Food safety in the light of a quantitative consumer study

Food industry has been a strategic sector for Hungary. Production of abundant, safe and quality foodstuff is important for our domestic and foreign consumers. In the 21st century domestic food products still have appreciation, so it is quite important to maintain and improve consumers’ trust in Hungarian food. The topic of food safety has a central position on the global interest map. In Hungary – in harmony with the European Union’s food safety policy – the most important areas are: consumer health protection (can not be influenced by any economic and/or political interest), food safety and food security (guarantee the country’s sovereignty). In the last five decades food supply and food consumption have changed and it has become more intensive in the last 15-20 years. The identification and management of emerging risks have also become important and necessary. Hungarian Food Chain Control Authority, food-businesses and consumers are all responsible for the reduction of risk factors in the food chain. The methodology of risk analysis includes studying consumer risk perception as a part of risk communication. Consumer research is a tool to gain first-hand information and results help building Authority programs and planning consumer-centralized projects for companies