Recent polling indicates a significant drop in Americans’ confidence in the federal government’s capability to safeguard the nation’s food supply. This decline coincides with several foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls throughout the year. A Gallup survey published on October 8 reveals that only 47 percent of Americans have a reasonable degree or a fair amount of confidence in the government’s food safety efforts. This is a decrease from 53 percent in 2025 and 68 percent in 2019, marking the lowest level since Gallup started tracking this sentiment in 1999.
Political Differences in Confidence
There is a notable divide between political parties. Among Republicans, 70 percent trust the government’s ability to ensure food safety, contrasting with only 30 percent of Democrats. This shift in confidence follows a series of major foodborne illness outbreaks this year, including a severe Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce that resulted in two deaths and over 12,000 illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manages nationwide food safety.
Food Safety Concerns
The Gallup poll indicates a decline in the number of Americans who feel very confident about food safety, dropping from 31 percent in 2019 to 23 percent. Those somewhat confident fell from 50 percent to 42 percent. Meanwhile, the proportion of those with little or no confidence nearly doubled, rising from 18 percent to 34 percent. A significant 73 percent of respondents avoided certain food brands or types due to recalls or safety advisories, an increase from 53 percent in 2024. Additionally, 42 percent worried about potential food contamination, up from 26 percent in 2024.
Impact of Political Allegiances
Trust in food safety oversight has declined more significantly among Democrats. In 2024, under former President Joe Biden, 74 percent of Democrats trusted federal oversight, compared to 50 percent of Republicans. Since then, Democratic confidence dropped to 48 percent in 2025 and 30 percent this year, while Republican confidence surged to 62 percent in 2025 and 70 percent now. This reflects a 64-percentage-point reversal in just two years.
“The shift to Republicans having greater confidence in federal food safety seems to reflect broader attitudes toward the administration more than changes in food safety itself,” said Dan Blaustein-Rejto, director of the Food & Agriculture program at The Breakthrough Institute.
Overall confidence in grocery store food safety also dropped to 65 percent from 81 percent in 2019. Among Republicans, 77 percent believe food in grocery stores is safe, compared to 66 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of independents.
Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in 2026
Public confidence has waned following notable outbreaks this year. The largest was linked to processed iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, leading to 12,883 reported illnesses in 21 states, 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths. Cyclospora, the culprit, is a parasite causing cyclosporiasis, leading to symptoms like prolonged diarrhea and cramps.
Other significant outbreaks involved different food products. A Salmonella outbreak from eggs distributed by Midwest Poultry Services affected 134 individuals across 18 states, leading to 34 hospitalizations. Consequently, over 1.5 million dozen eggs were recalled in July. In September, an E. coli outbreak from raw milk cheese resulted in 13 cases across nine states and eight hospitalizations.
Examining Federal Oversight
Blaustein-Rejto points out ongoing challenges in federal oversight. A 2025 Government Accountability Office report highlighted the FDA’s consistent inability to meet food facility inspection targets. Inadequate staffing was identified as a key barrier, a problem that existed even before President Donald Trump’s administration.
“The Trump administration’s staffing cuts could exacerbate those problems,” Blaustein-Rejto noted. However, evidence is insufficient to link these cuts directly to increased foodborne illnesses.
To restore trust, Blaustein-Rejto suggests the government must enhance its response to outbreaks and improve inspection rates. Increased transparency about corrective actions is also essential.
“Ultimately, improving food safety is the best way to restore public confidence,” he emphasized.