According to a survey gauging the opinions of EU citizens, concern about microplastics in food has increased in Finland. The 2025 Eurobarometer shows that 51% of Finnish respondents consider microplastics found in food the greatest food safety concern, and 90% report having at least heard of the issue. Concern about microplastics has grown by 11 percentage points compared to the previous survey conducted three years ago.
The survey, commissioned by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), also reveals that antibiotic residues in meat (40%), environmental pollutants in fish, meat or dairy products (37%), and pesticide residues in food (36%) are also prominent food safety concerns among Finnish respondents.
These responses are in line with the EU average, where the top food-related concerns are pesticide residues (39%), antibiotic residues in meat (36%), and food additives (35%). While concern over these issues has slightly decreased since the last survey, concern about microplastics (33%) has increased by 4 percentage points across the EU.
Everyday criteria guide food choices
According to the Eurobarometer, a clear majority of Finns (88%) are interested in food safety. Food safety ranks as the fourth most important factor (47%) influencing food choices, following cost (61%), origin of the food (54%), and nutrient content (53%).
The importance of food safety in food choices has increased by 11 percentage points compared to three years ago. On the other hand, the most common reason for not being concerned about food safety, according to 56% of Finnish respondents, was that they take for granted that food sold is safe.
The importance of cost has also increased—by 4 percentage points in Finland and 6 percentage points across the EU—making it the most important factor in food choices in 20 EU Member States.
Trust in authorities remains stable
The Eurobarometer also explored where EU citizens get their information about food risks. Finns and Swedes show the highest trust in national authorities (95 %) as sources of food risk information. In Finland, the main source of information about food risks is newspapers (53%), both in print and online. This is followed by internet search engine (45%) and television (44%).
According to the survey, 91% of Finnish respondents and 79% of EU citizens are aware that food safety is ensured through common regulations. Furthermore, 72% of Finnish respondents and 68% of EU citizens know that the EU has a separate authority that provides scientific advice on food safety.
#Safe2EatEU encourages informed choices
The European Union maintains one of the world’s most robust food safety systems, ensuring that food consumed by Europeans meets strict safety standards. This system is based on up-to-date scientific research and close cooperation between EFSA and national food safety authorities.
In spring 2025, EFSA launched the fifth edition of the #Safe2EatEU campaign, aimed at promoting food safety across Europe. The campaign provides consumers with clear, science-based information and tips on food safety, helping them make informed choices in their daily lives.
You can explore the campaign and its materials on EFSA’s website: www.efsa.europa.eu/safe2eat
EFSA conducts the Eurobarometer on food safety every three years. This year’s survey was carried out in all 27 EU Member States and seven candidate countries, with 26,370 EU citizens and just over 1,000 Finns interviewed. The results provide valuable insights for authorities on which topics citizens want more communication about and whom they trust in food safety matters.
Read more:
2025 Eurobarometer on Food Safety in the EU (on EFSA’s website)
More information about the #Safe2EatEU campaign:
EFSA: Tel. +39 0521 036 14, press@efsa.europa.eu
Finnish Food Authority: Communications Specialist Perttu Saralampi, Tel. 029 520 4980, firstname.lastname@ruokavirasto.fi
The Finnish Food Authority works to ensure food safety, animal health and welfare, and plant health in Finland. It also supports the vitality of rural areas and develops and maintains information systems, e-services, and registers.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), established in 2002, is an EU agency that provides independent scientific advice for risk management and communicates about current and emerging risks in the food chain. By collaborating with national partners, EFSA promotes consistent public communication on food safety across the EU.