Americans’ Confidence in Federal Food Safety Drops to Record Low

Recent polling indicates a decline in Americans’ trust in the federal government’s capability to secure the nation’s food supply. Gallup’s findings published on October 8 show that only 47 percent of Americans have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in federal food safety measures. This is a decrease from 53 percent in 2025 and 68 percent in 2019, marking the lowest confidence level since Gallup began tracking this question in 1999.

Trust Across Party Lines

Confidence in federal food safety is sharply divided along political lines. Currently, 70 percent of Republicans express trust in the government’s ability to ensure food safety, compared to just 30 percent of Democrats. This difference is partly attributed to recent political shifts.

The poll reflects various foodborne illness outbreaks this year, including a Cyclospora outbreak connected to contaminated lettuce. This outbreak resulted in two deaths and over 12,000 illnesses. The FDA, responsible for national food safety oversight, is yet to comment on this situation.

Poll Results

Confidence among Americans has notably declined. The percentage very confident in food safety fell from 31 percent in 2019 to 23 percent. Those somewhat confident decreased from 50 percent to 42 percent. The percentage with little or no confidence rose from 18 percent to 34 percent.

A significant portion, 73 percent, reported avoiding specific brands or types of food due to recalls or safety warnings, up from 53 percent in 2024. Moreover, 42 percent expressed concern about possibly consuming contaminated food, increasing from 26 percent in 2024.

Party Differences in Confidence

The decline in trust is more pronounced among Democrats. In 2024, under President Joe Biden, 74 percent of Democrats trusted federal food safety efforts, compared to 50 percent of Republicans. By 2025, Democratic confidence fell to 48 percent and 30 percent this year, while Republican confidence rose from 62 percent in 2025 to 70 percent in 2026.

Dan Blaustein-Rejto, from The Breakthrough Institute, noted that the shift illustrates political allegiances as much as food safety assessments. He observes that confidence reflects current political leadership rather than actual food safety progress.

Currently, 77 percent of Republicans feel food in grocery stores is safe, compared to 66 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of independents. Overall confidence in grocery store food safety has dropped from 81 percent in 2019 to just 65 percent today.

Impact of Major Outbreaks in 2026

Public confidence has been affected by severe foodborne illness outbreaks in 2026. The largest was a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, resulting in nearly 13,000 illnesses, 570 hospitalizations, and two fatalities. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite causing cyclosporiasis, leading to prolonged gastrointestinal issues.

Other outbreaks involved various food products. A Salmonella outbreak from Midwest Poultry Services eggs affected 134 individuals across 18 states and led to 34 hospitalizations, prompting the recall of over 1.5 million dozen eggs. The CDC also identified an E. coli outbreak from raw milk cheese causing 13 cases, eight hospitalizations, and three severe kidney conditions.

Federal Oversight Challenges

Blaustein-Rejto highlights persistent issues in federal food safety oversight. A 2025 Government Accountability Office report criticized the FDA for failing to meet inspection goals for food facilities since 2018, citing staffing issues as a core problem. These challenges date back before President Donald Trump’s recent term began.

Despite staffing cuts under the Trump administration potentially worsening these problems, Blaustein-Rejto emphasizes the lack of clear evidence linking these cuts to a rise in foodborne illnesses.

Restoring public trust necessitates tangible improvements in preventing and handling outbreaks. Blaustein-Rejto advocates for higher inspection rates, swift outbreak responses, and increased transparency. Addressing these areas, rather than assuring the public with confidence claims, will effectively improve food safety.