YouGov: Ingredient safety a growing concern

NEW YORK – In a YouGov survey released today, nearly eight in 10 U.S. adults are either “very concerned” (31%) or “somewhat concerned” (47%) about the safety of ingredients in products such as food, cosmetics, and personal care items.

Half of Americans are more concerned today about harmful substances than they were a year ago, according to the survey. And 61% say too little is being done to ensure products are safe from harmful ingredients.

YouGov polled 1,002 U.S. adults online on March 31. The reported results are weighted the data by age, gender, race, political affiliation, education level and region, the polling site said.

Safety concerns prompted 39% of those polled by YouGov to switch to products perceived as more “natural” or “clean,” while 57% have avoided certain products or brands altogether out of concern for their safety.

Women are more likely than men to express strong concern about ingredient safety. More than a third of women are very concerned, compared to 26% of men, according to the poll. Men are slightly more likely than women to say they are not very concerned (21% vs. 16%) or not at all concerned (5% vs. 3%).

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More than half of the YouGov respondents have searched online for information about product ingredients or safety. And about half said they inspect ingredient labels with safety in mind.

“For many Americans, ingredient safety is becoming a routine part of the purchasing process, influencing how they research products, which brands they trust, and what they are willing to buy,” according to YouGov’s report. “As scrutiny around product safety and transparency continues to grow, brands may face increasing pressure to clearly communicate ingredient information and build consumer trust.”

Many Americans believe stronger safeguards are needed around harmful ingredients in consumer goods. Fewer than one-quarter of those polled said the right amount is being done to safeguard health, 13% were unsure, and 2% said too much is being done.