage as a result of hygiene issues reaches much further than a fine. It might take work but there is no excuse in the eyes of the law, or indeed the public.”

Time to take action

With fines on the rise and 3 in 5 consumers scrutinising your FHRS score and standards we know we don’t need to remind you about the importance of Health and Safety compliance, but we can help you manage it. With strategic services and operational software solutions to suit businesses of all sizes, at Dynamic Risk Indicator we can audit, advise and help you improve your FHRS score. 60,000 users can’t be wrong, Contact us today to find out more.