Public Distrust in the Food Industry: Overcoming Challenges

The global food industry has experienced a severe erosion in public trust over the past decade. Highly-publicized accounts of contamination, the fear of genetically-modified ingredients, and failures on the federal level to inspect food products for safety have led to suspicion and outright distrust among the world’s food-buying public. Add to that the consumer interest in natural and sustainable food production practices and one has a recipe for dramatic upheavals within the food industry. Thankfully, the food industry is responding to consumer distrust, implementing changes in the way food products are sourced, made, and distributed to regain consumer confidence.

Why the Distrust Among Consumers?

In recent years, the food-buying public has become increasingly aware of the role foods play in health. In fact, most industry analysts and food safety advocates believe that foods are far more important for health than any pharmaceutical product. The foods we eat form the foundation of our ability to live our lives, providing nutrition, energy, and immune support. Despite this knowledge – a more sophisticated and aware buying public – trust in the food industry has declined dramatically. While there are many factors that influence public trust (or distrust), some of the leading causes have been:
  • The introduction of genetically-modified ingredients into food products.
  • Wasteful or environmentally-damaging farming practices.
  • Contamination of food supplies from heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria.
  • Misleading packaging and labeling.

Reduction in food safety inspections, especially with the partial government shutdown in the U.S. leading inspectors from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to curtail food production inspections. 

What is the Food Industry Doing to Regain Public Trust?

There are many influences in the food production industry, both positive and negative. Public trust in this industry is at an all-time low, and the industry is responding by making significant changes in the way foods are handled from farm to table. 
One of the leading initiatives is the food industry partnering with scientists to unlock safer, more environmentally-sustainable agricultural practices. Starting with the building blocks of food production, scientists have developed new strategies that protect nutritional value of food ingredients right at the beginning of the production cycle. Smart food industry players are leveraging these scientific discoveries, ensuring that their products meet or exceed established food safety standards from the very start.
The development of more nutritious foods – foods that support healthy lifestyles and improve immunity from diseases – have risen to the forefront of food industry concerns. Again, science is a critical partner in this aspect of the industry. By developing and producing foods that are healthier, the industry is poised to wipe out malnutrition on a global scale. This has the added effect of improving public trust in the industry, believing that consumer best interests are being recognized.
Finally, consumer packaging and labeling is targeted for improvement. The food industry and its regulatory agencies have recognized that the information on food packages is critical for consumer understanding. Establishing standards in what can and cannot be included in packaging has not only increased public trust, but has also given consumers the details they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
There is much work to be done to ensure public trust of the world’s food production companies. With science, consumer awareness, and a commitment by industry players to improve production parameters, the public can rest assured that food products are safe and nutritious. 
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