United States-Public have no confidence in meat and food sfaety.

UNITED STATES-NO CONFIDENCE IN MEAT SAFETY.

Although the majority of U.S. consumers feel that foods in supermarkets are safe, the percentage of consumers who feel this way is dropping, according to market research firm the NPD Group.

According to the latest NPD Food Safety Monitor, which tracks U.S. food safety concerns and eating intentions every other week, in 2007 and 2008, 63 percent of consumers agreed with the statement that foods sold in supermarkets are safe, versus 68 percent who agreed with the statement in 2004.

The percentage of consumers who feel that foods served at restaurants are safe, meanwhile, has remained between 48 percent and 49 percent since 2004, according to NPD.

Salmonella and E. coli top the list of consumers’ food safety concerns, with 80 percent of individuals responding with some level of concern about each.