Small and Micro Food Enterprises Demonstrate Strong Dedication to Food Safety Standards

The latest results from the Small and Micro Food Business Operators (FBOs) Tracking Survey, released today, indicate that confidence in the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) fundamental mission remains robust.

Among those familiar with the FSA, an impressive nine out of ten small and micro food businesses expressed their trust in the agency’s commitment to uphold and enhance food safety standards. Furthermore, nearly all establishments engaged in selling food, whether as a meal or takeaway, confirmed that they provide allergen information to their customers.

Positive Insights on Food Safety Practices

The survey reflects a generally optimistic outlook within the sector. A significant majority of small and micro food businesses (88%) reported feeling well-informed about the regulations impacting their operations. Almost all respondents (96%) expressed confidence in the effectiveness of food safety regulations in safeguarding public health, with 88% deeming these regulations to be both reasonable and practical.

Allergen information provision remains exceptionally high, with 98% of businesses that sell food as meals or takeaways, or those that package food at the point of sale, stating they offer allergen information. Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of respondents have utilised the FSA’s resources for non-prepacked food, and nearly half have adopted an allergen poster in their operations.

Trust Levels in the FSA’s Mission

Trust in the FSA’s efforts is reflected by 91% of businesses affirming their confidence in the agency’s dedication to maintaining and improving food safety and regulations. Furthermore, 85% believe the FSA is effective at identifying areas of poor standards and taking suitable action. These figures significantly exceed typical benchmarks for trust in public sector organisations.

However, it is noteworthy that these trust levels have seen a decline from the previous survey, where 94% and 90% of respondents expressed similar sentiments. There has also been a decrease in the number of businesses claiming to have extensive knowledge about the FSA, which dropped from 32% to 24%. Trust in the FSA’s handling of information provided by businesses has also fallen from 94% to 87%. In response, the FSA is evaluating strategies to enhance its engagement and communication with small and micro businesses.

Challenges Faced by Food Businesses

The survey underscores the difficult circumstances many smaller food enterprises are currently navigating. Approximately two-thirds (67%) of respondents identified shifts in customer behaviour linked to the cost-of-living crisis as a significant concern. Additionally, pressures such as inflation, energy costs, and recruitment challenges continue to be substantial, albeit slightly eased compared to 2023 figures.

Professor Rick Mumford, Deputy Director of Science and Research at the FSA, commented on the findings: “Wave 5 of our tracking research shows that small and micro food businesses across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland remain strongly committed to food safety and that trust in the FSA’s fundamental mission is high. Businesses are training their staff, managing allergens effectively, and engaging with our guidance while facing considerable challenges and economic pressures.”

He further noted, “We take the decline in some confidence measures seriously and see it as a clear guide for where to concentrate our communications and engagement work. This is precisely the reason why we carry out long-term tracking research.”

Survey Demographics and Methodology

The survey included small food businesses with 10 to 49 employees and micro food businesses with fewer than 10 employees. In total, 700 small and micro food businesses from across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland participated in the survey, which was conducted between September and November 2025.