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The study will start with background research into existing information regarding consumer attitudes to food additives. Following this a range of consumers from throughout the UK will be selected to take part in 12 focus groups in 6 locations around the UK. The consumers selected will be responsible for purchasing food in their household and will have indicated that additives influence their food choices. The focus groups will be moderated using a discussion guide, developed as part of this research.
The European Commission is proposing to put more focus on the consideration of consumer views, when considering the approval of additives for use in foods. Although previous Agency surveys of consumer attitudes to food standards, have shown that a significant percentage of consumers are concerned about the use of additives in food, the Agency currently knows very little more about these concerns. The Agency has therefore commissioned this research to find out more about consumers' understanding of food additives and how this influences their food choices, what concerns they have, why they have these concerns and where they currently receive information on food additives.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.