NOAH conference reveals consumer confidence in food industry

Recent research on consumer attitudes to animal medicines, undertaken by the independent Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), has revealed consumers have confidence in all elements of the food chain - from farmer to retailer - that the food they eat is safe. They trust the veterinary profession and farmers to use medicines responsibly to treat animals where and when appropriate.

However, the research also found some confusion amongst consumers relating to some areas of animal health. Some consumers, for example, misunderstood the role that vaccines play in preventing disease and keeping animals healthy. Others demonstrated a certain level of misunderstanding about the positive role antibiotics can play in animal health.

The conclusions of the market research, carried out by the IGD on behalf of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), were revealed at the NOAH Conference, ‘Healthy Animals – Safe Food’, held at Tower 42 in London today. Representatives from leading organisations in the food industry were present at the conference to discuss a range of issues affecting animal health and welfare.

Speaking at the conference, NOAH Chief Executive Phil Sketchley welcomed the IGD report’s findings regarding the high levels of trust shoppers place in the UK food industry. “The research carried out by the IGD serves to emphasise that consumers have confidence and faith in all elements of the food chain, from the farmer and veterinary profession, to the retailer. Consumers are confident the process from ‘farm to fork’ is working well, and the speakers we have heard at today’s conference have clearly illustrated that this faith is well deserved.”

He concluded, “I am confident this conference has shown that a fully regulated animal medicines industry is fulfilling an extremely important role in contributing to the consumer’s faith in good, safe British food.”

Key speakers from the animal health industry addressed the event’s 60 delegates. The conference’s other sessions explored the range of challenges faced by the industry, such as the role of the animal health industry, public attitudes to animal medicine and emerging technologies. Other topics explored the distribution process of animal medicines, the role of vaccination in disease prevention, the relationship between farmer, vet and expert advisors; and the global challenge of disease-related issues.

30 November 2006

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 31 corporate members and 10 associate members. In 2006 the NOAH sales survey showed a total market of £373.2m, around 90% of the total UK market.