Tips from society - Antibiotics and food safety

"Tips from society - Antibiotics and food safety" infographic

Antibiotics and food safety – the views of EU citizens

Awareness

Two out of three have heard about the misuse of antibiotics in farmed animals.

Risk perception

Almost half see this as a high food-related risk.

A closer look

Misuse of antibiotics is the hottest topic in food safety in 10 out of 28 EU Member States and among citizens who change their eating habits in response to risk communication.

Concern by gender and age (% citizens)

There are no major differences between women and men:

  • Women: 46%
  • Men: 42%

or across age groups:

  • 15-24 years old: 39%
  • 55+ years old: 45%

Communication tip

The misuse of antibiotics in farmed animals is on the radar of EU citizens across countries and sociodemographic groups. There is high awareness and it’s perceived as quite risky for food safety, especially among those responsive to risk communication. This provides a good basis for the effectiveness of campaigns on related issues, such as the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Data come from the 2019 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU commissioned by EFSA. The figures describe awareness and perceptions of EU citizens related to “antibiotic, hormone or steroid residues in meat”, listed among 15 food safety-related topics.

Reported figures do not represent the point of view of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Infografía

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