NEW YORK—Americans ranked food safety as the No. 1 most significant food story of 2011, according to results of a survey commissioned by Hunter Public Relations. The results showed even in a year when global food prices hit record highs and both restaurant menus and retail food labels got a new look, the safety of the American food supply dominated the headlines and consumers took notice.
Hunter worked with experts in the food industry, guided by the number of press impressions generated by stories, to create a list of 10 key stories. More than 1,000 Americans were asked to rank the top food stories of 2011.
The following were the 2011 Top 10 food-safety stories:
- 29 deaths caused by cantaloupe Listeria outbreak.
- First Lady Michelle Obama with USDA unveils MyPlate, which replaces food pyramid.
- Global food prices reach record high.
- Millions of pounds of ground turkey recalled.
- Restaurant menu labeling to become law in 2012.
- Food Safety Bill passes.
- Nutrition labels move to front of food packages.
- Doctors argue that government can put obese children in foster care.
- General Mills sued for marketing fruit snacks as “healthy."
- USDA lowers pork cooking temperatures.
