Consumer Attitudes Survey 2007: a benchmark survey of consumers’ attitudes to food issues
FSANZ commissioned the benchmark Consumer Attitudes Survey to establish the current views of Australian and New Zealand consumers with regard to overall confidence in the food supply. Similar research has been previously conducted by FSANZ in relation to specific issues, such as nutrition information and food safety. However, the findings from this study provide a broader interpretation of consumers’ attitudes that support and inform FSANZs consumer related communications and activities. I nformation from this survey will allow FSANZ to better understand, prioritise and target consumer concerns overall, and the differences there may be in these concerns between Australian and New Zealand populations. In addition, outcomes of the research may feed into specific standards development projects where appropriate, and the development of targeted consumer information in both Australia and New Zealand.
The research was conducted in April 2007 via an online survey of 1200 Australians and 800 New Zealanders aged 14 years and older and investigated consumers’ attitudes to food issues in the following areas:
- consumers’ ranking of food related issues (healthy eating and food safety) compared to a range of other current social issues;
- consumers’ ranking of importance of a range of specific food related issues;
- consumers’ overall knowledge, trust and confidence in the food regulatory system and FSANZ in particular;
- consumers’ use of food labels and the level of trust and confidence consumers have in making informed choices based on information provided in food labels; and
- consumers’ trust and confidence in food safety when eating food prepared at home and in food prepared outside the home.
This survey is the first in a planned ongoing program of surveys of consumers’ attitudes, behaviours and confidence in relation to food issues. Future studies will allow for the tracking of change in these aspects, identifying areas of potential change and focus for FSANZ.
Consumer Attitudes Survey 2007 - A benchmark survey of consumers’ attitudes to food issues
Full colour version [ pdf ]
Appendix A. Online Research Validation [ pdf ]
Appendix B. Detailed Methodology [ pdf ]
Appendix C. Qualitative Discussion Guide [ pdf ]
Appendix D. Initial Questionnaire Framework [ pdf ]
Appendix E. Final Questionnaire [ pdf ]
Appendix F. Technical Appendix [ pdf ]
Appendix G. International Studies [ pdf ]