Nearly 4 in 5 diners check food safety before choosing where to eat

Visible food safety practices can help build customer confidence.

Food safety is becoming a key factor in dining decisions, with 78% of consumers checking hygiene information before eating out or ordering takeaway, according to research highlighted by Safe to Trade.

A separate Censuswide survey of 2,001 UK adults, commissioned by Shield Safety, found that 86.7% believe food businesses should communicate their approach to food safety.

The findings suggest food safety is becoming a consideration earlier in the customer journey, before booking a table, checking into a hotel or placing an online order.

The report notes that hospitality businesses, including restaurants, pubs, hotels, cafés, and foodservice operators, invest in food safety systems, staff training, allergen management, and operational controls, but says much of this work is not visible to customers when they are deciding where to dine.

Shield Safety chief executive Dr. Mark Flanagan said consumers increasingly want "reassurance they can see and trust," adding that businesses that make their food safety practices more visible may be better placed to build customer confidence.

The Censuswide research also found that more than 80% of respondents believe food businesses are inspected for food safety at least annually, whilst 95% think they should be.

The report says this points to a gap between consumer expectations and the information available to them.

John Barnes, a former head of local delivery at the Food Standards Agency and a member of the Safe to Trade Independent Governance Board, said consumers now expect food businesses to demonstrate they can be trusted.

The report says the issue is likely to become more significant during peak trading periods, such as the summer holiday season, major events, and the Christmas dining period, when customer confidence may play a greater role in purchasing decisions.