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Animal welfare a top food concern, survey finds
Animal welfare was listed as a top food concern in the FSA's Biannual Public Attitudes Tracker.

FSA survey monitors changes in consumer attitudes

Animal welfare has been named one of the top food issues of concern in the Food Standards Agency’s Biannual Public Attitudes Tracker.

The survey, conducted with consumers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, monitors changes in consumer attitudes towards the FSA and food-related issues.

Amongst the top food issues of concern is the amount of sugar in food, food waste, food prices and animal welfare. Respondents also raised concerns about food hygiene when eating out, food poisoning, food additives and chemicals from the environment.

Forty-five per cent of respondents reported a concern about food safety in UK restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaways, whilst 42 per cent of respondents reported a concern about food safety in UK shops and supermarkets.

The survey also revealed that the majority of people trust that food is what it says it is and that it is accurately labelled (74 per cent).

Salmonella and E-coli were by far the most commonly known types of food poisoning (total awareness of 89 per cent and 82 per cent respectively). The perceived most likely sources of food poisoning were raw chicken or turkey (79 per cent), followed by shellfish (54 per cent), reheated take-away food (47 per cent) and eggs (38 per cent).

The survey took place in November 2017 with a representative sample of 1,989 adults. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.