Americans Want More Government Oversight for Food Safety

The Harris Poll of 2,236 adults surveyed online indicates that strong majorities of U.S. adults say food recalls have them at least somewhat concerned (86 percent with 58 percent somewhat concerned and 28 percent seriously concerned) and believe there should be more government oversight in regards to food safety (73 percent). When those who think there have been more food recalls lately are asked who they hold most responsible for this increase, the highest percentage by a dramatic margin place the blame on those responsible for packaging and/or processing food (50 percent), though the federal government (19 percent) and those responsible for growing and/or raising food (16 percent) also received blame.