FFS survey highlights public concerns around post-Brexit food quality and standards

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published the results of a survey revealing a rise in the number of people who are increasingly concerned about a reduction in food quality and standards in Scotland as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Between 1 and 3 September 2020, 1,002 people in Scotland were surveyed, with 77% of respondents being either ‘quite’ or ‘very’ concerned about a drop in standards after 31 December 2020. This is an increase of 8% on the results of similar research in January 2020.

The survey responses highlight: 

• There would be strong opposition from the public to any lowering of standards of food. 
• The sale of chlorinated chicken and GM foods are of the greatest concern (57%), followed by lowering animal welfare standards (54%). 
• Compared with January 2020, there appears to be a hardening of opinion, with more people responding that they will be less likely to purchase poorer quality foods, such as eggs from battery-caged hens and meat from factory farmed animals. 
• Only one-in-ten said they would be likely to buy genetically modified (GM) foods, even if they were significantly cheaper. 
• Seventy-one percent of those interviewed believed there would be an increase in food crime, up 10% from January, after 31 December 2020.

Source: FSS, 11 October 2020