A total of 1,000 participants from across the US were polled in April to examine consumer confidence in protein as part of the anticipated grilling season.
The ‘Feed 4 Thought’ survey found that 94% out of the 1,000 participants trusted that the meat they bought for grilling was safe to eat, while 87% believed an animal’s diet could have an impact on food safety.
Cargill said the research was part of an investment to learn how the health and wellbeing of animals can positively impact food safety.
“We’re entering the season where Americans turn to the grill to prepare their meals, and food safety is top-of-mind,” said Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition. “It’s clear that consumers continue to care very deeply about where their food comes from and how it is raised, and they are increasingly aware that safety actually begins on the farm with what is in an animal’s diet.”
Other results from the survey included steak being the favourite meat to grill, at 42%, while hamburgers, chicken and pork chops/ribs were also among the preferred meats, at 25%, 18% and 12% respectively.
Cargill added that it had hundreds of food safety professionals across its North American protein business working hard every day to implement food safety measures.
“It’s important that we continue to build trust with consumers regarding the health, safety and sustainability of the meat they eat,” said Cargill Protein’s president Brian Sikes. “We encourage consumers to promote food safety by following safe handling and cooking practices as they fire up for the grilling season.”