Consumer response to food scandals and scares

The series of food scandals and scares during the last decade resulted in a melting consumer confidence and the European food policy, the food legislation and the food safety system have changed consequentially. Despite the fact that food has never been safer, it seems that consumers are considerably uncertain, anxious and increasingly critical about the safety of their food. The introduction of new principles such as the risk analysis framework, the separation of risk assessment and risk management provided a more efficient, science-based system in Europe, which can help to resume consumers’ confidence.